Ruger Deerstalker 3 digit.

[KneverKnew]

I have a three digit serial number Deerstalker 44 Carbine that functions and shoots great. But th previous owner somehow completely wore the finish off the barrel. The stock has also been buggered by the addition of sling swivel holes. And they even messed up the first try and drilled a second forward hole. The finish is wearing thin in the obvious spots. I am contemplating having the gun professionally reblued to factory original specs , or as close as possible. First, please tell me that any collectibility of this gun is ruined by the poor finish and wood condition and my rebluing idea is okay. Second, where should I send the gun to have the work done right?

 

[hittman]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[the_leper_colony]

I have a three digit serial number Deerstalker 44 Carbine...

Welcome from Wyoming!

 

[mr.deerstalker]

looks like ser #153....I believe I have 154. but would have to look. needs a new stock. Standard carbines never came with stud swivels. EVER. key word here, standard. rebuleing is not an issue, lots of good guys around. depending on your check book. low number, send it to the best. here's the part that might suck. what hole is buggered up. the correct hols used to mount scope is the rear receiver two and two on the rear barrel. the two front receiver where used to hold receiver action in place, later ones used plugs. making them unavailable to bugger up. send pick of hole messed up. Scott......mr. deerstaker

 

[Ride1949]

Nice old rifle. Well worth saving. Welcome from Central Oregon.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

front sight is incorrect as well, has later one. like a 1022. should be a glow pin ball type call "sourdough" front sight.......ok...my apologies. you where talking stock. not receiver holes. buy a stock, get it reblued. shot the hell out of it...

 

[mr.deerstalker]

here's a pic of the sight your needing, there around. on rifles till ser # 8900 or so....good luck. scott

 

[KneverKnew]

looks like ser #153....I believe I have 154. but would have to look. needs a new stock. Standard carbines never came with stud swivels. EVER. key word here, standard. rebuleing is not an issue, lots of good guys around. depending on your check book. low number, send it to the best. here's the part that might suck. what hole is buggered up. the correct hols used to mount scope is the rear receiver two and two on the rear barrel. the two front receiver where used to hold receiver action in place, later ones used plugs. making them unavailable to bugger up. send pick of hole messed up. Scott......mr. deerstaker

Thanks Scott for the reply. The buggerred holes I mentioned were the swivel holes on the stock. Or the fact that they even exist. I will plug those holes with something and refinish the stock to as close a factory finish as possible. I'm thinking a semi-gloss poly. Of course my favorite treatment of old stocks is hand rubbed linseed oil. And words of advice on this?
The number isn't 153….108. Best I can figure, this would have been close to first day of production. 1961?
The reciever/ barrel screw holes are fine.

I would like to find an original front sight, but the Lyman is serviceable. I have a Simmons scope mounted now. Old eyes.
Shoots great, even my powder coated purple pills!

…and no, the isn't any leading issues in gas port.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

my advice to you is find another great gun with a great stock, no holes in the stock. have your gun restored, put it away for the kids or grand kids. put old stock on your new shooter, non deerstalker, and blast way. option #2....sell me 108. ill make it great again!!!

 

[KneverKnew]

I’d love to have another 44 carbine in great condition to shoot and use. Unfortunately I can’t afford such a purchase. Fixing up the one I have is more feasible. I’ve restored many milsurp rifles in the past and do a pretty good job. I’m quite good with wood. I feel I can get the gun pretty close to original condition. If I can find someone who knows what they’re doing to polish, and re-blue the barrel and receiver to factory specs, or as close as possible. If I could find a replacement stock in good condition that would be even better, and save me the effort of patching and refinishing the bad stock.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

your never gunna be able to make the stock minty, your always gunna see the holes. replace down the nice. call Tyler gun works in TX for tge restore blueing. great job will be done. but it will set you back. or...sell it to me! lol

 

[KneverKnew]

I would have to make enough money, selling it to you to be able to afford getting another one just like it in great condition. You’re welcome to PM me with an offer. I honestly don’t mind the flaws in the stock. I admit they don’t look great but it’s just part of the story of the gun. I’m confident I can make the stock look great with some decent looking plugs in the holes. But I have no doubt you would be able to restore it to perfection. Again, it would have to be a worthwhile transaction.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

I would have to make enough money, selling it to you to be able to afford getting another one just like it in great condition. You're welcome to PM me with an offer. I honestly don't mind the flaws in the stock. I admit they don't look great but it's just part of the story of the gun. I'm confident I can make the stock look great with some decent looking plugs in the holes. But I have no doubt you would be able to restore it to perfection. Again, it would have to be a worthwhile transaction.

you don't have enough time to pm. text me. 907 203-7703 scott

 

[Air-cooled]

If you get a good offer here, take it! I'm a bit of a .44 Carbine fanatic (I have a few), and I see less collectibility after restoration, but that is just my personal opinion.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

If you get a good offer here, take it! I'm a bit of a .44 Carbine fanatic (I have a few), and I see less collectibility after restoration, but that is just my personal opinion.

you are correct, a reblue is just that, only thing going for it is the ser#. fix it, give it to your kid!

