Gun Review: The Ruger 10/22 Rifle

The first choice among many shooters for an affordable and reliable .22 caliber rifle is the Ruger model 10/22. Having been in production since the 60's the rifle is part of firearms history and continues to be popular to this day. It is one of the best selling .22lr rifles in the market.

It is a semi-automatic rifle that usually comes with a standard 10 round magazine. Prices can range from the low hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the configuration. The lowest price stock model is good enough for most people's needs. If one wants to do competitive shooting or to just have a tricked out rifle they can attach match grade barrels, receivers, triggers, and an almost endless supply of accessories.

The factory stats for the standard model are as follows:

Caliber: .22 LR
Capacity: 10 Rounds
Finish: Blued
Stock: Hardwood
Barrel Length: 18 1/2"
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:16" RH
Overall Length: 37"
Weight: 5 1/4 lbs
Front Sight(s): Blade
Rear Sight(s): Adjustable
Other Features: Cross Bolt Safety
Suggested Retail Price: $ 250.00

The basic edition is a carbine which is fun to use for plinking and target practice. It can be scoped and used for small game/varmint hunting. Accuracy of the rifle depends on the shooter and the particular loadings. Standard high velocity or match grade rounds tend to have the best accuracy. Hyper velocity rounds using low weight bullets such as the Stinger made by CCI can be somewhat erratic but can do the job. Velocitor rounds performed quite well and keep their power down range.

The iron sights are standard adjustable with some of the newer models coming out with fiber optic sights. The stock on the tested model is made of walnut and the steel is blued. Ruger does make synthetic models witch can be attached with a rubberized synthetic stock to make the rifle more weather proof. These models will command a higher price tag though.

Disassembly is pretty simple, one only having to remove a screw on the bottom of the stock and to pull a latch around the trigger. Doing a full field strip however can be tricky if one is not familiar with this rifle. It took me some time reassembling the receiver and there are small parts which can spring out on you. Yet, with practice the takedown and reassembly of this rifle can be done more efficiently.

Ruger does make a .22 magnum model 10/22 which according to Ruger "incorporates a rugged steel receiver with integral scope mounts and free Ruger medium height scope rings." They also note that "the .22 Magnum model holds nine rounds and features an 18 1/2" barrel." I have not fired the .22 Mag model so I cannot really comment on it. One thing to note though is that .22 Mag rounds can be considerably more expensive than .22 long rifle rounds. However, if you are looking for more power the magnum may suit your needs.

Some of the accessories you may be interested in are the high capacity magazines which may be legal in your state and the bull pup or folding stocks. I believe that the federal Clinton gun ban ended a few years ago and some of these features may now be legal to use. Check with your state and federal laws to make sure though.

Ruger rifles are well made and affordable. I have never had serious issues with any of the Ruger firearms I have used. Shop around for the best prices on a model 10/22 because prices can fluctuate even on the same model depending on the dealer. If your local Wal-Mart still sells firearms that may be a place to find the lowest cost 10/22. That is where I bought mine. Also check with your local gun shop as they may have a used one for even cheaper. I don't think you could go wrong with a 10/22. Try one out at the range and see if it is the right rifle for you.