Ruger 96/22

[Jack Gilbert]

I'd like some input from some of you who own or have shot one of these. I bought one used some time back, barely used, was rather surprised that the scope base is different than that for the 10/22. I have a Nikon .22 scope on the rifle.

It seems to shoot pretty well, though have not used a lot of different ammo in it. I have a 67-A youth rifle which has to be about the most accurate rifle I have seen, even with 58 year old eyes. The old 67s seemed to have a reputation for this.

Anyway, any input from you people?  I haven't been on for quite some time.

Jack

[45north]

I bought a ruger 96/17 hmr and then I bought an extra barrel on ebay a 22 mag brl. I can switch from one to the other easily and they both use the same magazines. It uses a 3x9 bushy banner scope. I don't do much paper shooting but it works fine for little furry creatures.

45north

[Keith L]

I have been looking around for a used one, but they are hard to find around here.  I like lever guns, and have good luck with overhauling 10-22s.  I would like to take on a 96-22 just for fun.

[pagris]

I have only had mine for a few months - found a new 96/22 LR for $200 at Wal-Mart - and it seems will made and handy, but the factory trigger was awful.  Todd at ttshooter.com worked the trigger asssembly over for me and improved it immensely - I would highly recommend his work if you want to improve the rifle's shootability:

http://www.ttshooter.com/index.html

By the way, the trigger is not the same as the model 10/22, so don't expect 10/22 parts/tricks to work on it.  Also, the 96/22 long rifle version was discontinued in 2004, fyi.

[Jack Gilbert]

Yeah, the trigger leaves a lot to be desired, but until someone coughs up with some extra bucks I'll probably live with it. I had a trigger job done on a Marlin 39-A and it sure helped it especially with off-hand shooting which I prefer for small game hunting, like ground squirrels.

Interesting that the trigger is different than that on the 10-22. Seems like there are quite a few differences.

I like the similarity of this rifle to the old Savage 99.

[mjbgalt]

I refinished mine and totally recontoured the stock, took a lot of wood off it to make it sleeker and easier to hang onto. the refinish changed it a lot...to a lighter color, like white oak. I got rid of the barrel band and it shoots incredibly well...like all 10 shots into one ragged hole at 25 yards if i do my part.

It looks great now...I wish I could find another one to work on. Everyone who picks it up immediately comments on it and wants to know more about them.

-Matt

[Darrell Davis]

Hey there Jacko,

I've got a couple old files, a hack saw and a big hammer in the Peek Up if ya want to start some home made modifications to that 96.

Do it right and and you should fit right in with the rest of them Potlatch boys.

Might even turn a buck or 3 if ya take it to the Potlatch gun show and tell some of them hill folk that it was customized.  Ya might drop the name of Rocky G. and really get some interest churned up.

Anyway you look at it, it is still a good cat gun, providing you can find a good cat.

Keep em coming! :roll:      :-D

[Jack Gilbert]

Now don't anyone get offended by 300Winmags reply on the 96-22. He is a good old friend of mine and we have lots of fun picking on each other. That jab at the Potlatch gun show is about as accurate as you can get--last one I went to had a 98 Mauser with the extractor missing and the guy had tried to convert it to a plunger ejector. So you never know what you will find there!!

How's about a model 90 Winchester converted to .22 LR. I don't think the collector value was enhanced by that job. The bolt was sure sloppy on it.

Jack