 

[KneverKnew]

So maybe I won’t re-blue. Lots to think about.
Thank you.

 

[harley08]

How much do you want for your Ruger Deerstarker 44 mag?
Dave
[email protected]

 

[KneverKnew]

That’s a great question. At the moment I’m torn between keeping it or selling to try and buy one in better condition. But I’m quite partial to the low serial number aspect. And I’m not entirely sure what it is worth as it is, although I e been given suggestions.

 

[harley08]

How much do you want for the Ruger 44?

 

[Air-cooled]

You're sort of asking folks what it is worth, and people are asking you what you'd sell it for. Okay, I'll give you my personal opinion as to value: $450. The value of a very nice used one: $1200-1700 according to Gunbroker. When they are as rough as yours, the serial number is meaningless. https://www.gunbroker.com/All/search/completed?Keywords=ruger .44 carbine&Timeframe=1&Sort=1&PageSize=48

 

[Air-cooled]

You're sort of asking folks what it is worth, and people are asking you what you'd sell it for. Okay, I'll give you my personal opinion as to value: $450. The value of a very nice used one: $1200-1700 according to Gunbroker. When they are as rough as yours, the serial number is meaningless. https://www.gunbroker.com/All/search/completed?Keywords=ruger .44 carbine&Timeframe=1&Sort=1&PageSize=48. And as to giving it to a family member, just remember that parts are essentially non-existent. You'd have to buy another junker and high-grade the part you want.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

the ser number is not meaningless, its a first day rifle. (200 a day production rifle) yes the ruger first rifle model made. the 108 rifle ever made. probably December 1961, BUT that things a mess, needs a front sight, replacement stock. reblued. but still with rescuing it. I offered $850. that my friends was generous. sadly it might not get saved. we can hope it gets the love it deserves. I was willing, why? im Mr. Deerstalker! ....lol...I love them carbines

 

[KneverKnew]

You're sort of asking folks what it is worth, and people are asking you what you'd sell it for. Okay, I'll give you my personal opinion as to value: $450. The value of a very nice used one: $1200-1700 according to Gunbroker. When they are as rough as yours, the serial number is meaningless. https://www.gunbroker.com/All/search/completed?Keywords=ruger .44 carbine&Timeframe=1&Sort=1&PageSize=48

Well, in that case, it’s clear I should hang onto the one working gun I have, despite the condition.
It shoots great.

 

[Air-cooled]

the ser number is not meaningless, its a first day rifle. (200 a day production rifle) yes the ruger first rifle model made. the 108 rifle ever made. probably December 1961, BUT that things a mess, needs a front sight, replacement stock. reblued. but still with rescuing it. I offered $850. that my friends was generous. sadly it might not get saved. we can hope it gets the love it deserves. I was willing, why? im Mr. Deerstalker! ....lol...I love them carbines

How do you like the more recent Deerfield? I like them a lot. My only issue with Deerfields is that they do not eject to the side like the .44 Carbine (Deerstalker). Not good for scopes but there are work-arounds like the picatinny rail that deflects the spent shell, or the little scope pad that Ruger included with the gun. But I really like the rotary magazine. If Ruger could make a 44 Carbine with rotary mag AND side eject, we'd have the perfect gun.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

The Deerfield is reworked version of what they found worked well, new front sight. taller. rotor mag (god bless H.H. Sefried) integrated scope mount for full size and compacted scopes. brilliant! upgraded handguns like the newer mini 14s (Not a fan) all and all great, but short lived run of a great carbine rifle. But im Mr. Deerstalker, Not Mr. Deerfield....lol

 

[KneverKnew]

the ser number is not meaningless, its a first day rifle. (200 a day production rifle) yes the ruger first rifle model made. the 108 rifle ever made. probably December 1961, BUT that things a mess, needs a front sight, replacement stock. reblued. but still with rescuing it. I offered $850. that my friends was generous. sadly it might not get saved. we can hope it gets the love it deserves. I was willing, why? im Mr. Deerstalker! ....lol...I love them carbines

Your offer was very generous Mr. Deerstalker! I appreciate all your fine input. I’ve decided the nostalgia of a first day production rifle is too special to let go. I found a reputable place that will do re-bluing at a reasonable price. While I may not be able to afford a “new” stock, I can repair and refinish my existing stock nicely. I hope to discover what the original finish was. I’m thinking it’s semi gloss or glossy polyurethane of some sorts. Mr. Deerstalker, do happen to have any helpful info about the stock finish? Is the wood walnut?