Ruger 96/22 Model Ninety-Six .22 LR Lever-Action Carbine, 18.5 in Barrel, Blued, Hardwood Stock, 15+1
This Ruger 96/22 lever-action carbine stands out for its short-throw lever design and compatibility with Ruger 10/22-pattern magazines. It aligns with Ruger’s first-year shipment range circa 1996 per Ruger serial history, and it comes with a one-piece scope base already installed. The rifle features blued metal, an uncheckered hardwood stock, and practical open sights, making it a straightforward, capable .22 LR carbine with classic lines and modern magazine convenience.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are signs of wear and handling, including scratches and blemishes.
What’s Included
- Ruger 96/22 .22 LR lever-action rifle
- One-piece scope base installed on receiver
- 1x 15-round Ruger BX-series detachable magazine
The 96/22 pairs Ruger’s lever-action Model Ninety-Six design with .22 LR chambering and 10/22-pattern magazine compatibility. It ships here with a Ruger BX-series detachable magazine and supports a 15+1 capacity.
Carbine dimensions include an 18.5 in barrel and approximately 37.25 in overall length, with a weight of about 5.25 lb. The 13.0 in length of pull and short-throw lever contribute to quick, efficient cycling.
Sighting equipment is traditional and practical: a ramped front blade with protective ears and a folding rear leaf with a windage screw. The rifle uses a cross-bolt safety with a red indicator for clear status at a glance.
The receiver is marked "RUGER MODEL NINETY-SIX" and the barrel is marked "22 LR CAL." The receiver is drilled and tapped, and this example has a one-piece scope base already installed. Blued metalwork and an uncheckered hardwood stock complete the classic carbine profile.
Made in the United States, this example falls within Ruger’s first-year shipment range circa 1996, adding meaningful context for buyers who value early-production examples of the Model Ninety-Six series.