Let’s Talk About Ruger 90174 96/44 44 Remington Magnum 4 Rd Plastic Black Finish
The Ruger 90174 96/44 44 Remington Magnum 4 Rd Plastic Black Finish is a crucial component for any owner of the classic Ruger 96/44 lever-action rifle chambered in the potent .44 Remington Magnum. This magazine, holding four rounds, ensures reliable feeding and enhances the rifle’s functionality. Its black plastic finish offers durability and resistance to the elements, making it a practical choice for hunters, ranchers, and recreational shooters alike.
My journey to acquiring this magazine stemmed from a frustrating experience during a recent hunting trip. My original magazine, decades old, started exhibiting feeding issues, causing me to miss a critical shot at a prized buck. Reliability is key in such situations.
Upon receiving the Ruger 90174, I immediately noted its robust construction and precise molding. The plastic felt noticeably sturdier than that of some aftermarket magazines I’ve encountered. The black finish was even and smooth, suggesting good quality control.
Compared to a generic aftermarket magazine I previously tried, the Ruger offering felt far superior. The generic mag was flimsy and prone to misfeeds; the Ruger mag inspires confidence. While a steel magazine might offer ultimate durability, the plastic construction of the Ruger keeps weight down, which is a definite plus.
My first impression was one of relief and renewed confidence in my Ruger 96/44. Finally, a reliable magazine to keep my rifle functioning as intended!
Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger 90174 96/44 44 Remington Magnum 4 Rd Plastic Black Finish to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial testing took place at my local shooting range, simulating hunting conditions. I loaded the Ruger 90174 with .44 Magnum rounds from three different manufacturers to assess its feeding reliability.
The magazine performed flawlessly, cycling each round smoothly and consistently without any jams or misfeeds. The weather was typical for early fall – cool and slightly damp – which didn’t seem to affect the magazine’s operation in any way. It loaded easily, snapped securely into the rifle, and released smoothly with the magazine release lever.
There were no hiccups or surprises during this initial range session; the Ruger 90174 did exactly what it was designed to do. It restored my trust in the rifle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including numerous range sessions and a deer hunting season, the Ruger 90174 continues to perform admirably. The magazine has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of cracking or deformation despite being subjected to temperature fluctuations and occasional rough handling.
There are no apparent wear marks on the plastic body. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe-down with a cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and powder residue. Compared to my original magazine, which required constant tinkering to function correctly, the Ruger 90174 has been a game-changer.
It has consistently outperformed my expectations. The original magazine, with its feeding issues, had made me question the rifle’s reliability. The Ruger 90174 restored it.
Breaking Down the Features of Ruger 90174 96/44 44 Remington Magnum 4 Rd Plastic Black Finish
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Ruger. Known for quality firearms and accessories.
- Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum. Designed specifically for this powerful cartridge.
- Capacity: 4 Rounds. Provides ample capacity for most hunting and recreational shooting scenarios in a lever-action rifle.
- Finish: Black. Offers a non-reflective and corrosion-resistant surface.
- Material: Plastic. Durable and lightweight polymer construction.
- Gun Make: Ruger. Specifically designed for Ruger firearms.
- Gun Model: Ruger 96/44. Ensures a perfect fit and reliable feeding in this specific rifle.
- Quantity: 1. One magazine per package.
- Color: Black. A standard color that blends well with most rifles.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the magazine’s reliability, durability, and compatibility. A magazine designed specifically for the Ruger 96/44, chambered in .44 Magnum, made from durable plastic, and finished in black ensures proper feeding, longevity, and a non-reflective profile.
Performance & Functionality
The Ruger 90174 excels in its primary function: reliably feeding .44 Magnum cartridges into the Ruger 96/44 rifle. Its simple design and high-quality construction minimize the chances of malfunctions.
The only minor weakness is its 4-round capacity, which might be limiting for some shooters who prefer higher-capacity magazines. However, this is consistent with the design and intent of a lever-action hunting rifle. The magazine meets my expectations perfectly.
Design & Ergonomics
The plastic construction contributes to a lightweight design. It makes carrying the rifle with a loaded magazine less burdensome.
The magazine’s shape and dimensions are precisely matched to the Ruger 96/44’s magazine well. This ensures a snug fit and smooth insertion and removal. There’s no learning curve; it operates just like the original magazine.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic material is surprisingly robust and resistant to cracking or deformation. With proper care, the magazine should last for many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal; cleaning involves simply wiping down the magazine with a cloth. This is far simpler than maintaining metal magazines that are prone to rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the Ruger 90174, as it’s a self-contained unit. There are no real customization options for a magazine of this type.
The magazine is designed to work with standard .44 Magnum ammunition; no special modifications are required. It’s designed to work with the Ruger 96/44 rifle only.
Pros and Cons of Ruger 90174 96/44 44 Remington Magnum 4 Rd Plastic Black Finish
Pros
- Specifically designed for the Ruger 96/44, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable feeding.
- Durable plastic construction provides excellent resistance to impacts and environmental factors.
- Simple design makes it easy to load, use, and maintain.
- Lightweight construction reduces the overall weight of the rifle.
- Restores or enhances the rifle’s original functionality.
Cons
- Relatively low capacity of 4 rounds may be limiting for some users.
- Plastic construction, while durable, may not be as robust as steel in extreme conditions.
Who Should Buy Ruger 90174 96/44 44 Remington Magnum 4 Rd Plastic Black Finish?
The Ruger 90174 is perfect for Ruger 96/44 owners who need a reliable replacement or spare magazine. It’s ideal for hunters and recreational shooters who value consistent performance and durability.
Anyone looking for a high-capacity magazine or requiring ultimate durability in extreme conditions should skip this product. Must-have accessories include a quality .44 Magnum bore cleaning kit.
Conclusion on Ruger 90174 96/44 44 Remington Magnum 4 Rd Plastic Black Finish
The Ruger 90174 96/44 44 Remington Magnum 4 Rd Plastic Black Finish is a well-designed and reliable magazine that significantly enhances the functionality of the Ruger 96/44 lever-action rifle. At $44.89, the price is justified.
I wholeheartedly recommend it to any Ruger 96/44 owner seeking a dependable magazine. Don’t let a faulty magazine ruin your hunt or range day – invest in the Ruger 90174 and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your rifle will perform flawlessly!