Author Topic: Experiences with 96/44 lever gun? (Read 1080 times)

dz86 · « **on:** January 22, 2005, 02:28:44 PM »

I've been looking at getting a .44 magnum lever gun as a "range companion" for my Super Blackhawk. I'll probably never hunt with it (shotguns only here in Indiana), or very seldom. It will mostly be a "plinker" for blowing up melons and ringing gongs with mild, lead bullet loads.
The Ruger 96/44 kinda appeals to me. I used to have a Ruger .44 semi-auto carbine and I really liked the way it handled.
Anyone have any experience with the 96/44? Good or bad? How is the lever throw? Fairly light and smooth?
Any anecdotes would be appreciated.
Dave

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2005, 04:31:59 PM »

My uncle has one. His shoots good with 240g bullets(jacketed), but doesn't seem to like the light weights too well. He loves it.

My only beef with them is that the lever throw is so daggone short. It just doesn't feel natural to me after a life time of working Winchester, and Marlin actions.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2005, 01:38:21 AM »

I do not have any experience with the carbine but I have had Winchester and Marlin lever action rifles. I only suggest you take a look at one of the Marlins in .44 mag. Marlin makes the best in my humble opinion.

22shooter · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2005, 08:42:32 AM »

I have a Model 96 44 Magnum rifle. It is different from the Model 94s and 336s. It is patterned after the more modern Savage Model 99, hence the short lever throw. I like mine and it is fun to shoot. I don't use it for hunting much since I live the the open space of the west.

I have a 30-30 336 Marlin and a Marlin 45-70. I sold my Winchester Model 94 30-30. The Marlin was more accurate and I got $475 for the 1955 Winchester.

dz86 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2005, 02:09:14 PM »

Thanks everyone. Input much appreciated.
Dave

adirondacker · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2005, 03:06:13 PM »

for what its worth.i bought one of these the first year they came out.i am a 44 fanatic.have a pile of them,no joking.rugers,marlins,encore.but anyway my opinion of this rifle was that it was one of the most poorly and cheaply made rifles ruger ever put their name on.cheezy hardwood stock,who wants a stained birch stock with a nice shiny plastic but plate,synthetic stock would have been better.
the action never really seemed to lock up well.with hot loads it would sometimes even open,not all the way but would unlock.maybe this is sorta a fast shootin feature designed by the engineers,i think not.well any way thats my two cents worth.don't get me wrong i am a ruger fan all the way.just was by no means impressed with this one.