Gun Of The Week: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

by
posted on June 27, 2025
** 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. **

Few rifles have earned the legendary status held by Ruger's 10/22. Introduced in 1964, the 10/22 has served as a go-to for first-time shooters, seasoned marksmen, small-game hunters and competitors alike. With its signature magazine and reliable blowback action, it's no wonder that this semi-automatic .22 LR rifle has become a cornerstone in the rimfire world. Watch our video above to see this latest version of Ruger's legendary rimfire rifle in use on the range.

Ruger continues to develop the 10/22 platform, and this Carbon Fiber model, announced in 2025, is proof that the company is still innovating, even with its classics. As the name suggests, the standout feature here is the rifle's carbon-fiber barrel, which gives you the rigidity of a bull barrel with a serious reduction in weight. Its core is of cold-hammer-forged steel and wrapped by a carbon-fiber sleeve and capped and with stainless steel fixtures. At just under 5 lbs., unloaded, this version of the 10/22 is light enough for long treks through the woods or long sessions on the range.

Built on a tried-and-true aluminum receiver, the rifle retains all the functionality that shooters love about the 10/22. The carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel is threaded at the muzzle, ready for a suppressor or muzzle device, and capped off with a thread protector. That makes this model not just great for target shooting—it's suppressor-ready right out of the box.

The synthetic Magpul MOE X-22 stock is minimalist and functional with a slim fore-end and molded-in grip texture that are nods toward practicality while its construction keeps the weight down. The rifle comes with a standard Picatinny optics rail already mounted to the receiver, so adding a red-dot or riflescope is a quick and easy task. It is important to note that no iron sights are included here. Controls are classic 10/22—simple and intuitive. You get the familiar cross-bolt safety, bolt lock and magazine release paddle. You'll also get the company's premium BX trigger for light and crisp action. The included 10-round rotary magazine feeds reliably, too, and of course, the rifle is compatible with Ruger's wide array of factory and aftermarket magazines.

Out on the range, the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber handles like a dream. The reduced weight up front makes for a fast and agile rifle perfect for offhand shooting or rapid transitions between steel plates. The upgraded barrel gives excellent accuracy potential, and our testers noted consistent performance with a variety loads. What really stands out is how easy this rifle is to shoot and carry. Whether you're ringing steel at 50 yards, busting varmints on the back forty, or just enjoying a casual plinking session, the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber brings rugged performance and modern design together in a package that's hard to beat.

Left-side view of Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber .22 LR rimfire semi-automatic rifle with magpul moe x.22 stock

Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber Specifications
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Action Type: blowback-operated, semi-automatic, rimfire rifle
Chambering: .22 Long Rifle
Barrel: 16.1" cold-hammer-forged steel; carbon-fiber wrapped
Receiver: aluminum
Magazine: 10-round detachable, rotary box
Sights: none; Picatinny rail
Stock: Magpul MOE X-22
Overall Length: 34.1"
Weight: 3 lbs., 8 ozs.
MSRP: $649

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.