Ruger 44 Carbine help

[Markopolo]

Last winter, I got one of my bucket list guns, a early Ruger 44 Carbine...
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all that power in a 10-22 form factor always made me smile.. a buddy of mine always had one, and it was a total sweetheart.. so I finally found somebody that was willing to part with theirs... it shoots great most of the time and cycles well with warm 2400 and h110 loads with most size bullets I try... but every once in a while it fails to completely close the bolt cover.. the bolt is fully engaged and ready to fire. Best of my knowledge, I have not fired it with the bolt cover cracked open like that, anyway, it's just unacceptable in order to be a useful gun to have to pay attention to that area of the gun after every shot.

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The above pic is an example of how far the cover is left open when it does fail to close. I have become well versed in taking it down and cleaning the gas port, and am at the point now where I can strip it and put it back together in Just a few min with a decent punch and a plastic hammer.. I have cleaned and lubricated it several times... never failed to close when just cycling the action by hand, only after being fired... doesn't matter what sized bullets, jacketed or cast, from 240gr jacketed on... seems to do it occasionally with everything.. in 10 shots it happens once pretty consistently. The cover closes when it does jam with a push from a finger, but it is dang annoying... can't seem to see what is causing it..

Anybody else struggle with this?

Thanks...

Marco

[jeepyj]

Marked with interest as I picked one a few weeks ago but haven't started to load for it.- jeepyj

[merlin101]

I have the same gun and the only time I've ever had a problem was with some 300grain XTP's, turns out they were just a hair to long. Could that be your problem? Another thought, could the previous owner have shot a lot of 44sp it it? If so there could be a ring of lead built up in the chamber causing that problem.

[Markopolo]

Well, I have an odascope that I use for looking down barrels.. i did nook at the barrel, but not the chamber... will take a peek and pic...

[historicfirearms]

When I first got mine it was doing the same thing. A thorough cleaning including a good bore and chamber scrubbing fixed my problems. Now it works fine. I know that's probably not much help for you since you said you have already taken yours down for cleaning, but that's what cured mine. Maybe your recoil spring is worn out???

[Markopolo]

Ok... here are the images from my bore scope.. hope you can make them out...

Looking down the barrel
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Looking father down the barrel...
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Coming in from the ejection port looking at throat entrance
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Looking from throats towards barrel.
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As I look at the pics, I do see a bit of "something" In the 3rd pic... not sure if it is lead or what, but I will go after it with a dental tool.. maybe that is it....

Actually, it can't be it, as I said before, the bolt and bullet are fully engaged and seated when the jam occurs.. it is more likely that it has something to do with the door slide it's self... it is not attached to the bolt persay, but attaches through a grove in the side of the bolt... it may be that I need to take the slide out and attack the arm with a piece of 600grit wet/dry sand paper and see if that fixes it...

[Drm50]

I have had several Ruger 44 carbines, I bought one new back in 60s. Had very little problem with
them. Always shot 240hps/ 2400 powder. It is not a good idea to shoot cast in them, tends to clog
gas port. I have bought a couple used that nothing was wrong with but had probably NEVER had
a proper cleaning of Gas System.

[Markopolo]

I went through the gas port with a fine toothed pipe-cleaner and comb.. I have only shot j-words through it, but at some point that will change. I do not mind cleaning the gas port... it is no biggie when I do go about making a boolit load..

[dbosman]

Mine shoots only cast. Quite well.
Given the cost of some black guns, I wonder if, brought out today, how the carbine would sell.
Now add in that some states are allowing straight walled pistol cases. ???

To the point, springs age and wear.

[RED333]

I have a 69 year model I picked up a few months back. I am going with some sort of drag causing the
cover to stay open. Mine really likes the swag boolits I make and a case full of 296.

[Markopolo]

That is what I think 2... but we shall see... I scrubbed it out for a 4th time... if that doesn't work, I am gunna attack the cover arm with some 400-600 grit wet sandpaper

[shoot-n-lead]

I had one...always wanted one...very disappointing gun. I dumped it back in the 80's and bought a lever...never looked back.

[shoot-n-lead]

Given the cost of some black guns, I wonder if, brought out today, how the carbine would sell.


It would only be around for a short time....44 levers are just more serviceable and fun to shoot.

[MOA]

I have not had any issues with my carbine, but I would have to take a look at it to see if it has the same kind of cover as yours does, as this is the second generation of the original introduction Ruger may had made changes to the design in this area, if so than I cannot offer any real suggestion other than call around to some gunsmiths to see if this is a issue they have come across in the past, or contact Ruger to see if they have any notes on this issue with this first generation carbine.

I also have to agree shoot-n-lead that a lever is more fun, but then again so is a nice short fast handling carbine. Since I already had levers in handy calibers and I always find some models unique I went with the second introduction of the Ruger carbine. Here I am looking down a green belt during hunting season here in the South. I had not run any cast, only standard 240 grain hollow points, but cast may be in its future should there ever be a shortage of J word projectiles.

https://s19.postimg.org/kjuno42v7/Photo0254.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/mof0p74hr/)

[Texas by God]

The two I had were 50 yd wonders. At 100 yds the best one shot 6" groups; my Super Blackhawk would shoot 4" groups at 100 yds.....

