Ruger 96 & Ruger 99/44 Magazines

[dfletcher]

Upon finding a nice 96 I dropped off my 99/44 for sale at a LGS. I kept the 99/44 mags thinking they'd interchange. The don't, but am I correct that the only difference is the wider "flange" up front? It looks to me that with a bout 5 minutes work I can remove the plastic and they'll fit.

Wrong, right?

 

[collectormzornes]

not to get off subject and honestly I am not sure about your mag issue but what do you want for your 99/44 that you dropped off.

 

[dfletcher]

not to get off subject and honestly I am not sure about your mag issue but what do you want for your 99/44 that you dropped off.

I put $625.00 on it - I think that's a "should move fast" price, yes - no? I bought it about a year ago, was unfired but no box. I put about 60 rounds through it. I reload and don't use semis for reloading, pretty much stick with factory 223 & 308 in the semis because I dislike chasing brass as much as losing it - showing up with 100 44 Magnums and leaving with 96 cases drives me a bit nuts. 8) Figured I'd give the 99 a try but just didn't use it, getting the 96 gives me the set up and no bouncing brass.

 

[collectormzornes]

Oh I see you have a slight case of OCD like some of the rest of us including me. I am not sure what the 99's go for I have not seen to many in my area to judge by. Thank you for letting me know I will have to think on it. I saw a decent 77/44 the other day for a little less that was really tempting me so not sure yet.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

There are at least 3 differences to the magazines that I could notice.

...Jimbo

 

[mike7mm08]

Deerfield 77/44 mags are slightlyshorter as well. Might you be able to modify them? Anything is possible but I would sell the mags and get what can out of them and buy the proper mags.

 

[dfletcher]

There are at least 3 differences to the magazines that I could notice.

...Jimbo

I've noticed that too, especially the ledge. The corner filler can be removed but in total I'm thinking "skip it" and will buy 96 specific mags.

I guess this means I'm destined to buy another 77/44 and make use of these things. :wink:

 

[Black Frog]

I put $625.00 on it - I think that's a "should move fast" price, yes - no?

That's a decent price. Move fast? That all depends on the traffic that sees the gun....

 

[Noah Zark]

96/44s sell in these parts (north central PA) for around $450 or less. Any I've seen at price points >$500 generally just sit gathering dust. That said, firearm prices are hugely geographically-dependent. Semi-auto Ruger 44s are unobtanium.

As for those magazines, don't get me started on Ruger and their magazine policy. They could just as easily have designed the firearms to take the same mag but IMO elect to develop unique mags as a means of revenue enhancement.

Noah

 

[Black Frog]

He's selling his 99/44 (deerfield), and keeping his 96/44 (lever)....

 

[dfletcher]

He's selling his 99/44 (deerfield), and keeping his 96/44 (lever)....

Right - paid $449.00 for the 96, let the store keep the cheapo scope & sling. I left the 99 at another shop that takes only 10% on consignment. My intent is usually "give me the $$$" when it sells but they always seem to have something for me to buy. I usually don't make it out the door without opening my wallet.

And I agree, I don't see why the mags can't be the same. Maybe there's a good reason, but it isn't apparent to me.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I've got both (96/44 and 99/44) and I'm not selling either one as as they are both fun as heck to shoot and to load for. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[mike7mm08]

As for the mag differences I doubt Ruger intentionally made them different. The 96 was out well before the 77 and the 99. They probable made the mag to fit the 96. When the other models came along they were not able to get the mag to work with them. The 99 and 77 came about at the same time so obviously the mag was designed with both in mind. Ruger is known for sharing as many parts as possible between models. Actually costs them more to maintain two SKUs than any extra money you think they take in by selling the different mags. Really outside of Ruger nuts how many people are going to own multiple models of a 44 rifle. To the majority of Ruger 44 owners it makes little difference that a magazine only fits one model of rifle.

 

[collectormzornes]

96/44s sell in these parts (north central PA) for around $450 or less. Any I've seen at price points >$500 generally just sit gathering dust. That said, firearm prices are hugely geographically-dependent. Semi-auto Ruger 44s are unobtanium.

As for those magazines, don't get me started on Ruger and their magazine policy. They could just as easily have designed the firearms to take the same mag but IMO elect to develop unique mags as a means of revenue enhancement.

Noah

Send some of those 96/44's South to KY I would not mind having one at $450 or less.