The Ruger Model 96 is a series of lever-action rifles produced by Sturm, Ruger & Co.. They featured a short-throw lever action, cross button safety and a visible cocking lever. The 4 different variants of the Model 96 represented the four calibers the rifle came in: 96/17 for .17 HMR, 96/22 for .22LR, 96/22M for .22 Magnum and 96/44 for .44 Magnum. All four models had a hard wood stock.