Tactical 22s: A New Class of Rifles
(15 Photos)
Mimicking guns such as the AR-15, HK MP5 and SIG 550, tactical look-alikes in .22 LR are more common than ever. From the article "Tactical .22s"
Posted by: Hannele Lahti
Ruger SR-22
Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “Setting too good an example is a kind of slander seldom forgiven.” In other words, it’s hard to beat the time-tested Ruger 10/22, much to the chagrin of other manufacturers. Ruger essentially combined the decades-old 10/22 action with a Nordic Components chassis to re-create the ergonomics and features (particularly the flash suppressor) of its SR-556 AR-style rifle. The M4-style, six-position buttstock and Hogue monogrip allow the same length of pull, drop-at-comb and grip angle of the SR-556, yet the controls are still 100 percent 10/22. These include the cross-bolt safety, charging handle, bolt catch and extended magazine release. The cylindrical, aluminum fore-end is drilled and tapped to accept Picatinny rails on the top, bottom and sides, and the rails are available from Ruger for about $15 each.
The gun exhibited exceptional accuracy, especially with the CCI Tactical ammunition; two of the five 10-shot groups were dime-size. The trigger was especially wide and comfortable, and it broke cleanly at about 6 lbs. As expected there were no stoppages or malfunctions. The gun’s 10-round, rotary magazine is known for its dependability; however, it has a relatively low capacity and it is time-consuming to load when compared with those from Colt, HK, ATI and S&W, all of which load rounds in staggered columns and feature load-assist buttons. There are speed loaders available for 10/22 magazines, however, and the gun accepts aftermarket, extended magazines.
For proponents who hold the 10/22 above other .22 Long Rifle semi-automatic systems, this gun should live up to expectations—of course, it falls short of being a proper AR-training gun. So it is essentially a cool, comfortable, highly accessorized 10/22 —with the reputation for reliability, accuracy and adaptability it deserves.
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.; (603) 865-2442; www.ruger.com
Receiver: aluminum
Barrel: 16.1"
Rifling: six-groove, 1:16" RH twist
Magazine: 10-round rotary detachable
Sights: Picatinny rail
Trigger Pull: two-stage; 5 lbs., 14 ozs.
Stock: six-position adjustable, black synthetic: length of pull, 10"-13"; drop at heel, 1½"; drop at comb, 1½"
Overall Length: 32¾"-36"
Weight: 6 lbs., 10 ozs.
Accessories: owner’s manual, lock
Suggested Retail Price: $625
