1965 44 Carbine... a shooter or a collectable?

[Al Smoothbore]

Peep site, barrel band, checking, #99267 = 1965. Pretty old (but not as old as me). Great little gun. Why do these guns vary so wildly in value? I've seen them for anywhere from $400 to $800. I know I didn't pay $400 for mine 20 years ago, so I guess I'm ahead of the game! Nice wood. I like figured wood. Plain grain is pretty boring but I still like it better than synth. Call me a bluff old traditionalist. I hope I did the links right. As always, thanks for any info!
Al[/img]

 

[buckeyeshooter]

I'd shoot it, but treat it gently!

 

[pete44ru]

I'd call the factory with the serial number, to see how it was shipped.

If it letters (no charge, IIRC) as shipped with the checkering, you have a VERY rare variation - to say nothing of the rarity of the inletted peep sight model ILO an add-on peep.

.

 

[jimbo1096]

It's a very nice 44 carbine and in great shape from these pics. It's not collector grade but probably value toward the $600 range with the nice checkered stock and peep sight. Possibly more is you had it at auction and found some competing bidders.
If it were mine, I would delight in shooting it but taking the best care of it possible.
So let's call it a collectable shooter.

 

[radicalrod]

Hi, I have 99398 R/RS.....mine has both the folding "10/22" style barrel sight and also the "peep" sight as yours has.....nice gun and as Pete stated if it letters as "checkered" it would certainly be a very collectible gun....from my understanding Ruger never checkered the "carbine" stocks....just the 'finger groove" and the "international".....and very few of these.....same with the 10/22....BUT hey it is Ruger so one never knows until they ask the "ladies"......see ya RR.

 

[TDF]

Nice wood, but I don't believe the front sling stud is original.

TDF

 

[Al Smoothbore]

I gave the Records dept. a call yesterday and discovered this gun shipped Sept. 19, 1965 as a 44RS. No mention of checkering. She did say the Sporter version was checked, but I have found no photos on the net of any. Peep and swivels were stock. I agree the front swivel was on the barrel band originally. This may have been changed when the stock was either replaced or removed and checkered who knows how many years ago. Maybe not a museum peice but a great gun at 44 years old this coming Saturday. I wish I looked that good when I was 44. I'd like to thank you all for the info. I'm not sure if it's for sale or not. I always wanted a mini-14... and I saw a 77 in 22-250 I think would be cool. So many Rugers and so little time!

 

[smith1961]

That nice old .44 is worth $650.00 do you understand? You probably shouldn't shoot it so much as lube her up and put her away.
You should probably buy a nice 77 Bolt in .257 Roberts, it will be more fun to shoot and easier on your old yankee-farmer shoulders!
:shock:

 

[chet15]

As Radical said, only a few fingergroove .44 Sporters were Checkered as were a few .44 Internationals. Somebody probably thought they were checkering 10/22 stocks which were a cataloged item...but the checkered .44's were never cataloged.
Chet15

 

[chet15]

Peep site, barrel band, checking, #99267

Can you tell me if your #99267 has a cartridge release button? My notes show the button being added somewhere between 98095 and 104362, but I haven't been able to get any closer than that for the change.
Radical....how about your #99398?
Thanks!!
Chet15

 

[Ruger1nut]

Very nice wood, Nice to know some of the old carbines had some figure. Shoot it, enjoy it and take care of it

Dave

 

[308longdistance]

That is a very nice looking carbine.

 

[Al Smoothbore]

Chet15, does this help?

 

[chet15]

Yes, a good shot. No cartridge release.
Thanks!
Just going through my notes here, your RS is a pretty scarce gun with gold bead front sight and no cartridge release.
Chet15

 

[smith1961]

Just going through my notes here, your RS is a pretty scarce gun with gold bead front sight and no cartridge release.
Chet15

That's what I've been trying to tell old Al, but he has NEVER trusted me! :wink:

 

[Al Smoothbore]

http://www.gunsamerica.com/977002117/Gu ... el_44R.htm

Only one I've seen checked besides mine! $800? Seems high. I was asking $600 locally for mine. I'm not sure Gunbroker and Gunsamerica are always a good barometer for prices on firearms.