The Ruger 10/22 is a series of
semi-automatic rifle
A semi-automatic rifle is an autoloading rifle that fires a single cartridge with each pull of the trigger, and uses part of the fired cartridge's energy to eject the case and load another cartridge into the chamber. For comparison, a bolt-a ...
s produced by
American firearm manufacturer
Sturm, Ruger & Co., chambered for the
.22 Long Rifle
The .22 Long Rifle or simply .22 LR or 22 (metric designation: 5.6×15mmR) is a long-established variety of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition originating from the United States. It is used in a wide range of rifles, pistols, revolvers, smo ...
rimfire cartridge
Cartridge may refer to:
Objects
* Cartridge (firearms), a type of modern ammunition
* ROM cartridge, a removable component in an electronic device
* Cartridge (respirator), a type of filter used in respirators
Other uses
* Cartridge (surname), a ...
. It uses a patented 10-round
rotary magazine
A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device for a repeating firearm, either integral within the gun (internal/fixed magazine) or externally attached (detachable magazine). The magazine functions by holding several cartridges withi ...
, though higher capacity
box magazine
A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device for a repeating firearm, either integral within the gun (internal/fixed magazine) or externally attached (detachable magazine). The magazine functions by holding several cartridges with ...
s are also available. The standard
carbine
A carbine ( or ) is a long gun that has a barrel shortened from its original length. Most modern carbines are rifles that are compact versions of a longer rifle or are rifles chambered for less powerful cartridges.
The smaller size and lighte ...
version of the Ruger 10/22 has been in production continuously since 1964,
[Wood, J.B., ''Firearms Assembly / Disassembly Part III: Rimfire Rifles Revised Edition'', DBI Books, 1994, p.331] making it one of the most successful rimfire rifle designs in history, with numerous
third party manufacturers making parts and accessories for upgrading and customization. The 10/22's
aftermarket is so prolific that a complete 10/22 can be built without using any Ruger-made components.
A
magnum version of the 10/22, known as the 10/22 Magnum, chambered for the
.22 WMR cartridge, was made from 1998 to 2006. A
.17 HMR
.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, commonly known as the .17 HMR, is a rimfire rifle cartridge developed by Hornady in 2002. It was developed by necking down a .22 Magnum case to take a .17 caliber (4.5 mm) projectile. Commonly loaded with a 1 ...
version, the 10/17, was announced in 2004, but was only listed in the catalog for two years.
Uses and customization
![Ruger-1022-Custom-Tactical](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Ruger-1022-Custom-Tactical.jpg)
The 10/22 is popular for small-game hunters and those who want an inexpensive rifle for firing inexpensive ammunition for target and
plinking
Plinking refers to informal target shooting done for pleasure, typically at non-standard targets such as tin cans, logs, bottles, or any other homemade or naturally occurring target.
Practice
In contrast to shooting done at established targe ...
use.
[50 Years Of Ruger Genius]
Guns Magazine, Sept, 1999 by Clair Rees This popularity has led to many after-market modifications being available to improve performance, augment the rifle's looks, or increase its magazine capacity, making the 10/22 one of the most customizable firearms ever made.
Custom manufacturers also make "clones" of the 10/22, which are similar in design (most parts will interchange) but built to much higher specifications and costs. The 10/22 barrel uses a unique two-screw, V-block system to attach the barrel to the receiver, allowing for removal or replacement of the barrel, which would ordinarily require the work of a gunsmith.
Variations
![Ruger 10 22 International](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/ba/Ruger_10_22_International.png)
The 10/22 is available in a wide variety of configurations. In 2015, the Ruger 10/22 came in 11 different models, not counting distributor exclusives. The Carbine came in three models; the Tactical, Takedown and Target each had two models; the Sporter and Compact each had one model. The discontinued ''10/22 International'' model was fitted with a
Mannlicher stock. Standard barrel lengths are 20" in the ''10/22 Rifle'', 18" in the ''10/22 Carbine'', and 16" in the ''10/22 Compact Rifle'' which is also fitted with a shorter stock. All .22
Long Rifle versions use an
aluminum
Aluminium (aluminum in American and Canadian English) is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. Aluminium has a density lower than those of other common metals, at approximately one third that of steel. It ha ...
receiver, while the discontinued .22 Magnum version used a
steel receiver with integral scope bases.
10/22 Carbine
Standard model with 18.5" barrel. Offered with hardwood or black synthetic stocks, black alloy, or stainless steel receivers and a model fitted with LaserMax laser sight.
10/22 Target
Target shooting model with heavy 20" bull barrel with no iron sights.
10/22 Target Lite
Introduced in 2018 the Target Lite is similar to the Target model but with a laminate thumbhole stock.
10/22 Compact
Compact rifle with 16.12" barrel.
