Author Topic: What Scope on Ruger .44 Carbine? (Read 5774 times)

whitfang · « **on:** July 16, 2008, 12:34:11 PM »

What scopes are you deer hunters using on Ruger .44 Carbines, for under 100 yards?

Somebody has a discussion on scope lines that are too expensive, too cheap and just right. I fall into the 'just right' category, if not the 'too cheap' section. I'm sure never going to pay for a Swarovski. And BSA has the reputation of 'too cheap', even if it's not deserved. Refurbished Nikons are what I try to find, or used scopes on Ebay.

What kind of reasonably-priced but good-performing scopes do you hunters recommend for a Ruger .44?

MGMorden · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2008, 02:48:39 PM »

Fixed magnification scopes behave better than variables if you want to go cheaper. Under 100 yards, 6x or even 4x should work just fine. In that range, I personally have had good luck with a Konus Pro series (mine's 10x fixed, and I think it ran $70).

Just curious, but what did you pay for your carbine? I saw one (a 77/44) at a local shop Friday in virtually new condition clearanced for $299. I almost bought it but decided against it (good deal, but if I got a pistol caliber carbine I'd kinda prefer it in a lever gun rather than bolt).

whitfang · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2008, 03:41:50 PM »

Got two coming from GunBroker; one for $320 (has a cracked, but usable forearm) and one at $425 (in used but good condition).

Both are the old-style tubular-magazine semi-auto 4+1shot Ruger .44 carbine. I don't have them yet, they're in the mail (hopefully).

Seems like the old model .44 carbines are more desireable, from an accuracy standpoint. Go to the 'Lever Action Rifles' forum and read 'Choosing Indiana PCR Deer Hunting Rifle'. Maybe the barrels were made differently back then? Rangr44 and RangerJ seem to know a lot about Rugers, as you must.

If I found that 77/44 (which is the newer rotary box magazine .44, right?) in new condition, priced at $299, I would buy it!!! What did you say the name of the gunshop is???

I'm still looking for a lever gun .44, probably Marlin or Ruger, but there's no hurry on this purchase.

MGMorden · « **Reply #3 on:** July 16, 2008, 04:37:45 PM »

Quote from: whitfang on July 16, 2008, 03:41:50 PM

If I found that 77/44 (which is the newer rotary box magazine .44, right?) in new condition, priced at $299, I would buy it!!! What did you say the name of the gunshop is???

It's a local pawn shop (Money Man Pawn is the name). I travel into the next city every Friday afternoon to eat dinner (I have a weakness for Thai food

) and check out their inventory as I pass through. MOST of the time the pawn shops around here price their stuff way too high but every so often you'll run across a deal. I might go for it if it's still there when I pass through again on Friday. I didn't want to buy it right then though as I hadn't had a chance to research it. It did have a rotary magazine, but was a bit of an enigma for me. They just had it listed on the shelf as an M-77 in .44 Rem Mag, but when I looked at it it definitely was a little different than a standard M-77 (first things I noticed was a simpler bolt release mechanism and that it was a rear locking action instead of front locking). If it's gone though I think I'll live. I'm looking to replace my current 6.5x55 (a Sporterized M96) with a different one as my #1 priority right now. After that a .223 and a high power big bore (likely .375 Ruger, but maybe .375 H&H) are on my agenda. Gotta be prepared for that African Safari hunt that I'll likely never go on . . . .

whitfang · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2008, 05:04:27 PM »

I was just looking through my extra scopes and I don't have a single fixed power scope!

The fixed power scopes that don't have an objective bell would look good on this rifle, since it's so short anyway.

GatCat · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2008, 10:31:22 PM »

I think you could find an really good older ( '70's) Weaver K2, k2.5 or K3 for around $75 or so. These have no objective bell, and look nice on this type of carbine. I'd look for one with "plex" reticle, or even post and cross-hair, just because in woods, I think they work better then regular crosshairs.
Mark

whitfang · « **Reply #6 on:** July 17, 2008, 06:21:30 AM »

Looking on Ebay.

You see some odd makes on Ebay...Glenfield...Mossberg...Higgins...Weatherby...Lyman...Stith

The fixed-power Stith scopes have no adjustment turrets! Just a straight tube!

Rangr44 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2008, 01:42:55 PM »

The early Stith scopes were made to be mounted in W&E adjustable Stith mounts - just like the early Bausch & Lomb's and their propietary mounts.

In the earlier days of leaking scopes, the solid tube solved a lot of "foggy" scope probs.

The later Stith-Kollmorgen's had the internal adjustments we all know & love.

