Ruger Model 44 Carbine .44 Remington Magnum 18.5″ Semi-Auto Rifle, 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,336.99
LSB#: LSB250929HR007
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: 44 Carbine
Serial Number: 127297
Year of Manufacture: 1968
Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s Southport address. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, the Ruger logo, and “RUGER CARBINE / .44 MAGNUM CAL.”.
Barrel Length: 18 1/2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade, dovetailed to the integral barrel ring. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight with a white triangle aiming reference, dovetailed to the barrel. There is a Williams adjustable aperture peep sight screwed to the top of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a smooth wood stock, with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, metal crescent buttplate, banded forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock shows light to moderate wear, with scattered scratches and dings throughout. The stock’s finish has darkened with age, but the finish is still intact. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. However, the front barrel band on the forend of the stock is loose. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows heavy patina throughout the barrel and receiver, with the majority of the remaining finish located on the bottom metal and at the top of the receiver. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from tooled to sharp, but all retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the cross-bolt safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Introduced in 1961, Ruger’s Model 44 Carbine was one of the company’s earliest centerfire long guns and remains one of its most distinctive. Designed as a semi-automatic counterpart to the popular Ruger .44 Magnum revolvers, the 44 Carbine offered hunters a handy, fast-cycling woods rifle ideally suited to deer, hogs, and black bear at short to moderate ranges. By 1968, the production year of this example, the rifle had firmly established its reputation for rugged reliability and intuitive handling. This carbine shows substantial exterior patina consistent with decades of field use, yet its bore remains bright and sharp, and the stock is structurally sound with only the expected handling marks of an honest working rifle. The added Williams aperture sight provides a refined, practical rear sight picture.
The .44 Remington Magnum, introduced in 1955 and quickly adopted by Ruger in the Model 44 and Blackhawk revolver, transformed expectations for high-power handgun and carbine performance. Out of an 18 1/2-inch barrel, the cartridge delivers meaningful energy with excellent short-range authority, attributes that made the Model 44 a favorite among hunters in densely wooded terrain. Despite its heavy cosmetic wear, this rifle’s mechanics function correctly, and its sharp bore indicates strong internal preservation. For collectors of early Ruger long guns or those who appreciate the history of the .44 Magnum in a semi-automatic sporting rifle, this 1968 Model 44 Carbine remains a compelling, character-rich example. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
