Question on Ruger 96/44

[North Nick]

I really like this little carbine.  It sure does a number on deer.  I wish it did not have such an ugly stock1

I always struggle with accuracy, but am realizing this 3" gun at 100 yrds.

The other day I was shooting it off a bench.  I had three shots that were touching each other at 100 yrds.  I was shocked.  When I lifted up the rifle I realized the front barrel band had worked loose.  I tapped it back on and the accuracy when back to 3"

Is the barrel band necessary (for other sling attachments)?

Could I remove it and install a different type of sling stud?

Also is there  a way to flip the safety to a left hand?

Thanks for the help,

North Nick

[Bill R.]

I have one of the older 44 semi auto's. The guy I got it from put in a sling stud because the front band was causing problems. If you did the same I think you could get away with out the front band. I think they put iton to match other lever guns but with a one piece stock I don't think it would be neccessary.

Bill r.

[BlkHawk73]

  Sounds like that bbl band is cauing some vibration issues with your bbl and thus effecting you accuracy.  Look at the 10/22 as they come from the factory...they have bbl bands (some now don't).  Now look at those same guns after folks build them into silhouette guns...no bbl band.  They can hold the bbl and effect the harmonics when shooting thus causing the gun to shoot well under it's potential.  in short...take it off and shoot the thing!