Today, we’re celebrating an absolute icon — the Ruger 10/22 — a rifle that’s been around for over 50 years and still remains one of the most popular and beloved firearms ever made.
Main Themes:
Longevity and Popularity.
Over 5 million sold — and for good reason.
The Ruger 10/22 is reliable, simple, accurate, and affordable — making it a true staple for everyone from first-time shooters to seasoned collectors.
“It’s just a ton of fun to shoot and infinitely customizable.”
Customization King.
The 10/22 has arguably the biggest aftermarket of any rifle out there.
Stocks
Triggers
Barrels
Magazines
You name it — you can change it.
“There’s no limit to what you can put on a 10/22.”
Versatility at its Finest.
This isn’t just a plinker — although it excels at that.
It’s great for hunting small game, target practice, training, and even specialized law enforcement use in some cases.
Low recoil, lightweight, and tons of fun — it’s the perfect training rifle, especially for kids or new shooters.
Ease of Use and Maintenance.
The 10/22 is simple to disassemble, easy to clean, and forgiving to work on.
It runs well on most bulk .22LR ammo, although you’ll want to keep it clean since .22LR is notoriously dirty.
Magazine Options and Variations.
Comes standard with a 10-round rotary mag (incredibly reliable).
Factory 25-round Ruger mags are also available — and work great.
Tons of aftermarket mags too, but not all are created equal.
Ruger also offers specialized models:
Compact versions
Takedown models
The SR-22 (AR-style)
The Charger pistol
There’s a 10/22 for just about every setup and shooting style.
Quick Specs Recap:
Weight: ~4.5 pounds (synthetic stock version)
Barrel: 18.5 inches (standard)
Action: Semi-auto blowback
Capacity: 10+1 standard, up to 30+ with extended mags
Caliber: .22 LR
Safety: Cross-bolt safety, lock, and chamber flag included
Cautions and Criticisms:
Dirty ammo can cause reliability issues — regular cleaning is a must.
Bolt doesn’t hold open after the last round — something newer shooters should be aware of.
Sling mounting isn’t standard on basic models — can be an easy upgrade though.
Ammo mixing warning — always double-check your ammo! A wrong round could damage the rifle and injure the shooter.
Bottom Line:
The Ruger 10/22 is the gold standard for a semi-auto .22 rifle.
Affordable, versatile, endlessly customizable — it’s the rifle you buy once and keep forever.
Whether you’re introducing a new shooter to firearms or just want a fun, accurate rifle for yourself, the 10/22 absolutely belongs in your collection.
