by Tom Gaylord
Writing as B.B. Pelletier
Ruger 10/22 Air Rifle.
This report covers:
- The obvious
- Description
- Ruger 10/22 Air Rifle magazine
- Side-by-side
- Sights
- Trigger
- CO2
- Velocity
- Bolt release
- A lot more!
A couple readers guessed that yesterday’s report was the start of the Ruger 10/22 Air Rifle. That’s point number one. This is a real Ruger Air Rifle. It’s branded that way, which means that no Ruger collection is complete without one. I have seen Ruger collectors pay thousands of dollars for rare examples of Ruger guns, including an unfired .256 Winchester Magnum Ruger Hawkeye that went for more than $3,000. Quite a lot for a single-shot pistol, wouldn’t you say?
The obvious
Let’s address the elephant in the room. This isn’t the first 10/22 air rifle lookalike we’ve seen. Crosman’s 1077 is meant to copy the 10/22, and of course their Benjamin Wildfire is the same gun using high pressure air. Both rifles resemble the 10/22 but also have differences — particularly in the magazine area. Having said that, I don’t want to continue to make comparisons — it isn’t my style.
Description
This air rifle mimics the 10/22 firearm closely. The air rifle weighs 4 pounds 8 ounces while the firearm weighs 5 pounds 6 ounces — with both guns unloaded. The air rifle’s weight is biased towards the butt.
The air rifle has a synthetic stock with a solid-sounding butt. The length is 37 inches overall with a 13.5-inch pull. The firearm is 36.25 inches overall with a 13.25-inch pull.
The air rifle is a 10-shot double action repeater. It operates on two 12-gram CO2 cartridges.
Ruger 10/22 Air Rifle magazine
I was surprised at this year’s SHOT Show when I looked at the air rifle magazine to see that it was a very close copy of the firearm mag.
My 10/22 (left) had the mag release mod done to it. Ruger makes them that way now. The scallop at the top is for the finger to pry out the mag.
The mag box looks very much like a Ruger 10/22 firearm mag.
The 10/22 magazine release was a sore point for many years. It sat flush with the bottom of the stock and had to be pressed in against a strong spring, making it hard to operate. A common “fix” was to thread something like a thumbscrew into the front of the mag release to give you something to push on. Ruger has since incorporated this into their design and the mag release they make today is easy to operate. Thankfully the air rifle faithfully used that version!
This earlier 10/22 mag release had no extension and was difficult to operate.
The rifle comes with one magazine box and one circular magazine. A package of two circular magazines will sell for under $5.
Side-by-side
I detest comparing one gun to another unless they are supposed to be alike — like this one. When put side-by-side, the resemblance and attention to detail of the air rifle is remarkable. Even Ruger has commented on it, and they would be the most critical of all.
The Ruger Air Rifle (bottom) is a faithful replica of the .22 firearm.
Sights
The Lord bless Umarex and Ruger — these sights are not fiberoptic! Hurrah! The air rifle has a gold bead up front (shades of 1950!) and the rear is a double notch that folds flat. That combination allows you to draw a fine bead in the lower notch or a coarse bead that’s flush with the top. Why — you would think that someone at Ruger is an actual rifleman, and someone at Umarex knows what is important to real shooters!
Now, that is a front sight for an air rifle! Good job, Umarex!
The rear sight is a perfect copy of the firearm sight. I wonder if it isn’t one?
Four holes are drilled and tapped in the air rifle receiver for the installation of Weaver bases — just like they are on the firearm. This is why the rear sight folds flat — so you don’t have to take it off to mount a low scope.
Even the tops of the receivers are identical. Drilled and tapped for scope bases. Any 10/22 base will fit the air rifle.
Umarex sent me the Weaver bases for this rifle (they are the regular 10/22 bases) and an Axeon R47 dot sight to mount on the rifle for a little more juice in my test. I will also tell you how that sight works, though Pyramyd AIR doesn’t carry it at this time.
