I have been toying with the idea (for about the past 10 years) of getting a 44 carbine. I don't know alot about them and need a little help. I want to get a decent"shooter" not a collector piece. Is there any particular model or production year to stay away from? Any inherent problems to look out for? I have several 44 revolvers and a 44 lever and I though a carbine would be fun to add to the mix.
44 carbine questions
- Thread starter rh44mag
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agoetz2005
Bearcat
I have an extra 44 carbine up for sale or trade.
Serial number is 4,7xx second year production. Someone added a recoil pad to the stock, but it is otherwise stock, and has weaver bases on it.
Let me know if you want pics.
Serial number is 4,7xx second year production. Someone added a recoil pad to the stock, but it is otherwise stock, and has weaver bases on it.
Let me know if you want pics.
pete44ru
Hunter
[Is there any particular model or production year to stay away from?] - Nope
[Any inherent problems to look out for?] - Yes:
1) Shoot only what the gas system was designed around - 240gr JSP/JHP ammo - NO LEAD BOOLITS.
Lead will shortly clog the gas system, leading to jamming and frequent teardown cleaning.
2) Since parts/service are hard to find, and some parts - like the trigger housing on the old (tube magazine) model - are unobtainium, any prospective purchase should get a hands-on instection prior to laying out any $$$.
Small parts are findable/repairable - but the trigger housing is not, and can crack/break it's front attachment lip where it hooks into the bottom of the receiver.
A bad one can be tested for, while in the stock, by trying to flex the front of the bottom metal up/own in relation to the receiver.
ANY movement would be a deal breaker for me.
Perfect-looking specimens can have a broken housing, while beat-looking ones work perfectly - look them over.
A "tell", of one that's been little used, is little-to-no-wear on the magazine latch - which gets depressed by cartridge noses to load the magazine.
The anodizing wears off the central part of the latch button/fingerpiece with a lot of use.
BTW - None of the issues under #2 above would apply to the new model .44 carbine - the 99/44 Deerfield, which is basically a Mini-14 on steroids - detachable rotary magazine, et al.
Some like them better than the old model, some don't. YMMV.
.
[Any inherent problems to look out for?] - Yes:
1) Shoot only what the gas system was designed around - 240gr JSP/JHP ammo - NO LEAD BOOLITS.
Lead will shortly clog the gas system, leading to jamming and frequent teardown cleaning.
2) Since parts/service are hard to find, and some parts - like the trigger housing on the old (tube magazine) model - are unobtainium, any prospective purchase should get a hands-on instection prior to laying out any $$$.
Small parts are findable/repairable - but the trigger housing is not, and can crack/break it's front attachment lip where it hooks into the bottom of the receiver.
A bad one can be tested for, while in the stock, by trying to flex the front of the bottom metal up/own in relation to the receiver.
ANY movement would be a deal breaker for me.
Perfect-looking specimens can have a broken housing, while beat-looking ones work perfectly - look them over.
A "tell", of one that's been little used, is little-to-no-wear on the magazine latch - which gets depressed by cartridge noses to load the magazine.
The anodizing wears off the central part of the latch button/fingerpiece with a lot of use.
BTW - None of the issues under #2 above would apply to the new model .44 carbine - the 99/44 Deerfield, which is basically a Mini-14 on steroids - detachable rotary magazine, et al.
Some like them better than the old model, some don't. YMMV.
.
agoetz2005
Bearcat
agreed. The triggerhousing itself is $100 if you can find it (there's one on gunbroker right now).
The one I have just got new springs, and a tear down and clean.
Amazing how similar it is to the 10/22
The one I have just got new springs, and a tear down and clean.
Amazing how similar it is to the 10/22
