RugerSociety.com

Hello!
I was directed here by a gentleman who contacted me when asking for help over at another gun site (One of very few friendly people over there, also a member here)

My buddy talked me into considering a Ruger 44. Carbine to deer hunt in the brush. I have not had time to shoot when trying to find deer in scope view during drives........wanted a faster handling rifle for these times.
I went out looking for one and ended up buying a new 25th Anniversary model. I bought it in an auction and paid Ruger for it directly. It was shipped to a local FFL.

Problem is, when I took it to gun shop to get looked over and get a rear peep sight installed, the Gunsmith told me I was a fool to do this or shoot even one round through it. Said it should be kept as new and unfired.
It is brand new (Well, made in 1985 #103) from Ruger's factory collection and is still plastic wrapped in it's original box. Ruger even sent me a cool certificate showing history of this collection gun and the CEO (Fifer I believe was the name) even hand signed it!!

Now I am concerned I would be better off with a nice used one and let someone who collects these have it.
Also wondering if I decide to hang on to it and get another used one, how should I care for it? Leave in box? Oil?

Is this collectable?
Should I leave it as unfired or just be happy and enjoy it?
What does "Blank Box End" mean? (This was mentioned in letter from Mr. Fifer)

Thank you to anyone who can offer some help with this. I am a little disappointed with buying it as all I wanted was a nice gun to hunt with and not worry about destroying a collectable if it is one.

(I also posted this question in the general Ruger area....not sure where to ask this)

Just a decision that you will have to make. You could certainly put it away and keep it as a collectible, they sure are not making them anymore. Then as you say, find a good shooter grade to hunt with. But if you are not inclined to be a collector and bought it to use for hunting I would say just shoot, hunt and enjoy it. Take care of it and it will still be a collectible gun to someone someday!

Just my opinion...FT44

Ruger actually made an RS model that came equipped with a receiver sight. Ought to look for one of these and then you would have two. Ruger66 will know where one is!

Thanks!!
Any thoughts on what "Blank Box End" means?
Should I oil or do anything special to this gun if I decide to store this and get a shooter?

I think that the 25 Year guns had a special end label for the box but can not remember for sure or what it was. I believe the one that Ruger auctioned on GunBroker said it had a "blank box end label" that came with the gun. I assumed that that meant that it was an "extra" item along with the correct boxed carbine. Is this the gun that you have? Ruger66 may chime in, he would know. I would certainly keep the metal wiped down with oil. Not sure where you are located but if in an area of high humidity I believe I would not store it in its box.
FT44

Yes, this is the one I bought.
The certificate said a "Blank Box End" but not sure what it means or the significance of this.

I was worried about oiling and such if it would somehow change condition.
I hope Ruger66 chimes in too!!

I don't know what that blank box end means. Either it didn't have the 25th decal or lacked the serial number. I am sorry I don't pay much attention to Rugers auctions. You can easily find cheaper 44 Carbines to hunt with. You bought it for a reason and I would use it. I wouldn't drill it. Williams makes a WGRS for the 44 Carbine that mounts on the top two rear screws. Lee is right about the 44RS. There is always one on Gunbroker. Here is link to one http://www.gunbroker.com/item/609483932

Is the early Ruger .44 Carbine named in any of the magazine ads as "Deerstalker"?

I can only think of one for sure.

I found this one. had to put it in in 2 pieces