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WildBill
Board Founder
| Joined: | 4 August 2005 |
| Location: | Grand Rapids, Minnesota USA |
| Posts: | 2301 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | No | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I shoot factory ammo |
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Posted: 1 August 2006 05:44 AM |
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In 1960 Sturm, Ruger & Co. set sail on a maiden voyage into the long gun market when it announced "America's newest game rifle." Some folks are surprised to know that it was the Deerstalker, a compact, lightweight, semiautomatic .44 Magnum carbine that was Ruger's first "rifle" introduction. It was perhaps no coincidence that it was chambered for the most powerful of Ruger's revolver cartridges. The frontiersman's idea of practicality in having one cartridge for both holster gun and long gun was renewed. Gas operated and with a tube magazine, the lightweight, little carbine was loved by hunters who pursued game in the thickets and deep woods. The 1961 issue price of the standard model Deerstalker was $108. The Deerstalker name stamped on the rifle was short-lived because Ithaca had a "Deerslayer" shotgun. After about 3750 of the Deerstalker-designated guns were sold, the name was changed to the Ruger .44 Carbine in 1962.
Ruger's pint-size .44 Carbine came along just before the "short magnum" craze, accompanied by 1960s cartridge introductions that were to become enormously popular, including the .300 Winchester Magnum and 7mm Remington Magnum. The gun press became enamored with long-range, flat-shooting belted cartridges, and if a round wasn't up to taking game at a quarter-mile, it was deemed inadequate. As a result Ruger's .44 Magnum carbine had a following but not enough of a following, and after more than a quarter-million of these little guns were sold, the carbine was discontinued in 1985.
The truth of the matter is that there was never an easier carrying, faster handling, more effective gun for taking game at the ranges where most deer are shot. Surveys have shown that America's most popular big-game quarry (deer) is usually bagged at less than 100 yards. Bucks bed down in thickets, and whether it's a whitetail in New Hampshire hardwoods or a mule deer in Colorado oak brush you cannot be better equipped for this type of hunting than with a short, light semiauto .44 Magnum carbine. As so often happens, after it was discontinued, hunters began lamenting the fact that Ruger's nifty little carbines were no longer available.
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"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
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Poacher
Administrator
| Joined: | 14 August 2005 |
| Location: | Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 825 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 2 August 2006 03:33 AM |
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I got to admit I love mine. It's a solid rifle and like WildBill typed it's lightweight and handles great. I'm thinking I may pick up another one, they aren't real outrageous in price here and those lil things put the rounds where ya point em. I think they are a great behind the seat gun that does perfect for critter control. I honestly haven't ever tried it for deer but hey I does put a thought in my head.
Take care Be safe Poacher.
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I carry my gun because that's the safest place for it.
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armoredman
Handloading Master
| Joined: | 8 April 2006 |
| Location: | Arizona USA |
| Posts: | 541 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 6 August 2006 04:33 AM |
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| Saw one, didn't have the money, regretted it. Neat little carbine.
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If total government control equals safety, why are prisons so dangerous?
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Rockydog
addicted handloader
| Joined: | 26 July 2005 |
| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 440 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 6 August 2006 08:06 PM |
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| I bought one new in 1972. It was very accurate and I carried it behind my pick up seat for most of a summer. Rolled a few short range chucks with it and shot a couple of boxes of shells through it to get familiar with how it handled. On the day before deer season I noticed that the action screw appeared loose. I tightened it up and loaded the gun for a little last minute practice. Upon the first shot it split the stock from front to rear and jammed the bolt so hard in mid ejection that it wouldn't open. I took it back to Montgomery Wards and they had none left in stock. They offered to trade me even up for a new 30-06 Remington semi auto or a .444 Marlin lever. I took the .06. The next day I killed my first deer with the .06 but I've always wanted another of the Rugers along with about 50 other guns. Maybe someday I'll get one. RD
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"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not." ~ Thomas Jefferson ~
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Poacher
Administrator
| Joined: | 14 August 2005 |
| Location: | Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 825 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! |
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Posted: 8 August 2006 10:22 AM |
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Rockydog
Now that just sucks. Sorry about the Ruger, Those lil rifles just plunk away. Around here if you find one of the earlier versions that load rather than use the rotary mag they will cost you about 400.00. I got mine from a ole boy who bought it new and was selling out due to age and health. I fell in love with it the minute I put it up to my shoulder and we worked a deal out.
Guys if you get a chance you should really shoot one of these lil guns. Plus they are great for younger kids as well.
Take care Be safe Poacher.
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I carry my gun because that's the safest place for it.
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The_Mountaineer
Administrator
| Joined: | 4 February 2005 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 715 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle |
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Posted: 10 August 2006 02:18 PM |
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This rifle is pretty popular for all sorts of close-range shooting. I personally know people who have used it for wild boar, deer and even buffalo. Yes, buffalo. A young man shot a buffalo on a preserve hunt that I was hunting on and with two close range shots in the lungs it went down. Shot was about 50 yards. I wouldn't mind having one of these myself.
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Montani Semper Liber - Mountaineers are always free
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