Wow, what a difference location makes... I just stopped by a local gun shop on my way home this afternoon to look for some reloading components and started looking at their rifles... I saw at least six different rifles chambered in 44 Mag... they had Marlin 1894's, Ruger 77/44's with the fancy walnut stocks, and Winchester 94's... I was telling one of the owner's how scarce 44 mag rifles were in IN in the last few years and he went to the back and came out with a wee little Ruger carbine with a 16" ported barrel... said he thought he would carry it out here for deer as it was so light and easy to carry... I haven't been in a gun shop in IN for a year, but maybe things have loosened up by now... If anyone is interested, the name of the shop is Shuman's Gun Shop and in located in Newville, PA. just outside Carlisle and about 40 mi from Harrisburg.
(I was only looking with one eye... I have three 44 rifles... Remington 788, Ruger 77/44, and Marlin 1894. ) It doesn't hurt to look... Am anxious to get serious with them back home in November.
TheMoose