Hard on the heels of the Ruger Wrangler revolver, Ruger has introduced a more affordable version of the 10/22 self-loading rifle. The new rifle, SKU 31139, is intended to retail for less than $200. This is the same reliable 18.5-barrel 4.5-pound rifle as before, but without sights and a rather plain vanilla plastic stock. A sight rail is included.
The Ruger 10/22 falls into the sporting rifle, rather than target rifle, category. The rifle fires the affordable and useful .22 Long Rifle cartridge. For small game and informal target practice, as well as training, this is a popular rifle. It is also a popular rifle to upgrade with custom barrels and stocks.
This is a simple blowback action. Hammer and recoil spring pressure hold the bolt shut after firing until the bullet exits the barrel, releasing pressure and allowing the bolt to blow back, eject the spent cartridge, and strip a new round from the magazine. Each trigger press fires a single round. The action then resets the trigger.
The 10/22 is a rifle with a well-deserved reputation for reliability despite its affordable construction. The receiver and trigger guard are casting. A key feature of the rifle is the barrel. It is affixed to the receiver by a V block and two screws that lock the barrel into the receiver. This makes for easy barrel changing out to a bull barrel, threaded barrel, or target grade barrel.
The 10-shot magazine is encased in plastic. The steel magazine is a rotary-type, like the original Savage 99. This magazine is very reliable. Trouble with this type is practically unheard of. The original 10-round magazine may be replaced by 15- and 25-round X magazines. The only requirement for long term reliability is that the magazines be cleaned every 500 rounds or so.
The magazine is easily detached by means of a thumb latch. Late model 10/22 rifles feature an extended release that is very fast and easy to use. The rifle features a cross bolt safety and a lever to lock the bolt to the rear or release the bolt.
I have noted, in accuracy testing of many 10/22 rifles, that the Ruger has a tight chamber. It isn’t quite a Bentz chamber, which is a match grade chamber with less taper than a standard chamber. Just the same, a self-loading .22 benefits from a tighter chamber to reduce blowback and helps keep the chamber clean.
When you look at the design of the Ruger, with no locking lug, it is a wonder the rifle is so accurate. Yet, the action is full-length bedded in the stock. I would not kid you, the new 10/22 features what first appears as a cheap plastic stock, but the stock features light checkering in the right places, even on the butt bad. This works well in shooting drills. The stock allows an adult to properly handle the rifle, while teenagers are also able to handle the 10/22.
Since the rifle doesn’t have sights, I mounted a Burris Fast Fire red dot sight. I really like the Burris and the AF-type mount easily mounted on the Ruger’s top rail. This red dot is excellent for all around use. While it may be a bit expensive — costing about the same as the rifle to a little more — saving money on the rifle may mean you can spend more on optics.
There are inexpensive red dots and scopes that would also work fine with the Ruger. The Burris, however, has good features that make it a great choice. After mounting the Burris Fast Fire 3, I dryfired the rifle a few times before range work. The trigger breaks at 6 lbs, a bit heavier than I like, but smooth and crisp. I took along a good supply of the CCI Mini Mag and the new Federal Hunter Match ammunition as well as a stack of Ruger X magazines.
The Ruger 10/22 is famously reliable. I would have been surprised to find otherwise with the new version. While less costly than some, the action is the same as any Ruger 10/22. The Ruger was easily sighted in using the Fast Fires adjustments.
The rifle is fast, very fast on target. While I don’t recommend the .22 for personal defense, it has served, and a quality .22 self-loader isn’t the worst choice you could make.
I settled into a solid bench rest firing position and fired several five-shot groups at 25 yards. The CCI Mini Mag averaged 1.25 inches for three groups, the Federal Hunter Match load was more accurate with a group of 1.0-inch average. This was with the red dot dialed down to its lowest setting. These are excellent results. I find the Ruger 10/22 a great all-around rifle, and the new version gives shooters on a budget another option.
Do you own a Ruger 10/22? Which model is your favorite? What aftermarket accessories do you recommend? Share your answers in the comment section.
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I own 3 10/22s. One I bought in 1969 at the hardware store on the square in Cookeville, Tn.
