Ruger M96 lever action 44 magnum?

[bigbore442001]

To be honest, I am not a huge lever action fan. I never really saw the pressing need to own one. I hunt in a shotgun/muzzleloader state or hunt nearby Connecticut with a 30-06 for deer. If I do hunt out of state, it is usually with a handgun.

Anyways. I sometimes wonder whether or not having a lever action rifle in a pistol caliber isn't such a bad idea.This would be true if I were to go to a place where I cannot carry a handgun such as Canada. I was looking at some used guns and there is a Ruger M96 for sale.

Has anyone here have knowledge or experience with that particular gun? It is a slick looking lever action. I like the idea of a detachable magazine, but are you limited in bullet style,weight and case length? Are they accurate? Are they reliable?

Any replies will be welcomed

[old geezer]

Only thing I can add is that the magazine is limited to three rounds, where a Marlin will hold 9 or 10.

[ihmsa70]

Piece of junk!  Inaccurate with any load.  Heavy for that size gun.  Clunky and rattling.

Look at a Marlin or Henry Big Boy.

[Mikey]

Not so highly thought of.  Suffers similar problems to their semi-auto carbine which gets a 'don't buy' recommendation from Gun Tests Magazine.  They recommended the Winchester Model 94 Trapper in 44 magnum over the Marlin and Ruger.

With the calibers avialable in todays modern lever gun, you can get the same sized package in some very hard hitting rifle calibers.  You can find 94s in 444 and 450.  Unless you're partial to pistol calibers the 30-30 is an excellent choice for a lever the same size.  JMHO.  Mikey.

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