Ruger’s classic 10/22 rimfire rifles have been a mainstay for plinkers, small game hunters, and new shooters for generations, and now the company has revamped the line with upgrades that make it easier to load, shoot, and clean.
Introduced in 1964, when $0.54 could score you a dozen eggs, the 10/22 rifle quickly became one of the most beloved .22-caliber, semi-auto rifles of all time. More than 10 million of the guns rolled out of Ruger’s manufacturing lines over the last 61 years, with only moderate changes to the simple blowback design.
Despite the massive success of the 10/22 platform, consumer feedback and a smorgasbord of aftermarket upgrades highlighted several areas that could use improvement. These commonly involved the trigger, bolt release, stock, and hard-to-reach chamber.
Ruger responded with upgrades to all four areas for four new model numbers: 32000, 32002, 32004, and 32006 to start.
The new 10/22s all host BX-Trigger groups offering a light, crisp trigger that breaks at 2.5-3 pounds. Ruger then added a match bolt release. Instead of forcing users to manually hold the release and stroke the bolt, this new design allows for a simple slingshot pull of the cocking handle to send the bolt home.
That latter upgrade has long been a user-added aftermarket option, and we can attest from personal experience that it is a worthy addition for faster, easier, and tacticooler loading.
Ruger further enhanced the rifle’s receiver with a cleaning port at the rear. This finally allows users to easily clean their rifle barrels from the rear of the receiver, instead of working within the cramped underside of the small action. Now you can simply run a cleaning rod or snake through the back end of the receiver.
Finally, the company enhanced the stock with a lightweight polymer affair that sports two sling points and M-LOK slots at the 6 o’clock position. Textured panels on the forend and semi-pistol grip improve the stock’s overall grippiness.
Current MSRPs run from $299 to $369, depending on your choice of finish and barrel length.