[RED333]

I had not run any cast, only standard 240 grain hollow points, but cast may be in its future should there ever be a shortage of J word projectiles.

I am swaging a 40 case with a hollow point cast boolit to make my own J words.

[MOA]

i had not run any cast, only standard 240 grain hollow points, but cast may be in its future should there ever be a shortage of j word projectiles.

i am swaging a 40 case with a hollow point cast boolit to make my own j words.




sweet.

[Clark]

http://i757.photobucket.com/albums/xx220/ClarkM/Ruger44carbine12-16-2011.jpg
Mine was made in 1962. It cost me $180 in 2001
I shot Liberty cast 300 gr bullets followed by 240 gr JHP and the muzzle burst and peeled back like a banana.
For $80 the late Randy Ketchum put my new old stock Marlin 444 Marlin lever barrel from Gunpartscorp on it and drilled a gas hole and did some TIG welding.
Now it is heavier and more accurate.

It has never failed to cycle.

[Geezer in NH]

One thing I can tell you: on the early models the upper cartridge guide is made of aluminum. On the top of the action there is 2 screws showing on the newer ones with the still upper bullet guide there will be 2 circles showing no screw slots.


Re-blue an action with the aluminum guide you got a big problem. The guide dissolves and will never be found.

Calling Ruger will get you laughed at. For a gunsmith this was an embarrassment. I had to buy another early gun to get the guide from. It was easy to make a new guide from 1/2 inch electrical pipe. Use Aluminum or as I did I used steel. for the permanent replacement.

We sold 20 to 30 of them on EBay for a while before I retired so it is a common problem.

[Clark]

When I took my carbine to Randy, there was a guy in the store who said he was a Ruger 44 carbine collector.
He said that the split muzzle was common and there were no spare barrels anywhere.

[pietro]

Last winter, I got one of my bucket list guns, a early Ruger 44 Carbine...


199131

The above pic is an example of how far the cover is left open when it does fail to close. I have become well versed in taking it down and cleaning the gas port, and am at the point now where I can strip it and put it back together in Just a few min with a decent punch and a plastic hammer.. I have cleaned and lubricated it several times... never failed to close when just cycling the action by hand, only after being fired... doesn't matter what sized bullets, jacketed or cast, from 240gr jacketed on... seems to do it occasionally with everything.. in 10 shots it happens once pretty consistently. The cover closes when it does jam with a push from a finger, but it is dang annoying... can't seem to see what is causing it..

Anybody else struggle with this?

Thanks...

Marco



Strip it down and inspect the tab located in the upper front edge of the triggerguard housing, where it's supposed to latch into the groove in the receiver underside when it's installed.

IF/when the tab cracks, or breaks completely away, the front of the TG housing will "float" ILO being secured to the receiver.

Feeding issues, including failure of the bolt to completely close, occur because the cartridge feeding mechanism is mounted in the TG housing, and cannot function properly.

The condition is AFAIK un-repairable (the aluminum TG housing cannot be effectively welded or epoxied), and replacement TG housing's are made of un-obtainium.

.

[MyFlatline]

Had 2 back in the early 80's, bills had to be paid. Wish I had them back.

[Markopolo]

I will try that Pietro... ��

[Parson]

1964, Camp Hanson, Okinawa PX, $64

[Geezer in NH]

Just what part is the bolt cover? As far as I know there is no such part the scematic does not list a bolt cover see

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/Ruger-33474/Rifles-40406/44Carbine-34091.htm

what # is it?

[Markopolo]

It is part 59, the slide assembly, it runs down the track, engages the bolt, and shuts the door on the side of the bolt..

So, I attacked the slide assembly and the rail it rides in with dome 600grit wet sand paper, and did discover a tiny bit of "something" at the top end of the rail that the slide runs in.. I felt it with a screw driver and molded some sandpaper to the tip of the screwdriver, and it is now gone. I cleaned the gun again, reassembled, and went to the range. I shot about 30 rounds and did not have one failure to close the slide completely.

Thanks for all of the help and posts... this was driving me nutz... now if I could just find a synthetic stock for it, I would be happy... :drinks:

[pietro]

I attacked the slide assembly and the rail it rides in with dome 600grit wet sand paper, and did discover a tiny bit of "something" at the top end of the rail that the slide runs in.

It's now gone, and I shot about 30 rounds and did not have one failure to close the slide completely.




That's great news ! :D

I'm glad the issue was rectified - easily, if you think about the actual repair.

CONGRATS !

.

[Rhou45]

Marco,

Interesting question, just happens I recently seen a Ruger 44 carbine that had a similar issue.

