The Ruger 10/22 Rifle: An Unparalleled Icon

The Ruger 10/22 rifle stands as an unparalleled icon in the world of rimfire firearms, representing the absolute benchmark for .22 caliber performance and a cherished tradition that spans decades. Since its introduction in 1964, Ruger has proudly sold millions of these rifles, solidifying its status as America's favorite .22 LR rifle. This enduring popularity is a testament to its proven reliability, exceptional versatility, and user-friendly design, making it an indispensable tool for a wide spectrum of shooting applications.

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the shooting sports, the Ruger 10/22 offers a perfect blend of performance and approachability. It excels in informal target shooting, providing a platform for honing marksmanship skills without the high cost or recoil associated with larger calibers. For those seeking relaxed afternoons at the range, its reputation as the ultimate plinking rifle is well-earned, delivering endless hours of enjoyment. Beyond leisure, its precision and lightweight design make it ideally suited for small game hunting, offering an effective and ethical tool for bagging rabbits, squirrels, and other small game. Furthermore, its rapid semi-automatic action and vast customization potential make it a formidable contender in various action-shooting events, where speed and accuracy are paramount.

Why the Ruger 10/22 is the Ultimate Rimfire Rifle

Many shooters often ask, "What's the best rifle for a beginner?" or "Which .22LR rifle offers the most value?" The answer frequently points to the Ruger 10/22. Its fundamental design principles prioritize ease of use, robust construction, and a legendary ability to function reliably, shot after shot. This particular model, with its distinct specifications, enhances that foundational excellence, offering a compelling package for diverse needs.

• Ideal for Training and Skill Development: For new shooters, the low recoil and affordable ammunition of the .22LR make the Ruger 10/22 an excellent training platform. It allows individuals to focus on fundamental shooting mechanics – stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control – without being distracted by heavy recoil or loud muzzle blast. Experienced shooters also benefit, using it for cost-effective practice to maintain proficiency. The intuitive controls and familiar semi-automatic operation mirror larger caliber rifles, making it a natural progression for skill transfer.
• Perfect for Relaxed Plinking Sessions: There’s nothing quite like the joy of plinking with a .22LR rifle. The high-capacity magazine, combined with the rifle's inherent reliability, means more time shooting and less time reloading. Target practice against tin cans, reactive targets, or paper at various distances becomes an engaging and accessible pastime. Its light weight ensures comfortable handling, even during extended shooting sessions.
• Reliable for Small Game Hunting: When it comes to pursuing small game, precision and quick follow-up shots are often key. The Ruger 10/22’s accuracy, paired with its semi-automatic action and generous capacity, makes it an exceptionally efficient and humane tool for ethical hunting. The 18.5-inch barrel provides an excellent balance of maneuverability in the field and sufficient length for consistent accuracy needed for small targets.
• A Contender in Action-Shooting Events: The speed and low recoil of the .22LR round, combined with the 25-round magazine capacity of this specific model, make it highly competitive in rimfire-specific action-shooting disciplines. Shooters can engage multiple targets rapidly, transition smoothly, and manage recoil effortlessly, giving them an edge in timed competitions.

Unpacking the Core Specifications: What Makes This Model Stand Out?

The Ruger 10/22 (SKU 21156, UPC 736676211562) embodies the classic attributes of the line while introducing unique features that enhance its appeal. Let's delve into what makes this rifle a top-tier choice:

• The Classic .22LR Caliber: Affordability and Accessibility: The heart of this rifle is its .22 Long Rifle (LR) chambering. This caliber is celebrated for its low cost, making it incredibly economical to practice, train, and plink without breaking the bank. Its minimal recoil is perfect for all ages and experience levels, fostering confidence and comfort. Furthermore, .22LR ammunition is widely available, ensuring you can always find supplies for your shooting endeavors.
• Semi-Automatic Action: Rapid Firing and User Comfort: The semi-automatic action is a hallmark of the 10/22. This mechanism allows for quick follow-up shots with each pull of the trigger, significantly enhancing the shooting experience, whether for sport, hunting, or training. The reliable rotary magazine feeds cartridges smoothly, contributing to the rifle's legendary dependability.
• Generous 25+1 Capacity: Extended Shooting Sessions: This particular model steps up the standard 10-round capacity with a robust 25-round magazine, plus one in the chamber. This extended capacity means fewer reloads and more continuous shooting enjoyment. It's particularly advantageous for action shooting events, plinking, or situations where rapid target engagement is desired, allowing for longer strings of fire before needing to pause.
• Durable Black Matte Finish: Protection and Aesthetics: The receiver and barrel are treated with a sleek Black Matte finish. This finish not only provides a discreet, non-reflective appearance but also offers enhanced protection against corrosion, scratches, and everyday wear and tear. It contributes to the rifle's overall ruggedness and longevity, ensuring it maintains its functional integrity and visual appeal over years of use.
• The Unique Davidson's Camo Synthetic Stock: Style Meets Resilience: One of the distinctive features of this Ruger 10/22 is its Synthetic/Davidson's Camo stock. Made from a durable synthetic material, the stock is impervious to the elements, resisting warping, cracking, and damage from moisture, unlike traditional wood stocks. This makes it an excellent choice for all-weather use, from damp forests to dusty ranges. The Davidson's Camo pattern provides a unique aesthetic that stands out, offering a distinctive look while also providing a degree of concealment in various outdoor environments. It's lightweight, contributing to the rifle's overall ease of handling and portability.
• Precision Sighting: Red Fiber Optic Front and Rear: The rifle comes equipped with highly visible Red Fiber Optic sights for both the front and rear. These modern sights gather ambient light, creating bright, easy-to-acquire aiming points, even in low-light conditions. This significantly improves target acquisition speed and accuracy over traditional iron sights, making it easier for shooters of all experience levels to get on target quickly and consistently. For many, these sights are all that's needed for effective shooting at common rimfire distances.
• Optimal 18.5" Barrel Length: Accuracy and Maneuverability: The 18.5-inch barrel strikes an excellent balance between accuracy potential and maneuverability. While longer barrels can sometimes yield marginally higher velocities, this length provides ample sight radius for precision shooting with iron sights and retains sufficient velocity for the .22LR cartridge's effective range. Its moderate length also makes the rifle easy to handle in tight spaces, transport, and quick to point, which is beneficial for both hunting in brush and navigating shooting lanes.
• Overall Length of 37": Balanced and Ergonomic Design: With an overall length of 37 inches, the Ruger 10/22 (SKU 21156) is designed for comfortable handling and excellent balance. This compact size makes it manageable for younger shooters, ideal for carrying in the field, and easy to store. The ergonomic design ensures a natural point of aim and comfortable shooting posture.

