I'd like your opinions on this carbine. I know they're not offered new, but there's something about it I really like. Probably combination of a couple things...
1) although not traditional, it's a levergun
2) similar to 10-22, but twice the caliber and again it's a levergun.

Anyway, tell me what you think

I/ve never owned one of these rifles. I've seen them around. But IMO, if it has the Ruger name on it, you can count on it being a well made solid firearm. There are some aspects of Ruger firearms that I don't particularly like but I can't argue the fact that they are well made. Every Ruger I have owned - pistol, revolver, rifle - has never failed me.
I'd say if you want it - get it.

I had one for a short time. Loved the rifle but easn't nuts about the .44 round. I found it didn't do a great job and almost never gave me pass throughs. Killed the deer but there are better rounds for our large Ontario deer.

it is one compact fun gun. has little kick and now that hornady has the leverevolution ammo should add to the versatility. i re-load for mine using the 300gr. hornady xtp-s and it did a fine job on black bear too.

I thought it would be a neat little gun and really don't want to push it past 50 maybe 75 yards. Really want to know what, if any, are the down sides to this handy little carbine? My dad is looking for a companion to his Ruger Super Redhawk for hog hunting and brush hunting deer. I know the capabilities of the 44 mag, just want to know some opinions on the 96-44. Also since I don't reload, I was planning to use the buffalo bore heavy 44 magnum loads. They claim their loads to be good on game up to 1000 lbs.
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#44