10/22 Sporter
A model with 18.5", alternatively 20" or 22", barrel and checkered walnut stock with sling swivels.
10/22 Tactical
A model with 16.12" fitted with a flash suppressor. Also offered with 16.12" heavy target barrel with Hogue OverMolded stock fitted with bipod.
10/22 Competition
The 10/22 Competition rifle has a hard-coat anodized, CNC-machined receiver made from heat-treated and stress relieved 6061-T6511 aluminum. The receiver incorporates a rear cleaning port and an integral, optics-ready 30 MOA Picatinny rail. The rifle also has an enhanced semi-auto chamber, BX-Trigger, heat-treated and nitrided CNC-machined match bolt, 16-1/8" cold hammer-forged bull free-floating barrel which is fluted to reduce weight and dissipate heat and is also threaded with a 1/2"-28 pattern to accommodate the included muzzle brake or other barrel accessories.
50th Anniversary Rifle
In 2014 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ruger 10/22 a contest was held to design an anniversary model. The winning design by public vote has a stainless steel 18.5" threaded barrel with flash suppressor, a lightweight black synthetic stock with interchangeable stock modules, a picatinny rail and ghost-ring adjustable rear sight.
Collector's Series
A limited-edition 50th Anniversary Collector's Series Carbine model was offered in 2014. It had a black alloy receiver with "1964-2014" special markings, 18.5" barrel, fiber optic sights, and a 25-round magazine.
Collector's Series Second Edition
In June 2015, Ruger announced a limited Second Edition of the Collector's Series 10/22 carbine. It features a dark grey version of Ruger's Modular Stock System found on the Ruger American Rimfire rifle, a protected non-glare blade front sight, ghost ring adjustable rear aperture sight, and a Picatinny rail.
VLEH Target Tactical Rifle
In 2009 Ruger also announced the ''Target Tactical Rifle'' model, a hybrid of the 10/22T and
Ruger M77 Hawkeye Tactical rifle. V - ''Varmint'' barrel, L - ''Law'' + E - ''Enforcement'' model, H - ''Hogue'' stock.
10/22 Takedown
On March 28, 2012, Ruger introduced the 10/22 Takedown model.
This model disassembles into barrel and action/buttstock components. It is shipped in a backpack style case that has room for the rifle, ammunition, and accessories. The MSRP is higher than the basic carbine models. The standard Takedown model has a brushed aluminum receiver made to resemble stainless steel and 18.5" barrel with a black synthetic stock. Also offered in a black alloy receiver and 16.12" threaded barrel with a flash suppressor or with a threaded, fluted target barrel.
10/22 Takedown Lite
The Takedown Lite models are similar to the other Takedown models but has a lightweight target barrel design.
SR-22 Rifle
![Ruger SR-22 - Independence Day 2022-05-05 IZE-003](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Ruger_SR-22_-_Independence_Day_2022-05-05_IZE-003.jpg)
In 2009, Ruger released the ''SR-22 Rifle'' model, a 10/22 receiver embedded in a
chassis that mimics the dimensions of an
AR-15
An AR-15-style rifle is any lightweight semi-automatic rifle based on the Colt AR-15 design. The original ArmaLite AR-15 is a scaled-down derivative of Eugene Stoner's ArmaLite AR-10 design. The then Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporatio ...
style rifle such as their own
SR-556. The SR-22 Rifle uses standard 10/22 rotary magazines, in addition to most aftermarket 10/22 magazines. The positions of the magazine release, the safety and the charging handle are all more similar to a standard 10/22 than an AR-15. The SR-22 Rifle competes directly with other AR-15 style rimfire rifles such as those made by
Colt
Colt(s) or COLT may refer to:
*Colt (horse), an intact (uncastrated) male horse under four years of age
People
* Colt (given name)
*Colt (surname)
Places
*Colt, Arkansas, United States
*Colt, Louisiana, an unincorporated community, United States ...
and
Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (S&W) is an American firearm manufacturer headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States.
Smith & Wesson was founded by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson as the "Smith & Wesson Revolver Company" in 1856 ...
. The SR-22 rifle boasts an aluminium handguard, adjustable six position stock, and a top receiver rail. Threaded holes on the handguard provide the customization of optional attachment rails.
22 Charger Pistol
![Ruger Charger with Swift pistol scope](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Ruger_Charger_with_Swift_pistol_scope.jpg)
The ''22 Charger'' pistol, first introduced in late 2007, is a
pistol based on the 10/22 action. The 22 Charger originally came with a black laminated wood pistol stock with forend, a matte blued heavy barrel, a
bipod
A bipod is a V-shaped portable attachment that helps support and steady a device, usually a weapon such as a long gun or a mortar. The term comes from the Latin prefix ''bi-'' and Greek root ''pod'', meaning "two" and "foot" respectively.
Bip ...