Two weeks ago my son in law and daughter were visiting. He brought a blown up 44 carbine with him. The bolt had been blown back and lodged in the receiver. I believe a portion of the bolt had seared off and wedged itself on top of the bolt. The stock was split from the forend to the pistol grip. I could disassemble the gun down to the receiver and barrel, but could not move the bolt. It was wedged in the receiver, just out of battery about an 1/8 inch. I could see the gas port was dirty, but couldn't determine if it was clogged.

My inspection of the gun made me think it was one of two issues. Either the bolt wasn't fully locked in at the time of firing, or there was an over pressure due to excessive gas build up. My SIL was firing store bought 44 SPC at the time of the failure.

Due to the damage, I recommended he find a local gunsmith or send the receiver and barrel back to ruger for evaluation. I will see if I can get him to send pictures and will post them.

Make sure that bolt locks in place!

[MOA]

Was he firing 44 mag or 44 spcl?

[Rhou45]

MOA,

My SIL was firing store bought 44 SPC at the time of the failure.

[Tripplebeards]

Haven't shot mine yet. Will next week and let you know if I have the same issue.

[MOA]

What is SPC?

[pietro]

Due to the damage, I recommended he find a local gunsmith or send the receiver and barrel back to ruger for evaluation.




He'd be wasting his time, breath & money, since Ruger no longer supports the .44 autoloaders, has no repair parts, and any gunsmith will likely be stymied by the same lack of parts.

IDK if it's feasible to make a machined replacement for the investment cast bolt, but if a competent gunsmith/machinist could, it would likely cost more than the rifle's worth.

He would be better off IMO by searching for a parts donor .44 Carbine, or parting off (selling piece by piece - especially an unbroken trigger housing) what he has.

.

[huntrick64]

Pietro gives good advice about selling off what you have for parts. (Ha Ha) Since I am one of those people stuck with an early model with a broken tab on the trigger housing, I would snag that up right away. Keep that in mind should you decide to part out.

[xfoxofshogo]

good gun the ruger 44 carbine i have is first gen it had some trouble do to a weak spring replace shoots fine and kicks brass 20ft to the right love it

[Markopolo]

Yea... I know what you mean about the brass kicking out 20 feet... my range area has a lot of tall grass... makes it a pain to hunt down the brass after shooting.... lol

[Tripplebeards]

Marco,

Interesting question, just happens I recently seen a Ruger 44 carbine that had a similar issue.

Two weeks ago my son in law and daughter were visiting. He brought a blown up 44 carbine with him. The bolt had been blown back and lodged in the receiver. I believe a portion of the bolt had seared off and wedged itself on top of the bolt. The stock was split from the forend to the pistol grip. I could disassemble the gun down to the receiver and barrel, but could not move the bolt. It was wedged in the receiver, just out of battery about an 1/8 inch. I could see the gas port was dirty, but couldn't determine if it was clogged.

My inspection of the gun made me think it was one of two issues. Either the bolt wasn't fully locked in at the time of firing, or there was an over pressure due to excessive gas build up. My SIL was firing store bought 44 SPC at the time of the failure.

Due to the damage, I recommended he find a local gunsmith or send the receiver and barrel back to ruger for evaluation. I will see if I can get him to send pictures and will post them.

Make sure that bolt locks in place!

I'd throw it in a corner. buy another one and keep this one for parts. It's impossible to find parts for them and Ruger won't touch them. Try numerics gun parts.

[Rhou45]

Thanks Pietro, That was what I figured as well. It belonged to his grandfather, I told him he would probably be better off hanging it on the wall for sentimental reasons.

[Rhou45]

Thanks Tripplebeards. I agree.

[Tripplebeards]

Marko, try some slip2000 of you have any. I use it on my AR. Worth a try

[Markopolo]

My gun is working like a champ Trip... :drinks:

[Forrest r]

FWIW:

I've owned several of the ruger 44-carbines over the decades, was my favorite for hog hunting in the everglade back in the 70's hands down. We'd run picket lines thru the saw grass driving the hogs to high ground. That carbine hit like a sledge hammer.

They are an excellent rifle built they are under sprung/under built. We would buy an extra (part #45) piston blocking plug and drill the hole out larger. This allowed us to "tone" done loads so they weren't so hard on the rifle but still allowed the rifle to function. Shot tons of the lyman 429421/unique in those rifles.

[Tripplebeards]

Tried mine the other day and was functioning properly

[Drm50]

I've owned them since 60s, never herd of one bursting Muzzel. There could be only one reason for
that, bore obstruction, no way to get around it. I would guess that it was a function of build up
at gas port from cast bullets.
The Ist one I bought we were sighting it in at a gravel pit. There were several big puddles frozen
solid. When we were done had to use a screw driver to chip brass out of ice. Hot brass melted them in and froze back over while we were sighting in.

[starmac]

I bought one in 78 for the sum total of 135 bucks, would love to find one or a dozen for that price these days. lol
I kept it for several years and put a lot of factory ammo downrange with zero problems.
With most factory ammo, I always figured it shot ok up to about 80 yards, not so good any further.

I tried 44 spcl ammo a few times, but it wouldn't cycle them.