2587 RUGER No. 535 DEERSTALKER 44R SEMI-AUTO CARBINE.

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 400.00 USD
Estimated at 800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Cal. 44 Mag. S# 535. Bbl. 18 1/2" with earliest sights of sourdough front having white insert plus folding rear with vertical white line; Lyman 66RU on receiver (missing aperture disk). Mfg. 1961 (1961-1985) with distinctive Deerstalker marking (factory designation of 44R) that was discontinued in 1962 to settle lawsuit with Ithaca who used "Deerslayer" for their Model 37 slug barreled shotguns; about 3,900 made before the change. Early features of no "INC." in Southport barrel address and walnut stock with back slant cut at forend plus black anodized aluminum buttplate; non factory swivel set added along with compass at top rear. Earliest example without cartridge release button at loading port plus cartridge guide in top front of receiver held by two screws at front of action; often confused by consumers to be a scope base provision yet factory drilled and tapped at rear of barrel plus rear of receiver for scope mounting. In high demand as compact, fast handling brush hunting carbine that weighs less fully loaded (internal 4 rd. magazine) than the popular lever action carbine weighs empty. CONDITION: very good metal finish with typical light thinning and high edge wear. Stock has numerous light handling marks throughout but no cracks such as in front of loading area or behind recoil block; appears to have extra finish applied. Near excellent bright, shiny bore. (23-6329/NW). CURIO. $800-1,200.