Ron T. · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2008, 02:27:44 AM »

I put a Bushnell 1.75-4.75x variable shotgun scope on my old style Ruger .44 magnum carbine which is just about as perfect a scope as you could find for the 125 yard deer rifle.

I especially like the very heavy crosshairs that go down to very fine crosshairs inside the heavy "ring" through which the crosshairs pass. This "ring" represents 6-inches at 40 yards... a good reference to gauge the size of your deer plus a VERY excellent aid for taking running shots since the heavy ring "draws" your eye to the scope's center and tends to automatically cause the hunter to "center" the ring on the deer which allows the hunter to make quick, accurate "snap shots" on running deer because you automatically "center" the deer in the "ring".

For more precision shooting, the fine crosshairs inside the ring at almost 5x (actually 4.75x) make it easy to take precise shots at any range. I've found the Bushnell scope to be decent and relatively inexpensive... and their parts/service department folks are extremely helpful & courteous.

When still-hunting, walk slowly & watch carefully with the scope set on 1.75x... I've found you can shoot as if the scope is only a 1x scope and quickly & easily acquire a fast-moving target. On stand, set the scope on 4x or even 4.75x since the shot you take from a "stand" is probably gonna be a more deliberate shot and the extra magnification tends to help place the shot more accurately.

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2008, 03:42:51 AM »

Quote from: Ron T. on July 30, 2008, 02:27:44 AM

I put a Bushnell 1.75-4.75x variable shotgun scope on my old style Ruger .44 magnum carbine which is just about as perfect a scope as you could find for the 125 yard deer rifle.

I have to agree with Ron T. For a deer rifle it doesn't get better than that. I had a 2.5x scope on mine, and never needed any more. I recently found a Bushnell 1.75 - 4.75 for $40 used and will be putting it on something soon. My CZ 527 7.62x39 carbine carries a Tasco 1.5-4.5. Except for varmint rifles and accuracy shooting I find no need for higher magnification and usually keep the variables at the lowest magnification.

ro · « **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2008, 08:12:05 PM »

I have a 44 carbine i think i bought it in 1984, it has a redfield 4x fixed scope on it, a great little brush gun, short and light.

Pinkerton · « **Reply #11 on:** July 31, 2008, 02:05:39 PM »

I've got the same Bushnell trophy on my 444 Marlin RonT mentioned. I put a Swift 1.5-4.5 on my wife's Ruger 96/44. Both are really good scopes, both have the shotgun recticle, and both about the same price. I haven't had a problem with either.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #12 on:** August 01, 2008, 10:28:36 AM »

I have a 1.5 x 5 Leupold on mine... I like the way i can turn the power down when i'm walking where i can make use of the wider field of view, then turn it up when i'm sitting where i could get a longer shot.

DM

Stan in SC · « **Reply #13 on:** August 13, 2008, 01:45:01 AM »

The gentleman is correct on Swift scopes.Here's the perfect Ruger carbine scope.
http://www.swfa.com/pc-10051-1396-swift-15-45x21-reliant-rifle-scope.aspx

Stan

john keyes · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2008, 08:06:54 PM »

I have an old metal wire crosshair Weaver K4 on mine. And yes its deadly.

Varmint Hunter · « **Reply #15 on:** August 19, 2008, 11:14:23 AM »

I chose a Leupold 2x7x33 for my 44 carbine. I keep the scope on 2x while hunting but like the ability to zoom up to 7x when sizing up a rack or working up loads at the range. A 1x4 is fine but runs a bit short for target work or other needs that come up on occasion.

Just my 2 cents.

federali · « **Reply #16 on:** November 17, 2008, 05:18:54 AM »

I have low end variables on all my rifles. I crank them up only for sighting in. For hunting, I leave them at 1.5X, a power that not only allows a big field of view but is also especially easy to use with BOTH eyes open. Having both eyes open makes tracking or following a deer in brush much easier.

I recently discovered the Bushnell Banner shotgun scope which I like. I'm planning to add this to my Ruger .44 carbine in place of the Redfield 1-4X variable its worn for at least 30 years.

gstewart44 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 17, 2008, 07:10:32 AM »

I put a Red Dot scope on my Deerstalker two years ago. That was the best investment I ever made in optics. The dot only weighs about 6 oz, and is super quick on target. It is one of my favorite walk around rifles looking for "targets of opportunity" (hogs).

BBF · « **Reply #18 on:** November 18, 2008, 06:10:56 AM »

I would suggest a Red Dot or Holo myself. Just don't go with the 50mm tube. They look like Dumbo riding a unicycle on that carbine.
Caveat, make sure your Dot doesn't move when you shift your face ,I have a BSA that does that and that makes it useless to me.

