The Ruger 10/22 Takedown: World’s Best Survival Gun?

by
posted on June 17, 2014
** 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. **
20137910234-ruger10-22_takedown_01r_f1.jpg

So-called survival guns-at least when confined to a discussion of long guns and, more specifically takedowns chambered in .22 Long Rifle-have come in a wide variety of designs from a number of major manufacturers during the past half century. There was the classy walnut-and-blued Browning Semi-Auto .22, a trim, tube-fed number designed by none other than John Moses himself. Then there was the semi-automatic .22 Long Rifle ArmaLite AR-7 (still living on as the U.S. Survival AR-7 from Henry Rifles), which cleverly stored in its own buttstock and floated. Another model with military roots was Springfield’s M6, a single-shot rimfire (.22 LR or .22 WMR) or .22 Hornet center-fire and .410-bore shotgun over-under design that broke open for loading or storage. And then there was the Marlin Papoose, another semi-automatic .22 that featured a barrel that detached by way of a threaded collar and, in later years, a fiberglass stock and stainless steel construction.

But not until recently did one of the biggest players in the market weigh in with what might well be the most robust, practical, potentially even tactical, take-down survival rifle ever. That gun is the now 50-year-old Ruger 10/22, which has been subtly re-engineered with a barrel and fore-end assembly that quickly separates from the receiver with a twist of the wrist. The 10/22 Takedown, already available in stainless steel, threaded-barrel and wood or synthetic stock versions, brings to the table the platform’s signature attributes: legendary reliability, accuracy and aftermarket parts availability. And for what may be the ultimate argument-ending finale, Ruger’s previously released and factory-sanctioned 25-round “banana” style magazine, the BX-25, has proven to be just as economical, available and unfailing as the gun it feeds. There’s no question that all of the aforementioned survival guns have at least one salient feature that allows them to stand on their own despite the Ruger’s weighty presence in the current marketplace. The Browning has class and an uncanny pointability. The AR-7 has a “gee whiz” factor and a remarkably short stored length. The Springfield M6 has a shotgun and is the thinnest of them all. And the Marlin offers rust-resistance and beats the lot for lightness at 3.2 lbs.

But in the end, the new Ruger possesses an overall combination of features that would rather strongly suggest it is the reigning heavyweight champ of lightweight survival rifles. But if you don’t agree, why not; and which other contenders would you suggest for the title: “World’s Best Survival Gun”?

Latest

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

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.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

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

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.