Trigger
Something unique to the air rifle is how the trigger works. If you want to shoot rapidly, just pull the trigger and all 12 shots in the magazine are available double action. That mode both cocks the striker and advances the magazine, so the pull is long and hard — the specs say 10 pounds.
However, you can manually cock the bolt, which makes the trigger single-stage with a lighter and crisper pull that the specs say is 3 pounds. I have tried it several times and it is both lighter and crisper, but I will test both of these for you.
CO2
The 10/22 Air Rifle uses 2 12-gram CO2 cartridges that are inserted in-line into the butt. The buttplate comes off easily with a quarter-turn of a large spring-loaded screw.
A coin turns the captive butt plate screw (arrow) a quarter turn and the plate comes off to load CO2.
With the butt plate removed you can install the CO2 cartridges. They go in as you see them positioned above the rifle.
Velocity
The specs say to expect velocities in the 650 f.p.s. range. That’s just what I would predict for a CO2 rifle like this. You know I will test it for you.
Bolt release
The one control that’s not functional on the airgun is the bolt release lever. On the rifle you can lock the bolt open (it doesn’t automatically lock open after the last shot) with this lever. To release the bolt, simply pull back slightly on the bolt handle to release the lock and the bolt goes forward again.
There is no reason to put a similar bolt release on the air rifle because the bolt doesn’t operate the same on the air rifle as on the firearm.
A lot more!
There are things I didn’t get to yet, so Part 3 will have to include them. This is an exciting new air rifle. I sure hope it’s accurate!
The rifle should be available in June, according to what I was told by Umarex USA. I know the Pyramyd AIR website says earlier, but these things change constantly, as information comes in.
Yes, it’s really a 10/22.
B.B.,
“To release the bolt, simply pull back slightly on the bolt handle to release the lock and the bolt goes forward again.”
Not from the factory, at least not these days. On unmodified guns like my model 21102 (M1 carbine-style stock and peep sight), you need to pull the bolt handle back slightly, while pushing in the top of the hold open lever in order to release the bolt.
Modifying the bolt release is one of the most common changes performed by owners, and there are both plenty of guides for how to do so online, and aftermarket parts to provide that functionality so maybe Ruger removed the feature from the design or your own rifle was modified at one point?
Chanman819,
It could be that the bolt release was also modified and I forgot about it.
B.B.
12 shot?
Product description on Pyramyd Air’s website says 10 round rotary mag…
gunnerk19,
Welcome to the blog.
Yes, this Ruger is 10 shots. I corrected that entry. Thanks.
B.B.
Very cool.
And yes, a must for any Ruger collector..
So everyone tell me what the point is? Is it just replica lust? Why not go all in on a QB and get more shots, power and I assume accuracy?
Edw,
The point is rapid repeatability in an airgun that’s affordable. Some shooters like that.
B.B.
Not just that. It is to have an understudy for the most widely produced 22 semiauto rifle. One that is able to be used in locations a 22 lr cannot. At 600 fps it should be good for plinking to 25 yards. I had suggested to Ruger that they license exact replicas if their firearms not just slap their name on available airguns . I suggested a MarkIV target pistol, a takedown PC9 Carbine as well as Blackhawk and Vaquero Single Action revolvers. Blowback Security 9 and LCP2 pistols. Will see if they listen
Edw,
Replica lust. Besides the Mattelomatic, the 10/22 is probably the most common firearm in the USA. Well, close anyway.
TCFKAC tried to cash in on the replica market with the 1077 and Wildfire and have done about as good a job as they did with the Mattelomatic.
Umarex has a lot of experience with replicas and has apparently done a much better job of it. Not my cup of tea, but I do see where the 10/22 fans will get excited.
