44Mag Carbine

[SHOOTER]

I have an older 44mag Carbine with the internal tubular magazine. (DEERSTALKER?)- Will these carbines handle Federal Hardcast loads or corbon/buffalo bore?

 

[mike7mm08]

Not a good idea to run lead as it will plug the gas system fairly quickly. If your going to do it run the federal as they are much milder recoil than corbon or buffalo bore. Not a good idea to subject the older carbines to a real good pounding. They were designed around the basic 240 grain jacketed pistol load of the era.

 

[Chief 101]

I do shoot some lead out of mine without any problems. Because of the gas port in the barrel I limit my lead to hardcast and limit the number of rounds I shoot. I have shot up to 50 hardcast without a hitch. The 44 Carbine is also easy to disassemble and clean so I would suggest you learn to take it apart for gas port cleaning, then you shoot whatever you want. Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[SHOOTER]

Which is better the older carbine or the newer one with the detachable rotary mag?

Do they both use the same gas system?

 

[Chief 101]

I like the old one prolly cause I have one...never missed a beat in all the years its been around. I can see why the detachable magazine would be popular these days but I have never needed the 5 shots I have available. Maybe some parts of the country have aggressive game animals that make you fearful if you don't have 15 shots available...dunno
Chief aka Maxx Load

I do believe they use the same gas system...

 

[mike7mm08]

Different gas system on the newer ones. The deerfield/99/44 is more like a mini14 in design. And they are a real major pain in the ass to put back together. I would never think of shooting lead in the deerfield after I took mine apart once. That is one gun I never ever again want to put back together. The trigger assembly was simplified in the deerfield put I will take the simplicity of the gas system of the old one given a choice between the two. For durability and a greater likelihood of finding parts with the convenience of the detachable magazine the deerfield is my choice. Which is why I have one in addition too several variations of the original carbine.

 

[Jim Puke]

I had the original model years ago and eventually dumped it due magazine problems. I have never had any experience with the Deerfield, but I probably will never have one as I an not really fond of detachable mags on rifle that I hunt with and, I discovered the Marlin lever guns years ago and I much prefer them.JMO