OLDHandgunner · « **Reply #19 on:** November 18, 2008, 08:25:51 AM »

I have an early 60's Ruger .44 carbine and a late 60's Ruger .44 finger groove sporter with factory checkering. They both are mounted with Lyman All American 2 1/2x scopes with post. I use them when I hunt heavy cover and swamps. Great whitetail combo.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #20 on:** November 18, 2008, 08:43:57 AM »

I had a 3-9X40 scope on mine for a while but the scope was too big for the little gun and was just some scope I had in the pile of extra parts. I have been looking for a 2-7X33 scope in a used bin for a while to put on the gun. Al though Weaver and Nikon make good scopes in the reasonable price for me for the little 44. It's still on my list to get and I will get one when I stop playing with the T/C I bought reciently and am now in buying barrels and stuff mode.

pigguy · « **Reply #21 on:** November 23, 2008, 12:40:21 PM »

I put a ATN holographic sight on mine.Shot a 70 lb doe this morning at 25 yds,fast target acquisition,the 300 grn hornady hit were the red dot was at! If magnification is not a factor for ya,cant beat a holographic on these awesome treestand guns.

870wing · « **Reply #22 on:** December 13, 2008, 06:25:44 AM »

I would look for a Leupold VX-2 in 1x4 or their VX-3 1.5 x 5. My other choice would be the Weaver variable 1x3. All three scopes offer a large field of view. They are also light weight which will help maintain the nice feel and balance of your little carbine. The higher magnification isn't really needed on a short range woods rifle. Just MHO.

Take care

870Wing

SM Bob · « **Reply #23 on:** December 13, 2008, 07:25:12 AM »

I have had real good luck with Simmons scopes on my rifles and handguns.
For the Ruger 44 Mag Carbine I would go with one of their Master Series
Pro Diamond 4X32mm shotgun scopes. Under $90 shipped. That falls into
the just right category for me. It is not a Ziess or a Saworski, but it will
definitely get the job done and not break the bank.

Robert

http://www.opticsplanet.net/simmons-master-series-prodiamond-4x32mm-shotgun-scope-517793.html

Boxhead · « **Reply #24 on:** December 13, 2008, 02:44:25 PM »

I wanted the scope to be of similar vintage as the rifle so have just acquired a 1.5-4.5X El Paso Weaver for mine. I had been using a 1-4X Leupold which, of course, worked very well. I am just a bit anal about the whole combo for any of my rifles being of the same period...

bunkysdad · « **Reply #25 on:** December 16, 2008, 06:06:53 PM »

I feel the same way boxhead. I have a 44 carbine made in 1971 and wanted a scope of the same era. Found a great deal on a Redfield
Widefield 3x9. I love the look because the objective lens is not oversized for the small carbine but the field of view is wide and works well for me. I like to set it on about 6 for many applications.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #26 on:** December 16, 2008, 07:20:03 PM »

One thing I have learned, cheap scopes do not last. My Ruger .44 carbine was one of the first made, ordered by my father when they were first introduced. He never scoped it, and I have left it that way. If I were to mount optics on it, I would probably look at a good red dot or holographic sight. If going the scope route, maybe a 2 1/2 fixed power with a heavy or illuminated crosshairs.

I have a Bushnell red dot on my .44 Marlin 1894 Guide Gun, and it works great, almost like a shotgun. Snap it to your shoulder with both eyes open, plaster the dot on target, and pull the trigger....

Larry

OLDHandgunner · « **Reply #27 on:** December 17, 2008, 07:57:22 AM »

That's why I buy up the Lyman All American ( Perma Center ) 2 1/2x or 3x scopes with a post when I can get my hands on them at a reasonable price. These are a very good quality scope. Great on these Ruger 44 Carbines.

BBF · « **Reply #28 on:** December 17, 2008, 11:28:44 AM »

I have the K-1.5 and K-3 Weavers. They never have given me a moment of grief with fogging up or changing zero.
I found the 1.5 a little bit underpowered for my old eyes and both lack some light transmission capabilities compared to newer scopes.
I have a fixed Bushnell 4 on it now with the window in the elevation turret with the knob on the outside to dial in the various ranges. It is a bit larger then the Weavers but do not overpower the carbine.

buckweet · « **Reply #29 on:** March 15, 2009, 12:59:54 PM »

anyone want to sell their ruger carbine ?
i'm looking for a .44 auto carbine.

weet