Editor’s Note: This feature first appeared in our companion service, The Shooting Wire (www.shootingwire.com)
It’s been a few months ago that I saw a message from Ruger telling of a different version of the long-produced, often imitated and very popular 10/22:
“New 10/22 Takedown®
“Ruger is proud to introduce a new configuration of the 10/22 Takedown® featuring a factory-installed, stealth gray Magpul® X-22 Backpacker stock and satin stainless finish, offering a minimalist solution for those who want to transport their rifle in an efficient, convenient package without compromising shooting performance.”
That was very interesting. As I’ve moved away from centerfire rifles and shotguns due to complications arising from cross-dominant vision and a medical issue, the 22 rifle has taken on a more central position in my life.
Light-kicking, fairly quiet yet appropriate for a range of tasks – as well as being lots of fun to shoot – it’s like I’m heading back home again.
I like short rifles, I like light rifles – and the Ruger 10/22TD has fit into that role perfectly. The addition of Magpul products was nice and the abbreviated barrel makes it more appealing.
The gun comes with Magpul furniture – the utilitarian Magpul X-22 “Backpacker” stock and fore end. It’s “stealth gray” in color and has three standard 10/22 magazines under the hinged door on the cheekpiece of the stock. There is a locking interface in the bottom of the stock between butt and pistol grip to accept the barrel assembly. It solidly latches aboard, making the whole package small. The new version takes down like all other 10/22 TD versions and like the Ruger PC Carbine and Charger TD.
The stock is a wonderful addition – even without the storage and barrel assembly latch. The pistol grip has a “60 degree grip angle from bore axis,” giving the piece a unique feel. Likewise, the handguard is ergonomic for off-hand shooting. The MOE SL nonslip rubber butt pad keeps the piece from slipping.
The Ruger spec sheet called for an adjustable fiber optic sight in the rear and a fiber optic front sight. The gun came with the 10/22 standard flip down rear sight and brass bead front. That’s okay if you’re young and can see … so I had to adapt.
Due to my age-related visual issues, I decided to use the SSP Eyewear Top Focal Shooting Glasses. These protective eyewear/shooting glasses put the magnification near the top of the lenses – instead of a traditional bifocal with magnification at the bottom. I have two pairs purchased from the Gunsite Pro Shop, one interchangeable lenses in amber, clear & smoked anti-fog.
These would give me a clear view of that brass bead and perhaps help me hit where I intended.
The 10/22 TD barrel length on this variant is the carbine-appropriate 16.4” and the gun weighs in at just over four pounds. The suggest retail – before I get rebuked for failing to note it – is $529.
Did I mention the three spare mags in the stock … in addition to the provided magazine in the magazine well?
For transportation, I used the Copper Basin Takedown Firearm Backpack, their “Gen 3” upgrade. A discreet option for transport of take-down long guns or other compact firearms, Copper Basin’s backpack is the definition of low-profile. The quick access top flap allows access to the firearm components – upper and lower or receiver and barrel/fore end – as well as being part of the complete fold-open design.
The new gun has made a pair of range trips – once for function and fam-fire, the other to check zero. It wasn’t really ‘accuracy testing, but more to determine where the rounds hit. I used the short-range backstop at the rimfire range and settled in on a support bag for stability. The Magpul fore end is flat enough to keep things stable.
I found that the gun hit significantly high at ca. 25 yards and left of POA. Looking at the rear sight, it appears to be a little left in the dovetail. I imagine a ‘factory adjustment’ is happening directly.
Burying the brass bead in the bottom of the rear sight ‘valley’ helped with elevation as did a 6 o’clock hold. It wasn’t enough for me just to see where the gun was hitting and I measured a few groups.
Winchester Wildcat “Super Speed” (tested here) put five rounds into two inches, as did the excellent CCI Clean-22. These are both superior rounds.
Federal Hunter Match, another winner, put five hits into 1 3/8” while Geco 22 l.r. semi auto shot into 1 1/8”.
The surprise was Winchester 36 gr. “555” ammo; a so-called bulk or promotional offering, five of the little bullets hit into 1 ¼” – with a flyer. Without the errant trigger press, the best four hit into 3/8” … that’s better than I can see.
I’ll get these sights adjusted and get back to work – but so far, this is my favorite 10/22 version.
-- Rich Grassi