, and a
Weaver style scope base in lieu of iron sights. Overall length is just under , making it quite large for a handgun. As it has an included bipod it is likely to be used from a shooting bench or table. The bipod attaches to a sling swivel on the stock fore-end and is easily removable. Due to technical features, such as the magazine being outside the pistol grip, the Charger is not legally available in some U.S. states. The 22 Charger was later discontinued. It was reintroduced in December 2014, with a brown laminate stock with a M16A2 style pistol grip, 10-inch threaded barrel, picatinny rail, 15-round magazine and adjustable bipod. At the same time a "Takedown" model was introduced with a green laminate stock. Both models were later offered from September 2015 with black polymer stocks.
10/22 Magnum
The 10/22 Magnum was produced from 1998–2006 and was chambered for the
.22 Magnum
The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, also called .22 WMR, .22 Magnum, .22 WMRF, .22 MRF, or .22 Mag, is a rimfire cartridge. Originally loaded with a bullet weight of delivering velocities in the range from a rifle barrel, .22 WMR is now loaded ...
cartridge.
10/17
The 10/17 was announced in 2004 and was chambered for the
.17 HMR
.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, commonly known as the .17 HMR, is a rimfire rifle cartridge developed by Hornady in 2002. It was developed by necking down a .22 Magnum case to take a .17 caliber (4.5 mm) projectile. Commonly loaded with a 1 ...
cartridge.
Modifications
![Ruger-1022-CTT](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Ruger-1022-CTT.jpg)
A wide variety of aftermarket modification kits are offered for the 10/22, including conversions to
bullpup configuration and cosmetic alterations to replicate the appearance of weapons like the
M1 Carbine
The M1 carbine (formally the United States Carbine, Caliber .30, M1) is a lightweight semi-automatic carbine that was a standard firearm for the U.S. military during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. The M1 carbine was produced ...
,
Thompson submachine gun
The Thompson submachine gun (also known as the "Tommy Gun", "Chicago Typewriter", "Chicago Piano", “Trench Sweeper” or "Trench Broom") is a blowback-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed selective-fire submachine gun, invented by United Sta ...
,
FN P90
The FN P90 is a compact 5.7×28mm personal defense weapon designed and manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium. It can also be considered a submachine gun. Created in response to NATO requests for a replacement for 9×19mm Parabellum firearms, th ...
, and
AR-15
An AR-15-style rifle is any lightweight semi-automatic rifle based on the Colt AR-15 design. The original ArmaLite AR-15 is a scaled-down derivative of Eugene Stoner's ArmaLite AR-10 design. The then Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporatio ...
.
AWC Ultra II
![AWCUltraII](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/AWCUltraII.jpg)
The ''AWC Ultra II'' is a modified version of the Ruger 10/22 made by AWC Systech and has an integrally-suppressed shortened barrel. The
sound suppressor
A silencer, also known as a sound suppressor, suppressor, or sound moderator, is a muzzle device that reduces the acoustic intensity of the muzzle report (sound of a gunshot) and muzzle rise when a gun (firearm or air gun) is discharged, b ...
encloses a ported stainless barrel and is made of 300 series stainless steel having a 1" diameter which closely resembles a
bull barrel. The barrel length is 16.5" with an overall weapon length of 34" and the weight is 6 lbs. Due to the integral suppressor, this model is a
Title II weapon
Title II weapons, or NFA firearms, are designations of certain weapons under the United States National Firearms Act (NFA).
These are weapons requiring a Type 01 Federal Firearms License (FFL) as well as a Class 3 Special Occupation Tax (SOT) t ...
in the U.S.
AT 10/22 QD
The ''AT 10/22 QD'' is a short-barreled modified version of the 10/22 made by
Arms Tech Limited. It features a six-inch barrel, a folding stock, and is designed to accept Arms Tech's own QD-223 suppressor. It comes in at a mere 5 pounds without the suppressor. Due to its extremely short barrel, it is considered a Title II weapon in the U.S.
Copies
AMT Lightning 25/22
The
AMT Lightning 25/22
The AMT Lightning 25/22 was a .22 LR-caliber semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Arcadia Machine & Tool (AMT).
As is alluded to in the nomenclature, the Lightning 25/22 is functionally a clone of the Ruger 10/22 with the substitution of a larger ...
was a .22 LR-caliber semi-automatic rifle manufactured by
Arcadia Machine & Tool (AMT). The Lightning 25/22 is functionally a clone of the Ruger 10/22 with the substitution of a larger 25-round magazine instead of the 10-round magazine used by Ruger.
Winchester Wildcat
The Winchester Wildcat is a .22 LR-caliber semi-automatic rifle manufacture for Winchester by Silah in Turkey.
