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- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
The Ruger 10/22 is more than a gun; it’s an American institution. Since 1964, this rimfire rifle has been the first choice for squirrel hunters, competitive speed shooters, and families teaching the next generation of marksmen. Back in the good old days, this was every kid’s first rifle that they got for Christmas along with a stern lecture about not shooting the family dog. Ahhh, old school firearms safety.
Whether you are looking for a reliable truck gun or a precision tool for the range, the 10/22 platform offers a level of modularity that no other rimfire can match. Is this the best 22LR rifle for sale? Yes, we think it is.
Quick Take: The Undisputed King of Plinking
The Ruger 10/22 remains the gold standard for semi-automatic .22 LR firearms because it balances affordability with endless customization. While recent years have seen more plastic parts in the standard builds, the 2026 “Enhanced” line has addressed many enthusiast complaints by making the BX-Trigger and a threaded barrel standard on most models.
Pros
- Unmatched aftermarket support for every part.
- Legendary rotary magazine is incredibly reliable.
- Lightweight and easy for youth or small-framed shooters.
- Simple V-block system makes barrel swaps easy.
- Massive variety of factory models (Takedown, Tactical, etc).
Cons
- Stock trigger on basic models can be gritty and heavy.
- No last-shot bolt hold open feature out of the box.
- Finish on modern alloy receivers can feel “cheap” compared to old bluing.
- Factory iron sights are basic and often require upgrading.
- Accuracy is good for plinking, but may need mods for serious match use.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 9/10 | Legendary rotary mag ensures consistent feeding. |
| Value | 10/10 | Unbeatable performance-to-price ratio for beginners. |
| Accuracy | 7/10 | Great for plinking; needs upgrades for MOA precision. |
| Features | 8/10 | 2026 models now include BX-Triggers and cleaning ports. |
| Ergonomics | 8/10 | Lightweight and intuitive, though stocks can feel small. |
| Fit & Finish | 6/10 | Modern finish is prone to wear; some visible casting marks. |
Best For: First-time gun owners, backyard plinkers, and small-game hunters on a budget.
Quick Specs
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
- Capacity: 10+1 (Detachable rotary magazine)
- Weight: 4.4 – 5.0 lbs (depending on model)
- Barrel Length: 16.12” – 18.5”
- Current MSRP: $299 – $369 (Standard models)
Who Should NOT Buy This Gun
- Precision Match Shooters: If you want one-hole groups at 50 yards out of the box, you’ll be disappointed by the basic carbine. You’re better off starting with the Ruger 10/22 Competition or a high-end bolt action like a CZ 457.
- Shooters with Large Hands: The standard carbine and compact models have a relatively short length of pull, which can feel cramped for larger adults.
- Self-Defense Seekers: While it’s better than a “karate chop,” a .22 LR lacks the terminal ballistics and centerfire reliability needed for a primary home defense tool.
Ruger 10/22 vs the Competition
Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 (approx. $450) This is the main rival for those who want an AR-15 trainer. It features full Picatinny rails and a last-shot bolt hold open, which the 10/22 lacks. However, it’s mostly polymer and doesn’t feel as “solid” as the Ruger’s alloy and wood construction. Because it mimics the AR platform so closely, it is a top choice for shooters looking to practice manual of arms without the high cost of centerfire ammunition.
Winchester Wildcat (approx. $250) The Wildcat is the “modernized” 10/22. It is lighter (4 lbs), easier to take apart for cleaning, and actually accepts Ruger magazines. It’s a fantastic value, but it lacks the massive aftermarket soul that makes the 10/22 so special. Its striker-fired design and toolless disassembly make it a very attractive option for those who prioritize ease of maintenance over customization.+4
Savage 64 (approx. $150) The Savage 64 is a long-standing budget-friendly semi-auto known for having a remarkably accurate barrel for its price point. Unlike the 10/22, it uses a metal box magazine, though these can sometimes be more difficult to load than Ruger’s rotary design. While it lacks the modularity of its competitors, it remains a reliable choice for anyone needing a simple, accurate rifle for small game hunting.
