The Ruger 22LR Rifle is a class for a reason. It was released in 2012 with the intent of premium performance at a price that doesn’t break the bank for the average citizen. It is 100% U.S. made and it’s small, swift, and effective. It’s a great first rifle for young shooters given its modality and lightweight model. It is also highly recommended for hunters given the lightness of it making it easy to carry around for long periods of time. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Accuracy & Reliability
The first thing on any potential consumer’s mind is the accuracy and reliability of the gun. The accuracy is pretty great. Even with crazy wind or weather, a competent shooter should be able to keep 10 shots from about 50 yds within 2” of each other. The great accuracy of this rifle helps to teach young shooters great accuracy and continue to stoke their enthusiasm for learning.
Given this rifle is excellent for hunters, the reliability is one of the best. There are absolutely zero failures to fire no matter the environment the gun finds itself in. With a cold climate it is possible the trigger stales a little, but it is still completely workable. There are also reports of occasional fails to eject that cause double feeds, but these are super rare.
Modularity & Sights
This rifle is highly changeable to match the needs of the shooter, once again making it great for youngsters to change with them as they grow. The rifle comes with swappable stock pieces to change the pull of the trigger (compact low and high, and standard LOP low and high). There is also a changeable comb height. The bad part about the modality of the rifle is it’s lack of being cross-platform friendly. Minus the magazine (10 rounds), it is not very compatible with other rifles such as the 10/22.
The factory sights with this rifle are fiber optic in the front, great for midday or twilight, and dovetail in the back. Shooters love the front sights, but the rear sights tend to be less-than-popular with owners. The rear sights are dovetail rear sights which are mounted forward of the receiver meaning a shorter sight radius and diminished accuracy. Dovetails are also notoriously harder to use than a peep sight, enforcing the dislike among shooters.
Trigger & Safety
Along with a thumb safety located behind the trigger, the 22LR has a trigger bar safety too. The rifle will not fire unless the bar is engaged.
But the Ruger Marksman Trigger is one of the best parts of this rifle. Measuring at 3lbs the trigger has no slack or creep. It is said to feel like pressing your finger against a wall until the 3lbs is hit and the trigger breaks crisply. The other interesting aspect is this trigger is adjustable, helping it be great for youngsters. As they grow the trigger can adjust with them.
