Late last year I was fortunate enough to visit Ruger’s factory in Newport, N.H., and get a preview of what the American gunmaker had in the pipeline for 2012. Ruger doesn’t like to release information on its new firearms until the guns are already in production and ready to ship to distributors. That way, if you hear about a new Ruger and want one, it is not like trying to order a unicorn from your local gun shop.

Today, Ruger released the embargo on the 10/22 Takedown, a gun I regard as the coolest version of Bill Ruger’s handy little .22 Long Rifle Carbine yet. Considering more than 5 million 10/22s have been made thus far, that is quite a feat. The synthetic and stainless 10/22 Takedown has a modified barrel block that, by merely depressing a pin and giving the barrel and fore-end assembly a turn, let’s you break the gun down for transport. It is ingenious in its simplicity. With iron sights, testing so far indicates zero does not change, but we have more range work to do with the gun. It comes in a handy bag that the Takedown packs into neatly, and you can use the bag as an improvised rest. The suggested retail price—bag and all—is $379. But, as with all Rugers, they will likely sell for less in stores, so don’t let the sticker price scare you.

Senior Executive Editor Brian C. Sheetz has certain enthusiasms when it comes to guns, the Mini-14 and the 10/22 being two of the foremost. Check out this video of Brian on the range with his newest 10/22 fixation. And if you are heading to St. Louis for the 142nd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits April 13-15, be sure to stop by the Ruger booth and check it out yourself.