Rossi RS22 (approx. $160) This is the ultimate budget choice. It’s a basic, reliable semi-auto that’s great for a truck gun, but the trigger and build quality are significantly lower than the Ruger 10/22 rifle. Weighing just over four pounds, it is easy to carry in the field, making it a favorite for hikers and casual target shooters alike.
Marlin Model 60 (approx. $200) The Marlin Model 60 is a classic alternative that features a tubular magazine capable of holding up to 14 rounds. It is often praised for its “out of the box” accuracy, though the tube-feed system is generally slower to reload than a detachable magazine. Despite being less common in new production today, it remains a beloved staple in the rimfire world for its sleek profile and reliable performance.
Thompson Center T/CR22 (approx. $350) The T/CR22 is essentially a factory-upgraded 10/22 clone that includes many features shooters usually pay extra for, such as an integral Picatinny rail and an olive drab green composite stock. It is fully compatible with most 10/22 aftermarket parts, giving it a significant edge in modularity. Many owners prefer it because it offers a bolt hold-open feature when used with proprietary Thompson Center magazines.
Variants & Models
10/22 Carbine – $199.99+
The original standard featuring a classic hardwood or synthetic stock and an 18.5″ barrel. It remains the world’s most popular rimfire rifle due to its legendary reliability and timeless silhouette.
10/22 Takedown – $426.99
This innovative design allows the barrel and forend to separate from the action with a simple lever flick for discreet transport. It is the gold standard for backpackers and survivalists who need a full-sized rifle that fits in a small bag.
10/22 Tactical
Features a shorter 16.12″ threaded barrel topped with a factory-installed flash hider for a modern, compact profile. It is the ideal host for suppressors and is often paired with “black rifle” furniture for a more aggressive aesthetic.
10/22 Target/Competition – $868.99
Engineered for precision with a heavy “bull” barrel and a custom-contoured stock to ensure maximum stability. These models include upgraded triggers and match-grade chambers for shooters who demand sub-MOA performance at the range. Some of them also look like bare bones precision rifles or you can get a traditional stock.
10/22 Compact – $289.97
Designed with a shorter 12.5″ length of pull and a 16.12″ barrel to better suit smaller-framed shooters. It offers exceptional maneuverability in thick brush, making it a favorite for young beginners and small-game hunters alike.
10/22 Sporter – $308.99
Designed with a shorter 12.5″ length of pull and a 16.12″ barrel to better suit smaller-framed shooters. It offers exceptional maneuverability in thick brush, making it a favorite for young beginners and small-game hunters alike.
10/22 Charger – $405.99
Technically a pistol variant, this model uses the 10/22 action in a short-barreled chassis often equipped with a bipod and a rear Picatinny rail for braces. It turns the rimfire platform into a highly customizable, long-range plinking handgun. It’s also hella fun to shoot. Compare it to the other best 22lr pistols on the market here.
The Features
The heart of the 10/22 is the rotary magazine. Unlike box mags that can get snagged, Ruger’s 10-round mag sits flush with the bottom of the rifle, making it sleek and reliable. The 2026 models have replaced the old button-style magazine release with a much more intuitive paddle release.
Disassembling the rifle is straightforward thanks to the V-block system, which secures the barrel to the receiver with just two screws. While the trigger guard and housing are now high-tech polymer, they are durable enough for decades of abuse.
Range Time: Shooting the Ruger 10/22
We took the legendary Ruger 10/22 Carbine to the range to see if it still lives up to its reputation as the king of rimfires. To put the action through its paces, we brought a mountain of .22 LR, ranging from bulk-bucket “plinking” rounds to high-velocity hunting loads and match-grade target ammunition.
