Ruger 10/22 22LR Semi-Auto Rifle

Happy Friday readers! This week for Firearm Friday we are doing a little showcase on one of the most successful rimfire designs of all time. The Ruger model 10/22.

The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most iconic and enduring .22 LR semi-automatic rifles ever produced — a compact, reliable, and highly adaptable rimfire platform that has been a gateway firearm for generations of shooters since its introduction in 1964. At its core the 10/22 combines simple blowback operation with a durable rotary magazine and a proven receiver design, producing a rifle that is easy to shoot, inexpensive to feed, and forgiving in everyday use. Its blend of reliability, low recoil, and parts availability made it an instant favorite for casual plinking, small-game hunting, youth shooters, and even competitive rimfire disciplines.

Mechanically the 10/22 is straightforward: a fixed tubular steel or alloy receiver houses a blowback action and a takedown-capable barrel on many models, while a user-friendly trigger and synthetic or wood stock finish off the basic package. The standard 10/22 ships with Ruger’s 10-round rotary magazine, which is compact and sits flush in the receiver, though higher-capacity options such as the ubiquitous 25-round BX-25 are commonly used for range sessions and extended plinking. 

One of the 10/22’s greatest strengths is its aftermarket ecosystem. Virtually every component is upgradeable: barrels, free-floated handguards, upgraded triggers, precision bolts, scope rails, and an endless supply of stocks, synthetic, laminate, precision chassis, and classic walnut allow owners to tailor the rifle toward precision rimfire competition, a takedown travel rifle, a tactical-styled trainer, or a backyard plinker. Ruger itself has released numerous factory variants over the years each addressing different shooter needs while retaining the same basic action that made the original famous.

Performance in the field is typically excellent for the cartridge: when fed quality ammunition and fitted with a decent barrel and optics, a 10/22 will routinely produce sub-MOA groups from a steady rest with match ammo. For practical purposes like casual varmint or small game hunting, target shooting, and training.

The rifle’s low recoil and easy follow-up shots make it exceptionally user-friendly. Its simple blowback system also makes maintenance and troubleshooting approachable: regular cleaning of the barrel and bolt face, periodic lubrication of moving parts, and occasional magazine care keep the rifle feeding reliably for thousands of rounds.

There are few downsides: as a rimfire, the 10/22 is sensitive to rimfire ammunition variation (some loads cycle better than others), and extremely high-volume shooters sometimes find the factory trigger heavier than they prefer  a problem commonly solved with aftermarket trigger packs. Also, while the factory rotary magazine is compact and reliable, many users prefer larger capacity box magazines for range work. 

Culturally, the 10/22 has earned a reputation as the “everyman” rifle: inexpensive to shoot, robust enough for regular use, and flexible enough to satisfy a wide cross section of firearms enthusiasts. From parents teaching kids safe gun handling and marksmanship, to precision rimfire competitors chasing tiny groups at 50 yards, to hunters and farmers controlling pests on a budget, the Ruger 10/22 remains a go-to choice. Its longevity is a testament to a simple engineering truth — a well-executed, reliable design paired with a vibrant community and parts ecosystem will stay relevant for decades.

In short, the Ruger 10/22 is more than a rimfire rifle: it’s a platform. Whether you want a stock, wallet-friendly carbine for plinking, a finely tuned target rifle, or a lightweight takedown rifle for travel, the 10/22’s combination of reliability, affordability, and adaptability makes it an enduring and highly practical choice.

Unfortunately for most firearm holders in Australia a Ruger 10/22 is something that's unachievable to own for “recreational” purposes, for work purposes or if you are committed enough to be granted the licence it will be one of the most reliable to adaptable firearms in your collection.

For everyone else we keep Ruger 10/22’s in our museum and we are always proud to explain these firearms to the general public, on your next museum tour be sure to ask the question and have the 10/22’s in our collection pointed out.