Edw,
in addition to “replica lust” a person might wish to use one of these for the same reasons folks might want a Glock or M&P CO2 replica, for plinking in the backyard, which is not possible for most. Own a firearm 10/22 but can’t shoot soup cans with it when you get home from work? Enter the CO2 10/22! :^)
Michael
Edw, I think with the QB that is not comparable. Like apples to oranges. The QB is a bolt, while this is a semi auto (I know DA but still just a pull of trigger). 12 shots vs single shot. On power, they are both listed at 650 fps, so that’s a draw. The 10/22 is 3″ shorter and is 1.5 lbs lighter. So it’s lighter and handier. But they are too different to compare in my book.
Doc
I get it. But you can get a 10/22 for the price of the replica and not have a 10 pound trigger.
B.B.
My camp counselor, in 1969, used his 10/22 to cut down saplings at point blank range. If you needed more than a full clip, you failed.
Nobody ever yelled “timber”.
-Y
G’day BB
I seem to remember there was a 50 or a 100 shot box magazine many moons ago (1960s) for the Ruger 10/22
Cheers Bob
Bob,
Yes, there are higher capacity mags for the 10/22. But many of them have reliability issues.
B.B.
BB
I saw your comment earlier but didn’t post a reply because I didn’t want to turn today’s blog into a political debate again. But isn’t it illegal to have over a 10 shot mag or clip nowdays for a firearm.
And just to say if I remember right there was even drum mags that held like 200 rounds that looked like the old Tommy gun drums Matter of fact I’m thinking I remember a kit that converted a 1022 into a Tommy gun look.
GF1,
A FEW states have made hi-cap magazines illegal. Not all of them, yet.
B.B.
BB
Ok. Didn’t know that.
Knowing good ole Illinois they are illegal.
Man more homework to do.
GunFun,
You can still buy a 15 or 25 round magazine from Ruger (BX-15 and BX-25). But for all my years owning several Ruger 10/22’s, I’ve never found an ext. magazine that ran as fool proof as the stock 10 shot rotary magazine. That said, I did have a bad rotary once. I wonder if Ruger’s patent ran out as now Savage and one or two more now have rotary magazines. I love them as I like the sleek lines and flush fit.
Doc
Doc
I have heard that about the factory mag compared to the aftermarket mags for the 10/22.
With a .22 rimfire, high capacity magazines are even legal here in Canada. Centerfire rifle magazines are limited to 5 rounds in almost all cases though.
Nowhere
That’s nice at least the .22’s still have the high capacity.
Cheers for the overall price point and the low priced circular magazines. On the red circular magazine, it looks very “plasticky”. Even the cogs/teeth are. Hopefully not very much pressure is exerted at this point. Sintered/cast would seem to have been a better choice. Hopefully the coin operated screw cap in the butt at least is made of some sort of metal. The same quarter turn also pierces both/2 cartridges? At any rate, there does seem to be quite a bit of excitement/interest in this one. Hopefully it will be a nice, accurate plinker.
Good Day to one and all,…….. Chris
Chris,
I have not yet discussed how the cartridges are pierced. That comes next.
B.B.
Hello B.B!
Do you have the info yet to update the TX Airgun Show link with this year’s details? I believe you said it’s June 22nd – is that right?
Thanks
Jim M.
Jim,
That’s right. June 22 for the show and June 23 for a shoot. They are also talking about a fun shoot right after the show on the 22nd. Just something for the dealers to do.
B.B.
I think they did a good job on it.
A good gun to keep in practice with when you normally wouldn’t be able to shoot the firearm version. More back yard and basement friendly. And pellets should be cheaper than bullets. But still give the feel of shooting the firearm.
And like you said BB. Hope it’s accurate. I wonder who makes the barrel for the air gun version.
GF1,
That’s the idea!
B.B.
BB
I knew that right of the bat when there was word of it being released.
About time we get some fast action pellet shooting replica rifles. Got a bunch of bb and air soft ones. But not as many pellet shooting ones. I like.