Reliability
The 10/22’s reliability is the stuff of legend, but it isn’t indestructible. We ran approximately 1,000 rounds through the rifle in a dusty afternoon. For the bulk of the session, we used CCI Mini-Mags and Federal AutoMatch, which cycled flawlessly. However, we did notice that after about 400 rounds of “dirty” Remington Thunderbolt lead round nose, the action started to get sluggish.
The rifle briefly choked on some ultra-lightweight subsonic rounds—failing to cycle the bolt completely—but once we switched back to high-velocity loads like Winchester Super-X, it returned to its “sewing machine” consistency. The rotary magazine remains the star of the show; it feeds far more reliably than the staggered sticks used by competitors, and even the high-capacity BX-25 mags didn’t skip a beat.
Recoil and Handling
There is practically no recoil to speak of, which is exactly why this rifle is so addictive. The impulse is a soft “thump” that allows you to stay on target through the entire magazine. Because the rifle is so lightweight (just over 5 lbs for the Carbine), it feels incredibly flickable and easy to transition between targets.
The classic hardwood stock has a short length of pull that makes it comfortable for almost anyone, though shooters with longer arms might find it a bit “compact.” The lack of muzzle rise means you can dump a 10-round magazine as fast as your finger can move while keeping every shot on a 4-inch steel spinner. It is the ultimate “smile-maker” at the range.
Trigger
The factory trigger is best described as “functional but firm.” On our scale, it broke consistently at about 6.2 lbs. There is a noticeable amount of take-up and a bit of “mush” before it finally snaps. It’s a safe, predictable trigger for a field gun or a first-time shooter, but it doesn’t have the glass-rod break found on more expensive bolt-action rimfires.
The reset is positive and audible, though a bit long. While the stock trigger is perfectly adequate for soda cans and squirrels, it’s easy to see why the Ruger BX-Trigger or a Volquartsen kit is the first upgrade most owners buy. It’s the one part of the gun that feels like it was built to a price point rather than a performance standard.
Accuracy
The 10/22 has always been “minute-of-squirrel” accurate, and our testing held that true. While the iron sights are basic, the gold bead front sight is surprisingly easy to pick up against a dark background.
- 15 Yards: Using the iron sights, we were able to chew out a ragged 1-inch hole while shooting off-hand.
- 25 Yards: From a rested position, CCI Standard Velocity produced tight 0.75-inch groups.
- 50 Yards: We mounted a basic 4x rimfire scope to test the limits. With SK Rifle Match ammo, we averaged 1.2-inch groups, proving the barrel is more than capable of precision if you feed it the right diet.
The mechanical accuracy is solid, but we found that group sizes opened up significantly with bulk-pack ammo. To get the best out of this rifle, it definitely prefers 40-grain round-nose projectiles over the lighter, hollow-point “varmint” loads.
Known Issues & Problems
- Trigger Weight: Even with the BX-Trigger, factory weights can vary between 2.5 and 4 lbs.
- Finish Wear: The “Satin Black” finish on the receiver is essentially paint and can flake off around the ejection port or scope rail over time.
- Dirty Action: Like all blowback .22s, the action gets filthy. If you don’t clean the firing pin channel every 500-1000 rounds, you will start seeing light strikes.
Parts, Accessories & Upgrades
If you want the best of the best, you can skip the rest and just go for these.
- Best Trigger: The Volquartsen TG2000 is the gold standard for a 1.5 lb match-grade pull.
- Best Red Dot: A Sig Sauer ROMEO5 is a perfect companion for fast plinking and steel challenge.
- Best Stock: The Magpul Hunter X-22 provides better ergonomics and M-LOK slots for lights or bipods.
The “Must-Have” 10/22 Upgrades
1. Auto Bolt Release
The Problem: On a factory 10/22, you have to fiddle with a tiny, awkward plate inside the trigger guard while pulling the bolt back just to get it to close. The Fix: This is the #1 most popular upgrade. It replaces the factory plate so that you can simply pull back on the bolt handle and let go to chamber a round—just like every other modern semi-auto. It’s a cheap part ($10–$15) that removes the rifle’s biggest ergonomic headache.
