Ruger Model 44 .44 Rem Magnum Semi-Auto Rifle, 18.5" Barrel, 1966 Pre-Prefix, Walnut Stock, Blued, Scope Installed
Pre-prefix production verified against Ruger factory serial tables places this Ruger Model 44 in 1966, during the early years of this discontinued line. It features the Model 44's short-stroke gas piston and rotating-bolt action, a fixed 4-round tubular magazine, and a solid-top, machined-steel receiver. This example retains its iron sights and has a riflescope installed in Weaver USA rings on two-piece Weaver-style bases.
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: The rifle shows scattered scratches and blemishes from prior handling and use.
What’s Included
- Riflescope (installed)
- Weaver USA scope rings on two-piece Weaver-style bases (installed)
Ruger introduced this model as the "Deerstalker" before an early name change, and the design later influenced the Ruger 10/22. This 1960s-era example reflects that lineage with a compact 18.5" barrel, right-side ejection, and a robust steel receiver that is drilled and tapped for optics.
The operating system is a gas-operated short-stroke piston with a rotating-bolt lockup. Feeding is from a fixed 4-round tubular magazine, loaded through a port forward of the trigger guard, yielding a 4+1 capacity in .44 Rem Magnum.
Sighting equipment includes a ramped gold-bead front and a folding leaf rear sight. Two-piece Weaver-style scope bases are installed with Weaver USA rings, and a riflescope is already mounted for immediate use.
Materials and ergonomics are classic: a blued steel barrel and receiver paired with a one-piece walnut stock featuring a straight comb and pistol grip. The stock provides a 13.5" length of pull. Safety features include a cross-bolt safety with a red safety indicator ring.