Ruger Deerfield (vs. older .44 Carbine)

[WZRoberts]

Hi all,

I admire .44 Magnum and 45 Colt carbines, and I'm currently being offered decent deals on two of them...

The first is the old Ruger .44 carbine, a 1978 model, for $400 (maybe less).
The second is the newer M1 style Deerfield carbine, which I have never handled before.

Both of these rifles have very few rounds through them and are in excellent condition. Yes, I do have to pick just one.

Which would you rather take into the thick stuff after whitetails, and why? Which do you think will hold its value best, and generally hold up best after years of hunting? Right now the Deerfield models run a good bit more expensive than the older model. Is that for good reason?

Thanks!

 

[sailorjosh]

The deerfields are much more scarce (Ruger only made around 17,000 or so I believe, while they made over 270,000 of the older carbines) so they are naturally more expensive. As far as which one is better, I only have experience with the older tube mag carbine, and when kept reasonably clean I found it to be a handy little bush gun. I don't think you could go wrong with either, though.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I vote neither.

Neither will accept anything but standard 240gr jacketed loads. The gas system on the earlier mod's will build up residue in the gas system and cease functioning with the bullet lube and carbon from shooting cast bullets. Also, the twist rate in the barrels aren't conducive to bullets heavier than 240gr. (yes they will typically function with lighter bullets, but some of the 180-210 factory loads are a bit reduced in power for defensive use in handguns and may generate inssufficent gas to operate the action. I've seen this happen with the 210gr Silver Tip load from Winchester at my local range.)

Neither are in current production. You may have problems getting factory service on the earlier mod. I know of one individual that had to retire his due to lack of parts and the factory returned his rifle un-repaired.

Get the Marlin M1894. The recent ones have 6-groove Ballard pattern rifling of a twist that allows shooting bullets up to 310gr (or perhaps heavier), and the rifles are usually quite accurate. They will also function with the lightest to the heaviest possible loads. Accuracy is usually somewhat better than the Rugers.

But of the two you listed, definitely the older gun. They are quite handy, and with a well constructed JSP or the Hornady XTP in 240gr, they are sufficiently accurate and effective too 100yds or a little furter for deer. They are quite popular in the S.E. USA and command a premium price if in good condition.