2. Extended Magazine Release
The Problem: The stock magazine release is a flush-fit button that can be hard to reach, especially if you have gloves on or are using a larger stock. The Fix: An extended lever allows you to drop the magazine with a simple flick of your finger without breaking your grip. There are many styles, from tactical paddles to sleek “wraparound” levers that follow the curve of the trigger guard.
3. Ruger BX-Trigger
The Problem: As noted in the range report, the factory trigger is a bit heavy and “mushy” (around 6+ lbs). The Fix: For those who don’t want to perform “surgery” on their trigger internals, Ruger sells the BX-Trigger as a complete, drop-in housing. It swaps out in seconds and drops the pull weight to a crisp 2.5 to 3 lbs. It is the most cost-effective way to immediately shrink your groups at the range.
4. Bolt Buffer
The Problem: The factory bolt stop is a steel pin. Every time you fire, the steel bolt slams into that steel pin, creating a “clack” sound and sending a tiny vibration through the rifle. The Fix: Replacing the steel pin with a polyurethane or rubberized Bolt Buffer ($5) makes the action noticeably quieter and smoother. It’s a small change that makes the rifle feel much higher-quality when you’re shooting.
5. Tech Sights or Optics Rail
The Problem: The factory “gold bead” sights are classic, but they aren’t great for precision or fast shooting. The Fix: * Tech Sights: These mimic the aperture (peep) sights found on an M1 Garand or M16, vastly increasing your sight radius and accuracy.
- Picatinny Rail: If you want a Red Dot or a Scope, adding a quality rail to the receiver is a must. Modern rails allow you to sit the optic lower for a better “cheek weld.”
The Verdict
The Ruger 10/22 is still the best all-around rimfire rifle on the market. It’s reliable, affordable, and can grow with you as your skills increase. It’s not perfect—the finish could be better and the iron sights are mediocre—but it is the only rifle that stays in everyone’s collection forever.
Overall Score: 9/10
FAQ
Is the Ruger 10/22 legal in California?
Yes, in its standard carbine and sporter configurations, the 10/22 is a rimfire semi-automatic with a fixed stock, making it legal in CA. Always check local laws regarding “Tactical” variants with folding stocks or certain muzzle devices.
What is the best ammo for a Ruger 10/22?
For general reliability and accuracy, CCI Mini-Mag 40-grain solids are the industry favorite. For suppressed shooting, CCI Standard Velocity is often the most consistent choice.
Can I use a red dot on the Ruger 10/22?
Absolutely. Most 10/22s come with a scope base adapter for Weaver or tip-off mounts. Many owners upgrade to a Picatinny rail for more mounting options with modern optics like the Sig ROMEO5.
Does the 10/22 have a last-shot bolt hold open?
No. This is a common complaint. The bolt stays closed after the last round is fired. You can manually lock it open using the small lever near the trigger guard, but it won’t happen automatically.
How hard is it to clean a 10/22?
Ruger makes 15 and 25-round BX-series magazines that are very reliable. However, their legality depends entirely on your state’s laws regarding “large capacity” magazines.
Are high-capacity magazines legal for the 10/22
Ruger makes 15 and 25-round BX-series magazines that are very reliable. However, their legality depends entirely on your state’s laws regarding “large capacity” magazines.
Is the Ruger 10/22 good for home defense?
No. It is not recommended as a primary defense weapon. While accurate, the .22 LR cartridge lacks stopping power and rimfire ignition is inherently less reliable than centerfire ammo like 9mm or 5.56.
Can I change the barrel myself?
Yes. The V-block mounting system is designed for easy removal. With just an Allen wrench, you can swap the factory barrel for a lightweight carbon fiber or heavy bull barrel in minutes.
