Just picked up a model 96 ( 44 mag. ) and was looking for any info anyone might have on this particular rifle.

I bought one couple years back. The magazine popped out every time I fired it. But I contacted Ruger and they sent me a new magazine for free. The problem vanished.

Scope rings did not align quite right and eventually after about 20 shots the recticle "tilted" about 45 degrees. Too much stress. Dealer sent it back to Ruger and they sent me a new model. No further problems whatsoever. It was a very cheap TASCO scope but under warranty so I got a new scope, too.

I zero this Ruger at 100 yards with Hornady 240 grain XTP ammo and groups typically average about 2.5 inches. FEDERAL 250 grain is slightly better.

Black Hills 44 Special cowboy loads shoot into a single ragged hole at 75 feet. This ammo is sub-sonic. Zero recoil. A very good load for beginners to master.

I had the plain Jane stock dressed up with basket weave style checkering. Simple pattern which replicates mid 1970's Remington slide action design.

Current scope is a Simmons 4X shotgun scope with long eye relief and built tougher for shotgun slug recoil. I like it.
TR

I've got one of these and use it for hog hunting. I load up the Sierra 240 grain JHC which works well and generally leaves a large exit hole. I've got a Bushnell 1.5 to 4.5 on mine. I also plink with it using 240 grain cast lead slugs. I've found that generally SWC's won't feed, will hook up goin into the chamber. I experimented a bit and found that by seating them deeper and rolling the crimp over the SWC shoulder instead of the cannelure they worked better. I think RN cast lead will be better for plinking with light loads tho. They are a great handy little gun, just wish for a larger mag - 6 shots would be better for hog hunting.