Gunfun1,
Agreed. BB shooters are fine, but give me a rifled barrel and lead pellets any day.
On the subject of 10/22 inspired air rifles, if I remember correctly, you have/had a Wildfire you tried a regulator in. I also vaguely remember the regulator did not last very long. Am I remembering that correctly?
Michael
Michael
Yep with the rifled barrel and pellet shooters.
And yes I did have a internal regulator in my WildFire and Maximus. And the regulators didn’t fail as far as regulating pressure. They failed as in the air resivior leaked down.
The WildFire’s from the factory tend to leak down but not the Maximus. So saying that I’m kind of convinced it’s the regulator that was leaking at the gauge port for the Maximus anyway. I think it was a o-ring from the regulator that sealed to the gauge port block.that was causing the leak down.
And on both guns when I had the regulators in them I would top them off at the beginning of that days shooting session.and they held fine. It’s that if you let them set for a couple days and didn’t shoot them is when I noticed the leak down.
B.B. Pelletier,
What is wrong with the blog? Ever since I started posting on this site, up until this morning (3-26-19), I have always had all responses to my comments show up in my email. When I received a reply from Bob M this morning, I only found it as I read through the comments RSS as is my usual practice.
Bugbuster
Bug,
That sounds like a problem on your end. I still get my messages emailed — twice!
B.B.
B.B. Pelletier,
This reply showed up in my email just as all others in the past BUT the previous one from Bob M this morning did not, nor was it in the junk email. Must have been a glitch somewhere, all appears well now, hope it stays that way.
Bugbuster
Bugbuster
I may have revisited the blog comment to correct a spelling error and it could have upset the e mail system?
Bob M
B.B.,
I’ve been studying the photo of the butt plate screw. Is it already slightly scuffed up from opening and closing it with a coin?
Michael
Michael,
Yes. Remember, this gun was at SHOT and many other trade sows around the country.
B.B.
BB
So really this gun is also being torture tested.
It’s been around the block and still performing.
You would think this gun would be taken care of. I bet it’s not actually. Kind of like giving the keys to the parking valet. When he puts the key in that Porsche he’s going to put the pedal down. And if I remember some of the late 80’s up Corvettes had a valet switch just so that wouldn’t happen.
Am I right or wrong? Maybe not always. But I bet these guns get ran through their paces.
GF1,
I used to be a parking lot attendant when I was in college. You hit the nail on the head! Where is that GTO? 🙂
B.B.
BB
Yes. Can’t say no more to that. 🙂
Gunfun1,
Corvette and a few other “hot” cars have had various types of Valet Mode over the years. Recent Z06 and Stingrays in 2015 have had dashcam/DICE systems that record Valet misdeeds visually, audio, GPS/INERTIAL and performance data! The problem is if you don’t inform the valet company of the recordings before you turn over the car you can be committing a Felony in some states in the USA.
I just usually tell places I go in advance that my car is a manual transmission and I have the Valet sit while I drive to the parking spot and take my key. If they don’t like it I tell them my business is going elsewhere.
shootski
shootski
Shootski
I would have to say I will be parking my car too. Heck I don’t even like someone else changing my oil.
Done seen what has happened in both instances with other people’s cars that I know. What can I say.
Mr. Gaylord:
The 10/22 air rifle looks like a great candidate for 3P sporter class if it’s possible to get the FPS numbers at or below 600 FPS. While it may not (YET) be on the approved list of rifles under Rule 4.2.1 a) Approved Rifles, it looks like it might be OK under rule 4.2.1 d):
d) At competitions below the national championship level, competition directors may authorize the use of other lighter, lower-cost air rifles provided that only .177 cal. pellets are fired in them at velocities of less than 600 fps.
Will be watching your accuracy testing and pellet selection velocity results with great interest.
As an aside, do you have an opinion on whether Umarex and Ruger will offer a detuned 600 FPS version of the the 10/22 air rifle and submit it for sporter class certification under Rule Rule 4.2.1 a)?
