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The Ruger 10/22 is a semi-automatic rimfire rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle. It has a removable 10-round (or 5-round) rotary magazine which allows the magazine to fit flush with the bottom of the stock. A magnum version is also available, which shoots the .22 WMR cartridge. The standard version has been in production since 1964, the Magnum version since 1998.
Variations
The 10/22 is available in a wide variety of configurations. Wooden stocks are available in standard, deluxe versions and International versions, in addition to laminated wood and black synthetic. The standard "Carbine" barrel length is 18 1/2 inches, while the "Rifle" version has a 20 inch barrel, and the "Compact Rifle" has a 16 1/8 inch barrel, and a shorter stock. A target model is also available with a 20 inch bull barrel with no sights. The .22 Long Rifle version uses an aluminum receiver, while the .22 WMR version uses a steel receiver with integral scope bases.
Uses and customization
The 10/22 is very popular for small-game hunters, and among those who just like to plink or target shoot. This popularity has led to many after-market modifications being available to improve performance, augment the rifle's looks, or increase its magazine capacity. Custom manufacturers also make "clones" of the 10/22, which are similar in design (most parts will interchange) but built to much higher tolerances and costs. The 10/22 has an easily-removed barrel, which would require a gunsmith's work with most other rifles. This, when combined with the simple construction of the rest of the components, means that the average person can easily replace any part in the gun with nothing more than a screwdriver and an allen wrench.
In fact, every part of the 10/22 can be purchased from aftermarket makers, and it is possible to spend many times the original cost of the gun buying aftermarket parts. It is thus easily possible to increase the accuracy, action reliability, and trigger pull. Some owners also purchase aftermarket cosmetic kits and stocks: there are some excellent products around.
The image at right shows two 10/22 carbines, the top one in nearly stock form (a 4 power magnification scope has been added, using the factory supplied scope base) and the bottom one in highly modified form. The modified version includes an 18 inch steel bull barrel, a muzzle brake, a laminated wood silhouette style stock, and a red dot sight, in addition to internal modifications to the trigger group to improve the trigger characteristics. See the entry on accurizing for more information on the reasons for these modifications.
Specifications
| Caliber: | .22 LR |
| Capacity: | 10 Rounds |
| Finish: | Stainless, blued, camo |
| Stock: | Hardwood, laminate, black or camo composite |
| Barrel Length: | 16 1/8", 18½" or 20" (410, 470 or 508 mm) |
| Groove: | 6 |
| Twist: | 1:16" (406 mm) RH |
| Overall Length: | 34", 37" or 38½" (864, 940 or 978 mm) |
| Weight: | 4½ to 7½ lb (2 to 3.4 kg) |
| Front Sight(s): | Blade (all but Target model) |
| Rear Sight(s): | Adjustable (all but Target model) |
| Additional accessories: | Scope base (all models), integral laser sight (some models, new 2006) |
Magnum model:
| Caliber: | .22 WMR |
| Capacity: | 9 Rounds |
| Finish: | Blued |
| Stock: | Hardwood |
| Barrel Length: | 18½" (470 mm) |
| Groove: | 6 |
| Twist: | 1:14" (109 mm) RH |
| Overall Length: | 37¼" (946 mm) |
| Weight: | 6½ lb (2.9 kg) |
| Front Sight(s): | Blade |
| Rear Sight(s): | Adjustable |
"Ruger 10/22"