Gun of the Week: Davidson’s Exclusive Ruger 10/22 Compact Leopard

by
posted on July 21, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

This Ruger 10/22 Leopard is another exclusive from Davidson’s, which means that this particular setup can only be had through Davidson’s Gallery of Guns. The company is one of the world’s biggest firearm distributors, and because of that, it develops unique designs you won’t find anywhere else. Davidson’s works with manufacturers across the world, but when it comes to Ruger, the collaboration between the two has produced dozens of unique options for today’s shooters. Watch the video above to see this Davidson's Exclusive in use on the NRA Tech Range.

GUN OF THE WEEK title screen words on image Ruger 10/22 rifle .22 LR leopard print compact carbine background

The Ruger 10/22 is one of those guns that, for most enthusiasts, needs no introduction. Without doubt, it’s one of the world’s most popular rimfire rifles, with millions made over the course of more than 50 years. Unsurprisingly, Ruger offers dozens of variations on the design, ranging from your basic wood-stocked carbine to tricked-out competition models. But this particular Davidson’s Exclusive is built on the Compact version of the 10/22. This variant is just a little handier than the original carbine, having a barrel length of just over 16” long instead of the 18.5” barrel found on the original. The overall length of the Compact model is about 3” shorter than the standard carbine, yet they both still weigh in right around 4.5 lbs.

Video screenshot of vintage Ruger artwork gun rifle 10/22 carbine magazine line drawing cutaway cartridges ammo bullets mag red background

Obviously, the stand-out feature in the Davidson’s Exclusive is the Leopard-print finish on the polymer stock, which adds an entirely new dimension to this handy, little carbine. Because it’s exactly that, handy and little, it’s the perfect platform for a new shooter, and with many women and children learning the ropes of basic firearm handling, this Leopard-print pattern adds a personal touch that can allow them to personally connect with their rimfire rifle.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN logo NRA logo center tiles 9 images stack mosaic men shooting leopard print ruger 10/22 rifle carbine gun .22LR rimfire semi-automatic

This Davidson’s Exclusive Ruger 10/22 is equipped with Ruger’s Modular Stock System, so the low comb and adjustable length of pull allow even small-statured shooters to get a perfect fit. The gun comes with an easily seen set of fiber-optic sights, and the rear sight is adjustable. This makes it a great option for dialing in the fundamentals of open-sight shooting, but the top of the receiver is also drilled and tapped, so owners can mount an optic for an easier way to dial-in on a target.

Ruger website screenshot guns 10/22 rifle carbine .22 LR man holding presenting men

Shooting the Ruger 10/22 is one of the classic range experiences. With more than half a century of history and development behind it, the gun just runs. The magazines load and unload easily, and the design is safe and intuitive to operate. We appreciate the bright fiber-optic sights, and the magazine-release latch, bolt handle and cross-bolt safety operated seamlessly and easily. When it comes to training and plinking, it’s hard to beat a solid 10/22, and this Davidson’s Exclusive 10/22 Compact Leopard is designed to be someone’s favorite range companion.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Distributor: GalleryofGuns.com
Action Type: blowback-operated, semi-automatic, rimfire rifle
Chambering: .22 LR
Barrel: 16.12" blued-steel
Receiver: aluminum, black powdercoat finish
Magazine: rotary, 10-round detachable
Sights: fully adjustable fiber-optic rear, fiber-optic post front
Stock: compact synthetic, Leopard-print finish
Overall Length: 34"
Weight: 4 lbs., 6.4 ozs.
MSRP: $419

Latest

Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1
Smith Wesson Model 29 10 Facts 1

10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About The Smith & Wesson Model 29

Without a doubt, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is one of the 20th century’s most shootable, collectible "superstar" revolvers. Here are a few little-known facts about the gun.

Packable Punch: Discreet Ways to Carry More Firepower

While folding and takedown firearms chambered for full-power rifle cartridges may be niche defensive tools, the dark situations in which they shine brightest aren’t going away anytime soon.

Southpaw Solution: Ruger Introduces Left-Handed American Gen II Ranch Rifles

Traditionally, Ruger has offered a range of left-handed rifle models for the southpaws among us, and now, the company's Gen II American rifles are available in a left-handed variant, starting with the Ranch models.

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.