By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2024
ABOUT RUGER
Sturm, Ruger & Company was founded by William B. Ruger and Alexander McCormick Sturm in 1949 in a small, rented machine shop in Southport, Connecticut.
In 1949, Bill Ruger duplicated two Japanese “baby” Nambu pistols in his garage from a pistol he acquired from a returning Marine near the end of World War II. Ruger copied the silhouette and bolt system of the Nambu for use with the Ruger Standard pistol, which eventually became the Mark IV. The Standard became so successful that it launched the entire company.
In 1964, Bill Ruger and Harry Sefried designed the 10/22/ rifle, and a legend was born. Ruger states that over 7 million 10/22 rifles have been produced to date in all configurations, making it the most popular rimfire semi-automatic rifle in the world.
The 10/22 rifle is so popular and has so many aftermarket parts and accessories that a complete 10/22 rifle can be assembled without using a single Ruger factory part!
Ruger now produces revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, and AR-pattern rifles and is one of the largest firearms manufacturers in the world.
THE 10/22 60TH ANNIVERSARY MODEL
In 2024, the 10/22 celebrates its 60th year in production with a 60th-anniversary carbine edition. Ruger spared no expense on this rifle, and it shows. This special edition features a 60th-anniversary marking on the bolt, and the charging handle and trigger are accented in red. The Ruger 10/22 is responsible for many firearms businesses that cater exclusively to this rifle.
THE RECEIVER & FURNITURE
The anniversary edition starts with a gray polymer Magpul Hunter X-22 stock, which features an adjustable length of pull, comb height, and ergonomic grip, a rubber buttpad and M-LOK slots for lights and lasers. The silver receiver bedded into the gray stock is an attractive combination, and the action is pure Ruger with the usual reliable performance. The rifle is optics-ready with a Picatinny rail as well as iron sights. Other features include positive cross-bolt safety, an extended magazine release not found on the standard model, and trigger housing made from high-tech materials for a precise fit and tolerance to the elements.
THE BOLT & BARREL
It features a monogrammed bolt with “60th Anniversary” engraved on the side, a cold hammer-forged stainless-steel barrel with a 1:16-inch twist that’s threaded ½ x 28, fitted with a factory M-16A2-style flash suppressor, with a satin finish.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Rimfire Rifle
Caliber: 22LR
Magazine Capacity: 10/30 Rounds
Front Sight: Protected Blade
Rear Sight: Adjustable Ghost Ring
Barrel Length: 18.5 Inches
Overall Length: 38.5 Inches
Weight: 5.7 Pounds
MSRP: $639
URL: www.ruger.com
THE VERDICT
With millions produced and used by hunters, plinkers, and competitors, the Ruger 10/22 is the OG of 22 rimfire rifles. Here’s your chance to pick up a special edition of this iconic rifle. It ships in a Collector’s Series box with a Sixth Edition Ruger Collector’s Series metal street sign and pin.
That’s all for now, folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism Counterstrategies, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, Soldier of Fortune, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Off Grid, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International.
Contact him at [email protected].