.22 [Ruger] Model 96

Ruger’s 96 series of rifles first appeared in 1996 and was produced until 2009 in four calibre options: 22 Long Rifle, 22WMR, 17 HMR and, of all things, 44 Magnum. This quintessential American action-type is best illustrated by Winchester’s Model 94 and Marlin’s 1894, both mainly chambered in pistol calibres like 357 Magnum, 45 Colt and 44 Magnum, they make great brush guns for deer and feral pigs. Ruger also fielded two, semi-auto 44 Magnums; the tube-magazine Model 44 (1961 – 1985) and the later, box mag Deerfield Carbine (2000 - 2006). I suppose the option of a lever-action big bore .44 was thought to be a winner.

The 96s, regardless of calibre, all look very much like a Ruger 10/22, with an enclosed receiver and similar stock, cross bolt safety catch and barrel band and iron sights. The main visual difference is the obvious, short stroke operating lever and more angled rear of the receiver. The stock is hard wood and offers long and slim angled pistol grip, low/square comb and a horrible shiny plastic butt plate. Feed is from a rotary magazine with the 22WMR version taken directly from their 77/22 M bolt-action and holding nine rounds.

Sights consist of a brass-beaded blade up front in a transverse dovetail and a fold-down U-notch plate with limited windage and elevation correction. The receiver is threaded for a short, 11/12mm dovetail base.