I am ecstatic! I can barley contain myself from hitting “Post” and sharing the great news! Ruger is now producing a Takedown version of my favorite gun or all time, the Ruger 10/22. The barrel is removed just forward of the “V Block”. The forend of the two piece stock is attached to the barrel. It ships with a backpack designed to hold the rifle.

From the press release …

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to introduce the Ruger 10/22 Takedown™. Readily separated into two subassemblies, the Ruger 10/22 Takedown offers a convenient transport and storage option for the popular Ruger® 10/22®. As reliable and accurate as every 10/22, the Ruger 10/22 Takedown makes it even easier to keep America’s favorite rimfire rifle by your side.

The barrel and forend of the Ruger 10/22 Takedown are easily separated from the action and buttstock by pushing a recessed lever, twisting the subassemblies, and pulling them apart. Reassembly is the reverse of takedown, and is quick and easy. The friction fit lockup of the assembly joint is simple to adjust, but will rarely need re-adjustment after the first assembly. The lockup is secure and repeatable, ensuring an accurate return to zero, even when receiver-mounted optics are used.

The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is shipped in a ballistic nylon backpack-style case that features internal sleeves which hold the subassemblies. External pockets with MOLLE webbing provide storage for magazines, ammunition, and other accessories. Multiple attachment points for the padded, single shoulder strap offer different carrying options.

The 4.67-pound Ruger 10/22 Takedown is 37″ long when assembled; each subassembly is less than 20 1/4″ long when disassembled. Utilizing the standard 10/22 action and ten round rotary magazine (one magazine is provided), the Ruger 10/22 Takedown offers legendary 10/22 reliability in a compact and portable package.

Now for a few criticisms. Ruger’s 10/22 stocks are awful. Horrible, horrible pieces of plastic. I shed a tear everytime I see someone using a 10/22 factory plastic stock at the range. Some of Ruger’s newer 10/22 have been supplied from the factory with the Hogue Rubber Overmoulded stocks. These stocks are excellent. Sadly, the Ruger 10-22TD appears to be shipping with awful plastic stock and none of the high quality aftermarket stocks will fit the 10/22 Takedown.

My second criticism is that accuracy is going to suffer with that forend hanging off the barrel. That combined with the “barrel band”, one of Ruger’s worst inventions, is really going to mess up the barrel harmonics. The barrel is going to be bouncing around all over the place between shots. The Marlin Papoose does away with the forend to avoid these accuracy problems.

My third criticism is that the Ruger 10/22 is already a decent takedown rifle. Simply removing the action from the stock results in a compact rifle suitable for a pack. My “takedown” 10/22, my pride and joy, is a 12″ Short Barrel Rifle topped off with a compact EOTech and a detachable suppressor.

That said, I still think this is a fantastic rifle. I really like the “new” Ruger. It is no wonder why the company can’t meet demand.

[ Many thanks to Chris & jdun for emailing us information. ]