I'm not questioning Ruger in general, I have some and like 'em. Never messed with a 96 though, and don't know anyone who has one, so I came to the experts for advice and opinions. Also the first 44mag rifle I've ever owned, so I don't know what to expect as far as performance, etc. from it. Anything you have to say is welcome, pour it on and don't sugarcoat it!
Thanks, h d

First, overall cartridge length is restricted by the rotary magazine. When I had mine I was really disappointed that my favorite 44 load using the RCBS 250 gr bullet was too long for the mag. Two other negatives, at least for me, were the trigger pull and the slippery curved plastic butt plate.

I really do like the Ruger bolt rifles, especially the original M 77's.

__________________
"He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present, than the living man."
Antoine de Saint-Expuéry

Steelbanger, NRA Life
PRPA Member

If you've got one, let's get 'er going

OK, mag length - that's a legitimate gripe, for sure. However, you can use the Beartooth 280gr. WFNGC and still load to SAAMI spec. That's gonna kill on both ends I can run that bullet up over 1300fps in a Super Blackhawk, so you'll pick up 300-400fps, maybe more, in a rifle. That would be my suggestion for a cast bullet to use in it.

__________________
MikeG

H.D.

I always wanted one of these in .45 Colt....since I have .45 Colts and no .44 Mags.

Hummmmm...... maybe a staggered box magazine holding 3-4 rounds????

All the posibilities!!!!!!!!!!

Lobo in Snowy West Virginia

I agree with Steelbanger about the trigger pull and the butt plate, also ain't wild about the safety button. Even more than that though, AMEN for the old model 77's with tang safety! I have a .270 and a .280, and they both have a home.
I've got 2 or 3 boxes of factory ammo to play with, and probably won't keep it forever, so I won't worry about reloading for it yet. Most likely I'll take it to a few gunshows and try to find a M92/94 in .41 mag that I can trade for. I have 2 Blackhawks in .41mag, so I'd just as soon have a carbine in the same caliber. Any advise on what to look for, or stay away from?
Thanks for the help and opinions.
h d

I've owned 96 Ruger since 1999. Best 44 MAG carbine I've ever owned for hunting, defense, and plinking. Quite accurate with anything you feed through it.

I had a problem with the magazine popping out after each shot but Ruger corrected this by sending me a new magazine.

For looks, it is just plain as can be. But I had a custom checkering job completed with basketweave style like Remington's pattern from mid 1970's.
TR

I love mine, which I use for hogs with a 240 grain Sierra JHC. Mine shoots well for what it is - 2 inches or under easy with a 1.5 to 4.5 Bushnell. Two things - SWC bullets will catch on the throat (if you seat them with the front driving band in the case and roll the crimp over this is greatly reduced), and watch the stock for splits around the back of the receiver.

T.R.,

Are you still with us here in snowy PA or are you back in the frozen Dakotas? Haen't seen much from you in a while and I'm curious. I wondered how you found our deer season compared to where you hunted in the past.

Best regards

__________________
"He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present, than the living man."
Antoine de Saint-Expuéry

Steelbanger, NRA Life
PRPA Member

I made the move to Leesport, PA in June. It took a long time to sell our place in the Black Hills and I sold it for $25,000. below market value. So it goes. Last November we bought a new home outside of Sinking Spring, west of Reading. Looking at buying a hunting cottage later this year. Perhaps Juniata County?

I did not hunt deer in PA last year. Instead, I went back to S. Dakota to hunt mule deer and shot a nice 3 X 3 in the Hills and two does near border of Badlands Nat'l. Park. Planning to return in October for 'lope hunting. But I went after rabbits near Pottsville a couple times with Grandad's old scattergun. Had a great time.

I like PA a lot. Especially the friendly people, wooded hills, and wide rivers. I'd love to canoe these wide rivers sometime soon. Did I mention my salary is more than double? Eastern PA has a lot to offer a man willing to work. This is truely the Land of Opportunity!
TR