Enhancing Your Shooting Experience: Integrated Features

Beyond its core specifications, the Ruger 10/22 is renowned for its adaptability and features that enhance the user experience:

• Ready for Optics: The Included Scope Base Adapter: Recognizing that many shooters prefer the precision of optics, this model includes a factory-installed scope base adapter. This thoughtful addition allows for the immediate mounting of a wide variety of scopes or red dot sights without needing to purchase additional hardware. This feature ensures that the rifle can be quickly adapted for long-range target shooting, precision hunting, or competitive scenarios where magnified optics provide a distinct advantage.
• Customization Potential: The Aftermarket Ecosystem: One of the most significant advantages of the Ruger 10/22 platform is the unparalleled aftermarket support. A vast ecosystem of third-party accessories, parts, and upgrades exists, allowing owners to customize virtually every aspect of their rifle. From different stocks and barrels to advanced triggers and tactical accessories, the possibilities for personalization are nearly endless. This makes the 10/22 not just a rifle, but a hobby in itself, allowing shooters to tailor their firearm to their exact preferences and shooting disciplines. This extensibility ensures the rifle can grow with a shooter's evolving needs and interests.

Maintaining Your Ruger 10/22: Simple Care for Longevity

To ensure your Ruger 10/22 continues to deliver reliable performance for decades, routine maintenance is essential. The rifle's design facilitates relatively straightforward cleaning and care. Key steps include:

1. Safety First: Always ensure the rifle is unloaded and the chamber is clear before beginning any maintenance.
2. Disassembly: Follow the owner's manual for proper field stripping. The 10/22 is designed for simple breakdown.
3. Cleaning the Barrel: Use a bore snake or cleaning rod with appropriate brushes and patches, applying bore cleaner to remove lead and powder fouling.
4. Cleaning the Receiver and Bolt: Use a nylon brush and solvent to clean carbon and debris from the receiver area, bolt, and trigger group. Pay attention to areas where fouling can accumulate.
5. Lubrication: Apply a light coat of gun oil to moving parts, such as the bolt assembly and trigger components, to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust.
6. Reassembly: Reassemble the rifle according to the manual, ensuring all parts are correctly seated.

Consistent maintenance will preserve accuracy, prevent malfunctions, and extend the lifespan of your cherished firearm.

Who Should Consider the Ruger 10/22 (SKU 21156)?

This specific Ruger 10/22 model (UPC 736676211562) is an excellent choice for:

• First-time gun owners: Its ease of use and low recoil make it ideal for learning firearm safety and marksmanship fundamentals.
• Parents introducing children to shooting: Safe, manageable, and highly engaging for young enthusiasts under proper supervision.
• Casual plinkers: For those who enjoy affordable, high-volume shooting for fun.
• Small game hunters: Reliable and accurate for ethical harvesting of small game.
• Action shooting competitors: The high capacity and semi-auto action are highly advantageous in rimfire matches.
• Enthusiasts seeking a customizable platform: The vast aftermarket allows for endless personalization.
• Anyone looking for a dependable and iconic rimfire rifle: It's a proven design that simply works.

Why the Ruger 10/22 Continues to Be a Top Choice

The Ruger 10/22's legacy isn't just about sales figures; it's built on a foundation of trust, performance, and adaptability. It represents a firearm that can be passed down through generations, serving as a reliable companion for various outdoor and recreational pursuits. Its design is a masterclass in functional simplicity, ensuring reliability even under challenging conditions. For anyone seeking a versatile, durable, and enjoyable .22LR rifle, the Ruger 10/22 (SKU 21156) stands as a definitive recommendation, a truly exceptional product available at DEGuns.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model	10/22
Caliber	22LR
Action	Semi-Automatic
Capacity	25+1
Finish	Black Matte
Stock	Synthetic/Davidson's Camo
Sights	Front: Red Fiber Optic Rear: Red Fiber Optic
Barrel Length	18.5 inches
Overall Length	37 inches
Features	Scope Base Adapter
SKU	21156
UPC	736676211562