Friday, May 14, 2010

Friday Gun Pr0n #163

As promised yesterday, today's gun pr0n is my long-overdue Buy A Gun Day purchase. I started out looking for a .22LR autoloader - something simple, like a Ruger Mk II or a 22/45 or a S&W 22A that I could use to help train new shooters. I then thought about a S&W M&P15-22 as a nice trainer for the Bushmaster; a dedicated .22LR AR-platform that I could shoot at the pistol range and play with lasers and red dot sights without breaking the bank.

But I couldn't find anything. I hate buying new firearms. They're such durable goods that it just doesn't make sense to pay top dollar for a new gun (plus sales tax) when you can find something barely used for a good hundred or so less. I came across a couple different options, but they were all either sold out before I got a chance to call on 'em or they just didn't do it for me.

And then I found this:

Yes, that is what you think it is

Yup. I finally have my Ruger 10/22. This particular variant is an older model - the serial number dates it to 1973 (!), meaning that it falls squarely in the "pre-ban" category... It's so old it doesn't even have the Ruger "billboard" warning on the barrel (so it's more dangerous, LOL). The Bushnell "Custom" scope came with it, a 4X rimfire scope that sits right on the 3/8" .22 groove. It can hit a 2.5" steel spinner at 25 yards with no problem at all...

Since it's a pre-ban rifle, there's more options available to me - I can put on a collapsible stock to have something that's more adjustable for a new shooter, for example. Since it's a .22LR, a flash suppressor would be just plain old silly; ditto a bayonet lug. However, a folding stock - like the folding stock it wore right before the ban, ahem - would be kinda sweet too...

I've already got some more magazines on order - it only came with one! - as well as some aftermarket parts (already). Jury's still out on what kind of stock I want to get for it - something with a folder would be tacticool, but a collapsible stock would be more useful. Something with a rail for a forend grip would be neat, but certainly not necessary either. That'll come with time - right now I'm working on replacing some of the factory parts with upgrades like the Volquartsen extended magazine release...

Oh, one last thing: If anyone out there in America has a "pre-ban" high capacity magazine or five they'd like to trade for a brand new magazine of similar capacity, let me know...

That is all.

13 comments:

ZerCool said...

a flash suppressor would be just plain old silly; ditto a bayonet lug

This, from the man whose business card has a snubby with lasers and bayonets?

Irony, thy name is Jay.

TotC said...

Wooo Boy!!!

For the money (and the caliber) funnest rifle EVER!!!

Unless The BoyG or BabyGirlG are going to shoot it, I'd let it fly with that gorgeous stock it has now.

Congratulations

Borepatch said...

But a bayonet lug is always fashionable, particularly in the People's Republic.

Ross said...

When you get back, Jay, give me a call and we'll get that action working the way it should.

Mad Saint Jack said...

Wow, that scope is way the hell back there!


I think you know which stock to buy:

BLAAAAAACKHAAAAAAAWK!!!!!

No really I think an Axiom stock and a carbon fiber barrel would be a good comb for kids and noobs.

I don't know if I could do it to a classic 10/22 like that.

The 10/22 I got on my 16th birthday is staying just like it is.

libertyman said...

Geez -- I would leave it as is, that is a nice wood stock.

John said...

If you're going for "tacticool," it looks like this guy is going to be hard to beat. I have no experience with it, but it looks cool and Nordic has a great reputation.

Just another option to consider.

Anonymous said...

I think I'd be inclined to leave that classic cosmetically just the way it is as well. If I WAS inclined to do anything to it, it would be this: M1 carbine tribute

aczarnowski said...

I'll repeat Mad Saint Jack and say that scope mount is crazy.

As for upgrades, both my 10/22s wear Volquartsen target hammer and bushing kits, their extended mag release and their bolt release. Midway has'em all. There are bigger $$ trigger packages, but the $33 (sale till 05/31/2010) kit gets you at least 80 out of the 80/20 rule. The difference really is amazing.

As for the stock, I'd leave it alone too and I'm the EBR guy in my shooting group. I can see where upgrades are tempting though since you so rarely get the opportunity.

Have fun!

Anonymous said...

Classic.....You have enough other toys to change. Leave this one alone!

See Ya

Bruce said...

Deluxe Sporter...same as mine. Well done.

Stretch said...

The 10/22 is beautiful just the way it is but (you knew there was a 'but' coming) the pages of Mid-well's are just full of STUFF! Enough to keep you and The Boy busy for weeks at the kitchen table. (OK, the garage. Sorry 'bout that Mrs. G) And you can always put it back into original condition in just a few minutes.
Allow me to help spend your money: http://www.eabco.com/cgi-bin/shopper.exe?preadd=action&key=005-102

bluesun said...

Yay!