Still shoot as good as ever and has had probably 30000 rounds through it. I have 2 more. One is the SS/black. Scoped.
The 3rd one is my play pretty. Plastic pistol grip and 24″ SS bull barrel. Little heavy but great fun.
Not so sure that this plain jane version is such a bargain – several of our local emporiums frequently have the base model on sale under $200 – and they have sights. You will pay a bit more (even on sale) for the take down model but ANY 10/22 is probably a keeper.
Full disclosure: shot my first one in 1970 and have never seen one fail for any reason. And no, I won’t say if I have any…………..:-)
“A key feature of the rifle is the barrel”.
Very interesting, I had not previously considered the barrel to be a ‘key feature’. I had always thought of the barrel as an accessory! \sarc\off
The key feature works together with the round leaving the barrel to release the pressure so the bolt can begin moving to the rear
I own 7 10/22’s,which is down from my high of 10!! I have an original first issue mannlicher,a later issue laminate mannlicher,both with leupold 2x7x28 vIi scopes. Also a take down with hogue stock,threaded bbl,dpi rail,,and leupold 2x7x28 scope in leupold qd rings. A hvy bbl takedown with dpi rail, threaded bbl,leupold 3x9x32 EF VXIISCOPE for precision work. Two original 1979,1981 sportsman models with walnut stocks and full metal original trigger package. Both wear leupold 2x7x28 rim fire vxII scopes on orig Ruger rails. Last a std carbine with full metal,bbl band,butt plate and trigger pack. All
my 10/22’s have had the volquartsen trigger package and auto bolt release added. I do not know of anyone who does not like the 10/22! I own CZ’S Marlins,Savage , Remington and Winchester .22’s…but I will always have a 10/22!
I got my 10/22 when I was twelve.
It now has every possible mod short of select fire.
I have mostly titanium inner parts, carbon barrel, folding stock and bipod.
I cut up an extra mini 14 barrel shroud/ heat shield so it looks one of a kind.
It’s so light I can shoot it like a pistol.
I have an older, all metal trigger group. Send it to Connecticut precision chambering. You’re welcome.
I think this might just work! Shoot robber 10x wait 5min call police hand over rifle…….hmmmmmm………might just work…….
I own two of these fun extremely reliable rifles. Can’t believe making the firearm more affordable, it’s already under $200…….what’s the point ?
How long has it been since you bought a 1022? there is no such thing as one under $200 anymore hasn’t been for a long time.
I have bought a few 10/22, I gave one to my brother it has an issue of light primer strikes then on about the fourth clearing it will slam fire. Once you get a slam fire gun will run fine for 50 rounds or more then you do it all over again until you get a slam fire. Never had that issue with my Marlin or any other gun for that matter.
The firing pin may be bent a touch which causes it to hang and protrude enough to strike the rim ending up in slam fire mode.
It sounds like what happened to one of mine that my son would dry fire sometimes out alone.
When I took it down for a complete cleaning I found they the firing pin was sticky to remove and was bent a touch. Replacing it and keeping it clean after every 500 rounds or so completely solved the issue.
I have a few 22’s and prefer the Marlin 60 over the 10/22 but the 10/22 is probably a touch more reliable and tolerant of neglect in cleaning but I think that the older marlin’s are more accurate. Not to say that the 10/22 is inaccurate but at longer ranges the marlin has taken more game. Just saying.
Personally I do not think any 22 should not have sights period. If your optics go down your screwed and can’t hit crap. If you have irons you will always have the means to hit what you need to.
And for being more affordable under $200 there are plenty of 10/22’s with sights being sold for under $200 on sale you just have to look. So so much for that sales pitch.
If I could only have one 22 it would be a 10/22 due to the fact that if it came down to a shtf situation the 10/22 is going to go bang every time and if it does not there are going to be a lot more parts and 10/22 you can scrounge than any other rifle except for the AR most likely.
Just my thoughts for what there worth.
I got my fist 10/22 when I was 56…always been a Marlin fan myself…but I gave it a try. Got the heavy stainless steel, spiral, target barrel with the black laminate stock. It’s a really accurate gun, it shoots as good as my Marlin 880SQ. That was hard to believe!