by R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
The M1 carbine version of the Ruger 10/22 proved accurate and controllable. The shooter is executing double taps. (A ten round magazine is in place.)
I have used the Ruger 10/22 for several decades now. I have found Ruger’s .22 caliber self- loading rifle the most reliable on the market and very accurate as well. The rifle was introduced in 1964 and is now the most popular .22 caliber rifle in America. I have never seen a malfunction with the rifle when the 10 22 is fed the proper High Velocity .22 Long Rifle ammunition. (At least a malfunction not related to the ammunition.)
A common upgrade is fitting aftermarket barrels, including heavy barrels. Other modifications include custom stocks. The factory also offers a number of variations including rifles for long range target work, for hunting, and even tactical versions. Among the great additions to the Ruger 10/22 is the relatively recent introduction of the X Magazine. The X Magazine offers a 25 round capacity and performs with excellent reliability. I own several 10/22 rifles and it is difficult to choose a favorite but a new version of the rifle has my attention.
The M1 10/22 is a clean and friendly design.
Ruger has introduced a version of the rifle to commemorate the M1 Carbine. The M1 .30-caliber Carbine was used in World Two, Korea, and Vietnam and is a highly collectable firearm. Light, handy, and firing a mid-range cartridge, the M1 carbine was the first low maintenance military rifle and the first issued with non-corrosive ammunition. The Ruger 10/22 M1 version isn’t a reproduction as it is chambered in .22 Long Rifle, but it is fittingly called a tribute to the M1. For performance, appearance, and fun factor the Ruger makes the grade.
The look is classic but the performance is all 10/22. The furniture is what really makes for the GI look. The stock is very similar to the original M1 carbine. There is a slot in the stock for a sling and the front barrel band is similar to the original M1. Fit and finish of the stock is excellent, even flawless. There is simply no basis for criticism in the inletting or final finish.
The push button safety and magazine release lever are standard issue Ruger 10/22 type.
The rifle features the standard 10/22 action. This includes the crossbolt safety located in the trigger guard and a handy magazine release located in front of the trigger guard. This magazine catch features the new extended magazine release now standard on all Ruger 10/22 rifles. The rifle is supplied with a new variation on the X magazine. The X 15 magazine holds 15 cartridges. This is in keeping with the style and profile of the original carbine, which was issued with a 15-round magazine.
Operating the rifle is simple. Insert a loaded magazine and be certain it seats home. There is a handy cocking handle on the bolt. Pull the bolt fully to the rear against spring pressure and let it snap smartly forward. You are ready to fire.
The Ruger M1 version features an aperture rear sight that is similar to the original M1. The protected blade front sight is also similar to the M1. This sight offers excellent speed to an accurate first shot. If firing the Ruger offhand it isn’t difficult to quickly get on target and make a hit at 15-25 yards. The eye tends to naturally center the front sight in the rear sight when using an aperture sight. This combination offers excellent accuracy for taking small game at modest range. As an example, a squirrel in a tree isn’t a challenge for these sights.
The rifle’s mounting rail allows easy mounting of red dot sights such as the TruGlo 30mm Red Dot the author mounted with excellent results.
The M1 Ruger also features a rail for mounting optics. Among my friends and associates there was division concerning this option. Half felt that the rifle should not have an optical sight and that the rail took away from the appearance of the rifle. Another remarked that he had spent considerable time and effort mounting a scope on his personal M1 carbine and the Ruger’s mount certainly made things easier. It is easy enough to mount an optical sight.
During the test period I fitted a TruGlo 30mm red dot. This is an affordable sight that offers 11-point adjustment for brightness. It wasn’t difficult to properly sight this red dot in. I used the TruGlo during the evaluation and I have to admit, traditional or not, this is one cool set up!
The rear aperture sight gave good results in both rapid fire at close range and firing for accuracy to 50 yards.
There is a certain amount of redundancy in testing one of the most reliable rifles on the planet but that is what I do and I wished to confirm the reliability of the rifle and explore its accuracy potential. I collected a number of loads from CCI, Fiocchi and Winchester. These included bulk loads with a 40-grain RNL bullet and the fast stepping CCI Velocitor. I gauged the rifle’s handling and also absolute accuracy from a solid bench rest firing position.
In fast-paced firing offhand the rifle gave good results. The M1 Ruger is almost a pound heavier than a Ruger Take Down rifle I had on hand, but wooden stocks versus synthetic stocks are responsible for the difference. This is a solid feel that I like very much.
The post front sight is nicely serrated on the face and offers a good aiming point.
While I do not recommend the .22 Long Rifle cartridge for personal defense it has served and is accurate enough and offers reasonable penetration. If this is your only rifle, practice diligently and practice fast repeat shots. In particular you should practice quickly clearing a malfunction. The .22 caliber rifle is unique among modern rifles in that practically any malfunction is more likely to be related to the ammunition than the rifle. Long rifle .22 rimfire ammunition uses a heel based bullet that is friction fitted into the cartridge case rather than crimped in as with a jacketed bullet. This means that occasionally a bullet will be bent sideways during the feed cycle. There is also the occasional misfire or failure of the priming compound. Modern rimfire ammunition is more reliable than in the past but far from the standard set for centerfire ammunition. During the initial firing stage the rifle suffered two failures to function, with a cartridge case stuck between the bolt and the chamber. After the first 200 cartridges there were no further malfunctions and the rifle reached 650 rounds without cleaning.
Accuracy testing
The Ruger 10/22 was used to address a variety of targets. This is a fun gun!
I took every advantage for accuracy as I bench-rested the Ruger for accuracy. The trigger breaks at 5.5 pounds, which isn’t bad for a .22 caliber rifle. Controlling the trigger and keeping the aperture sight lined up properly the rifle gave a credible performance. Most 10/22 rifles are good for a five shot group of two to three inches at 50 yards. This rifle fell into this margin with most groups less than three inches. The smallest group was around 2.25 inches. By a happy circumstance the fastest load, the CCI Velociter, was also the most accurate. But the loads tested fell within a narrow margin of accuracy. I am certain a quality rifle scope would increase accuracy potential.
Accessories
There is a well defined and intended resemblance to the original .30 carbine.
My personal .30 carbine rides in a carrying bag from World War Supply. This bag is a fleece-lined olive drab reproduction of a World War Two carrying bag for the M1 carbine. It fits the Ruger 10/22 perfectly and I will be ordering another specifically for use with the Ruger .22 caliber rifle. How cool does it get!
This reproduction carrier from World War Supply is a perfect fit for the Ruger carbine.
I did not expect poor accuracy or reliability from this rifle as the heart of the piece is a Ruger 10/22. Handling isn’t adversely affected either. Rather, handling with the carbine-type stock is enhanced. The aperture sight offers fast handling and fast hits. The ability to mount a red dot sight is exciting. I am going to be using this rifle a lot.
MSRP for the Ruger 1022 carbine with wood or synthetic stock is $309. For more information, visit them online at ruger.com, or stop in at your nearest Ruger dealer.
