Question about 99/44 Deerfields

[Brian894x4]

I saw a couple of Deerfields in my local gunstore and had a few questions. I'd like a carbine .44 mag as a camp gun to keep with me in my truck when out in the woods and these look like decent rifles.

The question I have is that the serial numbers on these rifles don't seem to match up with anything on Ruger's website. Which by the way doesn't seem to have the serial number look up easily available anymore. I had to find it through a direct link from another website.

The first one was listed a Deerfield, 16" barrel, was semi-auto, rotory mag fed, with a serial number 510XX, no prefix, that's the entire serial number.

The second one was listed as a 99/44 with an 18" barrel, was also semi-auto, rotory mag fed, with a serial number of 102-620XX.

The only difference visual difference between the two is the second one looked a tiny bit more used, had a scope on it and was $150 cheaper for some reason.

Both were the exact same length, so I assume the 16" barrel listing on the first gun's tag is a mistake.

Can anyone elighten me on these models. Specificly how old they might and if there's an inherent problems to look for?

Also, does anyone make a higher capacity magazine and can you get a lighter snythetic stock for these models?

Thanks much for any help.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Ruger website: Instruction Manuals and Product History

http://ruger.com/service/productHistory.html#

The no prefix and 100- prefix and 102-, 103- prefix guns were 44 Carbines, not Deerfields. These were tube fed magazines (in the stock under the barrel.)

The Deerfield 630- prefix guns use the rotary magazine and have a different mechanism similar to the Mini-14.

(The factory made only) wood stocks and I don't believe there were (too many) variations available.

edit to add: (I still got a lot to learn abot these rifles too.)

...Jimbo ( )

 

[Brian894x4]

Thanks much. Now I know exactly what they are.

 

[mattsbox99]

Tags are generally not very reliable, look for the serial number on the receiver, left hand side.

If it has a detachable rotary magazine, its a Deerfield, also they say "Deerfield" right next to the serial number.

They actually have 18.5" barrels, and they are awesome little carbines. I like mine a lot.

 

[Brian894x4]

Are the old tube fed style semi-autos reliable? Will they shoot any type of .44 mag? And are they more desirable?

Prices on the two guns are about $650 for the older one, which appears to be a 1960s model and looks to be in really good shape for it's age. The other one looks slightly more used, appears to be a late 70s model, but still not bad and they want a bit less than $500 for it.

I didn't realize they were tube fed, because I saw what looked like a box magazine hole in the bottom, but it had a mechanism in the way of where the magazine would go and I couldn't figure out where it would load from.

I'll have to take a closer look next time I'm there.

Also, not quite knowing how they load, is the tube fed version easy to top off while you're shooting, like a typical lever action, or do you have to pull out tube and spring to reload?

 

[pete44ru]

FWIW -

Those .44 Auto Carbines have tube magazines that lie under the barrel, and not in the buttstock.

The tube mags are loaded like many repeating shotguns - the front end of a cartridge (bullet) is pressed against the cent5ral latch to release the lifter upwards to expose the magazine throat, and the cartridge is then pushed into the mag until the magazing latch secures it in the tube to await either another cartridge to be loaded or fed/cycled into the chamber.
I load my chamber first, then fill the mag.

The 102 prefix gun should have the magazine button update, where (after the latch is depressed and the lifter moved upward) the button located inside the side of the feed area may be pressed to release a single cartridge at a time from the mag tube for unloading ILO working them through the action or manipulating the mag latches with fingertips.

They were designed around 240gr JSP/JHP factory ammo, and should only be shot with that or a close handload, for best results - lead boolits will shortly clog the gas system, leading to frequent tear-down cleaning (aka PITA).

I believe there is at least one company out there making a black synthetic replacement stock, but pricey - let google be your friend.

Parts & service are hard to obtain, but seldom needed - unless one has a broken trigger housing (unrepairable unobtainium).

In my experience $500 is an average price for a clean shooter later .44 Auto Carbine; $650 seems high for the early .44 shooter.

As in real estate where location/location/location is everything, with guns condition/condition/condition rules - unless they are special models, like the Finger Groove Sporters or mannlicher-type, full-stock Internationals.

.

 

[roninmd]

I bought a slightly used Deerfield back in March it was made in 2002, $319.00 out the door.