Ares-22RCU : Carbine conversion of Ruger Mk III pistol
I first learnt about the Ares Carbine from GunPundit who spotted it at SHOT Show '09. It was supposed to go one sale in the first or second quarter but nothing was seen of it since SHOT.
Tyler Kreis, the NRA's Firearms Inventory Manager, is the first to have gotten his hands on the Ares Defense Systems Ares-22 RCU and has shot a video of it in action. It looks like a very fun system.

The downside is that you’ll need to order the conversion through an FFL. If I’m not mistaken, the Ruger semi-auto rimfire pistols don’t have the serial number on the grip frame. Instead, it is located just forward of the ejection port on the barreled receiver. Thus, any conversion kit will require its own serial number in order to legal on a non-serial numbered grip frame.
from GunPundit: “Overall Length: 20.5″ (stock closed)”
Assuming the system will fire while the stock is closed, doesn’t that put it in SBR territory? You may note that every other system (that I know of) which folds/telescopes/whatever is either larger than 26″ when folded or cannot fire while folded (ie Kel-Tec Sub2000).
I am not surprised. Mk II had a huge modding community, so why not the new version. But if you are going to get a .22 carbine why not just get a 10/22. Probably cheaper and less hassle.
Why do people keep inventing these things?
Hey, Daniel…you’re right. You need to fill out another 4473 for the conversion kit. They have an MSRP of $379.99. The grips don’t have a serial# so you essentially end up with 2 different guns. I think it’s awesome, and yes, the 10/22 is alot cheaper, but having a handgun turn in to a carbine is pretty sweet. There’s really no reason for it other than just having fun with it. I love it and I’m probably going to buy the one in the video.
Wow this is realy cool
i would use these as a home defence
if it had hi cap mags
@getgunincanada
same reason there is a Glock and a 1911 and a AR-15 market..because there is money.
Not everyone wants to go the range with the same vanilla looking weapon as everyone else..even if it’s painted up in race gun colors and designs..