Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Ruger Model 44, originally marketed as the “Deerstalker” until a lawsuit from Ithaca Gun Company forced a name change in 1962, represents an important chapter in American hunting firearms. Introduced in 1961, this semi-automatic carbine chambered in .44 Magnum was specifically designed for deer hunting in dense woods where shots would be at relatively close range. The Model 44 featured a distinctive walnut stock, solid-topped receiver, and a 4-round tubular magazine loaded from the bottom shotgun-style. Its 18.5-inch barrel and overall compact dimensions made it exceptionally handy in thick brush. The design would later influence Ruger’s wildly successful 10/22 rimfire rifle introduced in 1964. Despite Elmer Keith’s high praise calling it “a most excellent fighting weapon in close combat for any peace officer or the military,” the Model 44 gained its reputation primarily as a hunting tool. Its main limitation was the gas port system’s tendency to foul when using lead ammunition, though this became less problematic as jacketed .44 Magnum rounds became more common. After a 24-year production run, Ruger discontinued the Model 44 in 1985 due to high manufacturing costs. The company would later return to the .44 Magnum carbine market with the Deerfield in 2000 (discontinued in 2006), followed by lever-action and bolt-action options including the 96/44 and the Model 77/44. For handloaders, these Ruger carbines have specific ammunition requirements, particularly regarding overall cartridge length and bullet construction, with some models being particularly selective about which loads they’ll reliably cycle.
“Ruger .44 Magnum Semi-Automatic Carbine.” Rock Island Auction Company, https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5007/706/ruger-44-magnum-semiautomatic-carbine. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Writer | TheFirearmBlog
Writer | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Old soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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