I know it is not a handgun but I found a Ruger 77/44 44 mag rifle and was able to trade for it.

I have been wanting one of these for some time. I almost resorted to getting a marlin lever 44mag but one of the rugers showed up.

I can not wait to see what kind of groups this rifle will do at 50 and 100 yards.

I have a Nikon BDC scope I took off another rifle that will go on it.

Plan to shoot 240's out of it I would like to use the 300gr XTP load but it will not chamber or fit in the rotary mag seated out on the 2nd CL.

This should be a fun rifle

It will be my river / hog rifle --- should be a short range thumper

Plan to let my son use this one for deer too. It is a bit lighter than the encore 243

Congrats Bug! New toys are great, whether short or long!

We expect to see some hog pics posted soon...

Bug,

I have shot a Marlin lever .44 in the past and it was very accurate, although I did find the recoil very surprisingly stout. I have never shot one of the Rugers though I have handled many, and I don't personally know anyone who has or does own one. Always wondered how well they shot and grouped. I would be very interested in your experience with that little lever carbine.
Keep us posted please

Renster

This one is the bolt action the lever is the 96/44 i could have bougt several of those but i held out for the bolt. I has a 5 round rotary mag like the 10/22

Ahhh...

I misread. I probably saw your reference to the Marlin and completely blew the Ruger model you wrote. I have handled the bolt 77/44 as well. I do myself own a M77 Compact in .308 Winchester. Topped with a Leupold 2-7, it is the sweetest, lightest little timber bolt that I have ever owned. I must admit though, with a weight of only about 6 pounds and that short 16 1/2" barrel, it too wallops me pretty good. And the flame out the end when you touch it off...!!!
I call it my "little/big" gun. It is very accurate and has been a very dependable rifle. Thumps big whitetails and big coyotes D.R.T! It is my go-to when I reach for a rifle for the day.

Renster

H2OBUG,

Ruger has reintroduced this model in stainless once again. They had a short run of the SS in the past. I have the blued model with a Burris 4x Short Mag. The gun will shoot 180s to 310s, cast and jacketed great. It is light, accurate, and a great short range thumper. My son and I have taken about 10 whitetails with mine. It will group 3 shots into 3/4" at 50 yards and 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" at 100 yards. Love mine, but think I will attempt to get a SS one. Like the weather resistance.

Doc

My brother has a W94AE Trapper (16" barrel) lever gun......gotta go with Renny...recoil was stiffer than I EVER would have guessed!