Respectfully submitted,
Wm. Schooley
Wm. Schooley,
Do the rules allow a heavier pellet? If so I bet a this rifle will not shoot heavy pellets above 600 fps. I bet the 650 fps listed is with ultra light weight pellets.
Doc
Doc
Exactly what I was thinking.
Gunfun1,
With a stiff wind at your back! LOL.
My guess is in the neighborhood of 550-575 fps with 7.0 grain Hobby pellets.
Michael
Michael
I meant use a heavier pellet to get the gun slowed down to meet the velocity rules.
Maybe different weight pellets can’t be used though. Not familiar with the current rules
B.B.,
Kudos to Ruger and Umarex on the sights, the magazine, and the overall looks. If it has a fair degree of accuracy, I think this gun will be a winner. If this one is successful, I hope they come out with a 10-shot version in .22 caliber…you know, like “10/22,” hahaha! I know the velocity would be lower, sort of like the old Crosman 622 for which you had a guest blog here: /blog/2013/10/the-crosman-622/
I think 500+ fps for 14 grain pellets would make a great plinker; it would certainly send those tin cans flying!
Thanks for another interesting report; can’t wait to see the accuracy on this one.
take care and God bless,
dave
Thedavemyster,
Thanks for posting that link. I had forgotten about that one. I always wanted one. And wow, for what she was, very good plinking accuracy at 25 yards.
Doc
Doc,
They are great plinkers; you just have to watch your shot count. When I was a teen, my friend, Paul had one; in the heat of squirrel hunting, he fired way too many shots at running squirrels. Then he, “thought the CO2 is getting low,” so he changed out the cartridge. Next he fired 6 shots at a running squirrel; assuming he just missed every shot, he loaded another magazine and fired 6 shots at the next squirrel. Finally, he put in another magazine, and fired one shot at the ground…and nothing came out. Yes, he had fired all 13 shots into the back of a pellet stuck halfway down the barrel! Fortunately, his machinist Dad was able to insert a small brass rod down the muzzle and gently tap the whole mess out, bit by bit. Needless to say, he was very conscious of his shot count after that, haha! Outside of that one operator error issue, it was a great gun…six shots fast, and with pretty good accuracy. The last one I saw, I saw too late at Baker Airguns…it had already been sold for $250. But if you are able to latch onto one, I think you’ll like it. =>
Thanks for the memories you just rustled up,
dave
Dave
Reliable feeding problems is something to watch with repeaters as well as semi-auto actions.
That can definitely ruin a days shooting.
“That can definitely ruin a days shooting.”
Roger that!
Dave
Yes for sure.
Dave,
I kinda hope they do a .22 also.
B.B.
I hope they make a .22 also.
Someone should tell Umarex they can start selling these in Canada if they make a .22 version. Most likely if they made a .22 version it would drop to under 500 FPS. There are a few single shot .22’s that you can get here that fire under 500 FPS, but I’ve yet to see any .22 repeater that doesn’t require a firearms license in the Canadian market.
ryana,
Welcome to the blog.
B.B.
Dave
That velocity in .22 caliber would for sure send them feral cans scrambling.
What I want to see is if this new Ruger 1022 will feed wadcutters reliably like the Crosman 1077’s do. If so that will be a good thing in multiple ways.
Gunfun1,
I haven’t shot a 1077…yet. I almost got one of those with my PA gift certificate, till I settled on that 7.5″ NRA Peacemaker (which turned out to be a cool gun in its own right). But if this new Ruger feeds reliably and shoots accurately, I may be more tempted to get one than to get an actual 10/22. It seems the only “range” I have time to get to lately is either the 5-meter indoor range or the 15-yard backyard range (too much work…likely not good for one’s health…I think I need to work less and shoot more, hahaha! =>). Hence, I think this air rifle Ruger would get more use by me than the firearm version. If they come out with a .22 caliber version, I think that’ll tip me over the edge for sure. There’s a whole pile of feral cans in my backyard that need shootin’! =)~
Take care & happy shootin’ to ya,
dave
Dave
With you on everything you said.
