Ruger Ninety-Six 96/44 96-44 9644 06401 .44 Rem Mag Lever Action Rifle 1998
SOLD FOR: $1,026
WOA#: WY240220BA011
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co
Model: Ninety-Six, 96/44
Serial Number: 640-01117
Year of Manufacture: 1998 (RUGER Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Detachable Magazine-Fed Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with a factory warning over “—STURM, RUGER & CO., SOUTHPORT CONN. U.S.A.—”. The left side of the barrel is marked “44 REM MAG” below a Ruger proof stamp. The left side of the receiver is marked “RUGER®”, “MODEL NINETY-SIX”, and with the serial number, “640-01117”. The magazine is marked on the bottom with the company’s phoenix logo over “RUGER®”.
Barrel Length: 18.5”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade that is dovetailed into a banded base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up combo u- and v-notch with a white diamond aiming reference that is adjustable for elevation. The serrated receiver rib is notched for Ruger rings, not included.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece smooth wood with semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a polymer buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has only minor handling wear with a few scuffs at the heel. Overall, the stock rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Lever
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This Ruger Ninety-Six retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The receiver has taken on a light plum hue. The barrel has a scattered minor use-wear. The case-color is rather faded, but the pattern is still evident. Screws and controls are free of any notable wear or damage. All markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a cross-bolt safety through the trigger guard bow and a brass loaded chamber indicator. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with its factory 4 round rotary magazine.
Our Assessment: The Ruger 96/44, a lever-action rifle chambered in the potent .44 Remington Magnum, represents a unique blend of traditional design and modern firepower. Introduced in the late 1990s, this model harks back to the classic American lever-action rifles but is distinguished by its ability to handle the .44 Rem Mag cartridge, a choice that significantly enhances its versatility and power. The .44 Rem Mag, known for its substantial stopping power and relatively flat trajectory over short to medium distances, makes the 96/44 an excellent choice for deer hunting and property management, as well as for those seeking a formidable rifle for recreational shooting.
The Ruger 96/44’s design includes a number of features that underscore Ruger’s commitment to quality and functionality. Its rotary magazine, a departure from the tube-fed design commonly associated with lever-action rifles, offers a reliable feeding mechanism that is both smooth and efficient. The rifle’s construction is robust, designed to withstand the rigors of frequent use while maintaining accuracy and performance. The 96/44’s adaptability to various types of .44 Magnum ammunition, from high-velocity hunting rounds to lower-recoil options, adds to its appeal, offering shooters a wide range of uses from hunting to home defense. Its place in Ruger’s lineup as a bridge between traditional aesthetics and modern performance makes it a noteworthy choice for those who value both the heritage and the future of firearms. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
