By R.K. Campbell | Contributing Editor
Recently Ruger introduced a ‘long slide’ version of the SR 22 rimfire handgun, and in my opinion, it is a winner.
With a one inch longer barrel and improved balance, this new handgun makes for an interesting combination. The ability to mount a combat light and good accuracy makes for a useful handgun.
While Ruger made their mark with the original Standard Model .22 and Single Six revolver, the lightweight SR 22 is an overlooked but useful firearm. There are features about the SR 22 you should understand before purchasing. Some prefer the handling of a double action first shot pistol, others do not. This DA first-shot trigger makes for improved safety when packing the SR 22 as a field or hiking gun. I simply ignore the DA trigger when target shooting. Also consider that the SR 22 isn’t as accurate as larger handguns such as the Ruger 22/45, but it is accurate enough for most chores.
At an age when many handguns are in a race to the bottom in price and quality, the SR 22 has a stylish look. Fit and finish are good with no tool marks or rough edges. This neat little sidearm, chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge, is left hand friendly with ambidextrous safety and magazine release controls. The safety moves differently than most and takes a few repetitions to master. The safety lever moves up to fire and down for safety, which is the opposite of a 1911 or Hi Power pistol. It is reasonable to leave the safety off and rely on the double action first shot trigger and exposed hammer for safety, although I prefer the additional safety of a manual lever. Unlike many small handguns the SR 22 controls are large enough for easy manipulation.
The grip is compact but doesn’t cramp most hand sizes. An interchangeable grip sleeve is included to modify the grip, so it fits different hand sizes. The balance of adhesion and abrasion is good, offering good purchase. The pistol is supplied with two ten-round magazines and optional base pads are included.
Mechanics
Disassembly for routine cleaning isn’t complicated. The takedown lever is located inside the trigger guard. First, clear the magazine and chamber! Press the takedown lever downward to release the slide from the receiver. You will have no problem lifting the slide from the rear and up off of the receiver rails. This is a straight blowback design. The barrel remains fixed to the frame during disassembly.
The slide is well-polished aluminum with a black anodized finish. You notice immediately the small recoil spring is wrapped around a synthetic guide rod. They need be no larger to control the slight recoil impulse of the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. The ejector and extractor are robust and take a good bite out of the cartridge case, so extraction and ejection are positive.
The hammer spur is easily cocked or held steady as you lower the hammer by pressing the trigger. Both forward and rear cocking serrations are cut into the slide. This pistol’s sights are particularly well suited to accurate shooting. The rear sights are fully adjustable, and the front is dovetailed into the slide for a good sight picture. The SR 22 features a light rail ahead of the trigger guard for mounting lights or lasers.
Magazines are easily loaded. To properly load the SR 22 lock the slide to the rear, insert a loaded magazine, and drop the slide. The hammer remains cocked and the safety may be applied to decock the hammer, thus lowering it without manual manipulation, an added safety feature. The pistol may be deployed safety on or safety off. I prefer “safety on” carry. Be certain to practice manipulating the safety.
The first shot both cocks and drops the hammer. The trigger is pressed to the rear and forces the hammer to the rear by use of a draw bar. The hammer then falls and the pistol fires. The slide recoils and the hammer is automatically cocked, as on any other exposed-hammer semi-auto, for single action fire. Following shots are taken single action.
I discovered the double-action trigger pull is long and heavy. I would cock the hammer for a single action shot if any type of accuracy is needed!
When fired single action, the trigger breaks at 6.4 pounds on the Lyman digital trigger gauge.
Longer Barrel
My version of the SR 22 features a 4.5-inch barrel compared to the original 3.5 inch barrel on the standard-sized pistol. The subtle difference in balance is pleasant.
That extra inch on the barrel produces a little more velocity than the standard version, about 30 fps more with some loads, and less with others.
Firing the SR 22 was a joy for many reasons. First, it isn’t difficult to fire several hundred cartridges without stopping to rub your wrists! There is no recoil to speak of! Second, ammunition is plentiful and affordable. Some of my favorite loads are becoming much more readily available.
I like to have something in my pocket when hiking or trekking even in the most charming areas. I like to be certain I am familiar with the point of impact versus the point of aim at 5 to 7 yards as this is the range I hope to engage a reptile-although he may be at my feet. Then I move to 7 yards and make certain I am able to perform a head shot on man and coyote sized animals.
The SR 22, as may be expected, will make a cloverleaf of four shots at any range up to 10 yards. I cocked the hammer for single action fire in each case. Firing off a solid benchrest using the MTM Caseguard K Zone rest, I fired for accuracy. Most loads put five shots into two inches at 50 feet. Most 40-grain high velocity loads break at 980 to 990 fps the CCI 36 grain Mini Mag clocks 1040 fps.
This is a neat package, light and handy, but also reliable and accurate. It is well worth its price.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Ruger SR22
Caliber: .22LR
Magazine capacity: 10 rounds
Materials: Aluminum slide, stainless steel barrel, polymer frame, railed dust cover
Weight empty:18.7 ounces
Barrel Length: 4.5″
Overall length: 7.4″
Sights: Three white dots, fixed front, windage and elevation adjustable rear, reversible rear insert
Action: DA/SA, decocking safety
Finish: Black anodized
MSRP: $589