But I have something else to say. (I wouldn’t be Gunfun1 if I didn’t) 🙂 If you do get you one of these Ruger 10/22 air guns. Just for the heck of it get a 1077. I’m betting you will like it.
And you know there’s nothing like you and some one else defending the back yard from feral cans at the same time. (Ruger 10/22 and a Crosman 1077) 🙂
” Just for the heck of it get a 1077. I’m betting you will like it.”
I may need one just to keep my CO2 pistols company.
“…there’s nothing like you and some one else defending the back yard from feral cans at the same time.”
Hahaha! Thanks, man! That made me smile! =D
Dave
Yep.
B.B.,
I have enjoyed yesterday’s and today’s reports. I looked at the Ruger site and noted how many different variations there are, including customization by distributors.
I think this one is the most interesting customization, even if not practical. I now want a simple 10/22.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/3357567408/archangel-nomad-folding-rifle-stock-system-with-magazine-ruger-10-22-synthetic-black
Best to you, Tom,
~ken
Ken,
Here’s what I said at first:
Yeah, if an AK is your thing, the 10/22 can do it.
But that isn’t an AK or an AR. It’s different.
B.B.
Ken
I like it.
Gunfun1,
I confess, it appeals to me. Of course, I have been fooled by looks in the past.
~ken
Ken
Yep that’s true. But still cool idea.
I like the guns that have aftermarket support.
And I keep thinking back to the Crosman pcp that was a upper for a AR frame if I remember right.
I just like also that the looks of the gun can be changed by changing components. Modular I guess is the word in this case.
To me it makes something more appealing that I can make it how I want.
Gunfun1,
I do agree completely. You do remember about the AR pcp upper from Crosman. Here is an Airgun Reporter episode dedicated to it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGC3xXWAy3E
I also completely about modularity; always a plus.
~ken
Ken
Yes that’s what I just said.
“And I keep thinking back to the Crosman pcp that was a upper for a AR frame if I remember right.”
I didn’t watch the video yet. But wasn’t it derived from the Challenger/Disco platform? And that’s exactly why I like the Crosman/Benjamin pcp’s and pumpers and Co2 guns. The modular effect.
And as it was asked here on this report. Wonder if the Ruger 10/22 firearm stock will interchange with the new Ruger 10/22 air gun. If so then alot of cool options are available for the air gun too.
Gunfun1,
I do apologize if I seemed condescending in any way. I did not intend to.
I don’t know about the platform the MAR177 was built on, but I do know it was a target shooter.
I hope the 20/22 air rifle proves to be a winner, all the way around.
~ken
Ken
No not at all.
And yes it was a target shooter.
A shame it went away.
B.B.,
Under:
A lot more!
“There are things I didn’t get to yet, so Part 2 will have to include them. This is an exciting new air rifle. I sure hope it’s accurate!”
If the above statement is true, then this blog post should be PART 1, not PART 2!
shootski
shootski,
Fixed it. Thanks,
B.B.
BB,
Are the stocks inter changeable?
Ton,
I think you are referring to the 10/22 stocks. Yes, they are.
Or are you asking if the airgun stock swaps with the firearm stock? I think not.
B.B.
BB
I guess it’s pretty obvious that the air gun 10/22 uses Co2 cartridges in the stock.
So if everything else was the same for the fitting of the action. A firearm 10/22 stock would need modified for the Co2 cartridges and other things also.
So probably no firearm stocks will fit the air gun unless modifications are done.
Guys,
The Air Rifle has a complex CO2 system in its butt. The firearm doesn’t. I am sure the stocks don’t interchange, but I just asked Umarex for you.
B.B.