Thompson/Center T/CR22
The Thompson/Center T/CR22 is a .22 LR-caliber clone of the Ruger 10/22 semi-automatic rifle manufactured by
Thompson/Center Arms
Thompson/Center Arms was an American firearms company based in Springfield, Massachusetts. The company was best known for its line of interchangeable-barrel, single-shot pistols and rifles. Thompson/Center also manufactures muzzle-loading rifle ...
.
Bergara BXR
The Bergara BXR is a .22 LR-caliber clone of the Ruger 10/22 semi-automatic rifle manufactured by Bergara in Spain.
Magazines
![Ruger Clip](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Ruger_Clip.JPG)
There are many types of magazines for the Ruger 10/22. The standard 10/22 ships with a black 10-round polymer
rotary magazine
A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device for a repeating firearm, either integral within the gun (internal/fixed magazine) or externally attached (detachable magazine). The magazine functions by holding several cartridges withi ...
, the BX-1. Ruger has also introduced a transparent
polycarbonate version ("40th-anniversary edition") of the BX-1 called the BX-1CLR, as well as a 1-round version for training and a 5-round version for states or countries that restrict magazine capacities. In 2011–2012, Ruger came out with the BX-25, a curved 25-round
box magazine
A magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device for a repeating firearm, either integral within the gun (internal/fixed magazine) or externally attached (detachable magazine). The magazine functions by holding several cartridges with ...
with a black composite frame and steel feed lips, as well as the 15-round BX-15 box magazine for states that restrict magazine capacities. Aftermarket options include 25-, 30-, and 50-round box magazines; 50-round teardrop-shaped rotary magazines, and 50- and 110-round
drum magazines.
The standard BX-1 rotary magazine stores the cartridges in a
cogwheel-like holder, rather than stacked as seen in a box magazine. This allows the magazine to be compact and fit flush into the rifle without protruding from the stock at the natural balance point for one-handed carry. The
bolt of the rifle pushes a cartridge from the metal feeding lip of the magazine with each shot, allowing the next cartridge to feed into place. The rotary magazine is also used by the Ruger's
American Rimfire series
bolt-action rifle
Bolt-action is a type of manual firearm action that is operated by ''directly'' manipulating the bolt via a bolt handle, which is most commonly placed on the right-hand side of the weapon (as most users are right-handed).
Most bolt-action ...
s, as well as the 10/22-footprinted "Summit" toggle-action rifles produced by Primary Weapon Systems/Vorquartsen.
Not all Ruger 10/22 magazines are interchangeable, and firing a magazine with the wrong type of ammunition can result in a malfunction.
Military users
*: The Ruger 10/22 has seen limited use by the
Israel Defense Forces in the
Israeli–Palestinian conflict as a "less than lethal" weapon for security and crowd or "riot" control purposes in the
Palestinian territories
The Palestinian territories are the two regions of the former British Mandate for Palestine that have been militarily occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War of 1967, namely: the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip. The ...
. The IDF uses a modified carbine rifle version with a scope and a suppressor, which would allow for silent operation with no loud noises to indicate the shot’s origin.
The use of the rifle by the IDF as a less lethal weapon has been (and remains) controversial. In 2001, its use as a less lethal weapon was banned by the
Military Advocate General
The Military Advocate General (MAG Corps') ( he, הפרקליטות הצבאית, ''HaParklitut HaTzva'it'') is responsible for implementing the rule of law within the Israel Defense Forces. The unit's objectives include integrating the rule of ...
Menachem Finkelstein
Menachem Finkelstein was Israel's Military Advocate General from 2000 to 2004, during the height of the Second Intifada.
Finkelstein was born in 1951 and received an Orthodox Jewish upbringing. He passed the Israeli bar exam in 1976. He served ...
, but in 2009, it was reintroduced to service. It has since continued to be responsible for multiple fatalities, especially among younger Palestinians, with the latest victim having been killed in December 2020.
"The 'Ruger' has killed another 13-year-old Palestinian. What else is new?"
(Hebrew), ''Yedioth Ahronoth
''Yedioth Ahronoth'' ( he, יְדִיעוֹת אַחֲרוֹנוֹת, ; lit. ''Latest News'') is a national daily newspaper published in Tel Aviv, Israel. Founded in 1939 in British Mandatory Palestine, ''Yedioth Ahronoth'' is the largest paid n ...
'', December 6, 2020.
See also
* Intratec TEC-22, a pistol made by Intratec
Intratec was a firearm company based in Miami, Florida. The company's most famous product was the TEC-9.
History
Intratec began as Interdynamic USA, an offshoot of Swedish firearms manufacturer Interdynamic AB. As a result of the lack of a com ...
that feeds from 10/22 magazines
* USFA ZiP .22, another pistol made by U.S. Fire Arms Manufacturing Company that feeds from 10/22 magazines
References
*
*
External links
Official website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ruger 10 22
.22 LR semi-automatic rifles
10 22
Rotary magazine firearms