The Firearm Blog

This Ruger 10/22 was heavily customized by JBLee. Click to expand the image.

Very cool. I love the magazine release.

Hat Tip: RFC

Ruger are now offering a pistol with the 10/22 action! This is big news. Many Ruger 10/22 fans long to be able to create ‘ultimate’ 10/22 pistols but you cannot legally take a rifle and convert it into a pistol.

I predict that within a few months there are going to be hordes of 3rd party accessories to allow anyone to customize the Charger. We will be seeing ‘1911′ Chargers etc. Already you can use the vast quantity of 10/22 accessories.

It will be selling for $ 369.50 which includes the bi-pod, not not the scope. Seems a bit pricy.

Ruger’s press release:

The Ruger 22 Charger™ Pistol delivers the fun, versatility and reliability of the time tested Ruger 10/22® in a handgun. The 22 Charger features a 10-inch precision-rifled barrel mounted in an ergonomically designed, warp-proof, laminated stock. The adjustable bipod that ships with every 22 Charger pistol provides added control and stability on the range or in the field. A new extended magazine release allows easy removal of the legendary Ruger 10-shot rotary magazine.

Whether you prefer a high magnification scope for long-range varmint shooting, or a red dot sight for quick and sure target acquisition, a combination Weaver®-style and “tip-off” sight mount allows your choice of optics. Either way, it is a great new pistol for long-range target shooting.

The Ruger 22 Chargerâ„¢ pistol has an overall length of 19-1/4 inches and weighs 3-1/2 pounds, without the supplied bipod. The matte black finish compliments the black laminate stock and completes the weather-resistant package. It comes with a gun rug bearing the Ruger logo.

More on the pistol (from Ruger):

• Ruger 10/22® action with extended magazine release for easy removal.
• Ergonomically designed, warp-proof, laminated stock maintains accurate zero.
• Precision-rifled barrel for long-range accuracy.
• A manual safety that positively locks the sear.
• All 22 Chargers come with a precision-adjustable bipod for rock-steady sighting.
• Unique combination Weaver®-style and “tip-off” optical sight mount give shooters freedom to use their choice of optics.
• Compact, light weight package with a barrel length of 10″, overall length of 19 1/4″, and weight of only 3.5 lbs (without bipod).

Specs:

Caliber: .22 LR
Capacity: 10 Rounds
Finish: Black Matte
Grip: Black Laminate
Barrel Length: 10″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
Overall Length: 19 1/4″
Weight: 3 1/2 lbs
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): N/A
Rear Sight(s): N/A
Other Features: Cross Bolt Safety; Extended Magazine Release
Suggested Retail Price: $ 369.50
Miscellaneous: Black Matte 22 Charger. Bipod included.

A video showing the Charger. It looks like a lot of fun.

Some more photos:


As you can see it is a standard 10/22 action:

UPDATE

GunBlast have written a review on the Charger

With most firearms that come in for review, I pass it around a bit to other shooters to get their opinions. However, promising to keep the Charger hidden until December 17th, I had to keep this one to myself. My wife did catch me playing with the pistol, and stated ; “That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!” That means a lot coming from her, as she is not really into guns, and has become pretty jaded over the past twenty-eight years, seeing a lot of firearms come through here. In fact, for our tenth wedding anniversary, I gave her a brand new Ruger 10/22 rifle. It was our 10th, and we were married on the 22nd, so it seemed like a natural choice to me. She has never fired it. After watching me shoot the Charger, she liked it. She wants to shoot this one.

With the superb pedigree of the famous Ruger 10/22 rifle behind it, I think that the .22 Charger will find a lot of owners. It is a great little plinker, and would just be perfect for shooting the game of rimfire silhouette, or any other animated target game. As a hunting pistol, it should prove to be very successful, as it handles like the good single shot and bolt action pistols on the market, but with the reliable ten-shot semi-auto action of the 10/22 rifle.

UPDATE

It is very similar to Hornet Custom COBRA Pistol which is also based on a 10/22 action.

UPDATE

I have read the reason it is not California legal is because the magazine is outside of the pistol grip. This makes it an AOW (All other weapon) assault weapon under California law, see dogon1013’s comment below.

UPDATE

The, much more expensive, MagnumLite PiCuda Pistols are very similar, based on a 10/22 action, and available in .17 Mach 2

UPDATE

Mr Completely has posted a review:

The trigger pull is a bit heavy but it was quite crisp. It wouldn’t hurt to put in a good trigger kit like a Volquartsen or Jard system. Maybe when we get a warm calm day I’ll get some fresh ammo and try it without handicapping the pistol. If you want to shoot it without the bipod the legs flip forward but it feels kind of awkward. Fortunately the bipod attaches to a sling swivel mount with a pin and comes off with the turn of a thumb screw. My shooting buddy like Mr. C is a lefty and even people who shoot with the wrong hand find the stock comfortable. He didn’t even get hit with the ejected brass. He said that was a plus and claims that brass hitting the forehead is somewhat distracting and affects accuracy.

Both of us were really pleased with the new Charger, and it looks just as good in person as it does in the picture.

Ruger has just released their disastrous third quarter results. Their share price fell 37.71% as of Wednesdays close!

This graph shows the last three months of Ruger (RGR) trading. Click on the graph to expand it.

Their CEO, Michael O. Fifer, wrote a letter to Ruger shareholders. He had this to say:

For decades, Ruger introduced innovative designs on a regular basis, stimulating consumer demand. That strength has waned in the past few years with the passing of Bill Ruger, Sr. and a weakening of the product development resources at Ruger.

Nothing new here. It has taken them 20 years to clone the Glock pistol and produce the recently released SR9 striker fired pistol.

He goes on to say:

Ruger has not participated in some of the fastest growing segments of the consumer firearms market. These segments, which include AR-15 style rifles, compact carry pistols and revolvers, and striker-fired, auto-loading pistols, have recently been the engines of growth in the consumer firearms market.

Several of our top distributors have experienced growth rates in one or more of these categories in excess of 40% for the first nine months of the year. We plan to develop products for several of these markets. We recently had a very successful launch of our new striker-fired, auto-loading pistol, the Ruger SR9.

They have already launched a striker fired pistol so that leaves compact carry pistols and revolvers and AR-15 rifles.

Remington, one of their major competitors in the rifle market, have just announced their first line of AR-15 hunting rifles, the R-15.

The Remington R-15

I think Ruger will announce an AR-15 hunting rifle this time next year.

(The above photo is a photoshop I made… obviously. Not to mention the ‘evil’ 30 round magazine that Ruger will never sell.)

It makes perfect sense. The black, or more politically correct, camo rifles are what is selling.

I came across these photos by bcr308 @ RFC. I think the stock makes it kind of look like an M1 Carbine…? Maybe its my imagination!

Very nice photos.

Remington 552

Ruger 77/22 with 3200 Elite 5-15×40 scope

Click to increase size.
Photos by Ron J @ RFC here and here

Some great photos of 32 Magnum @ PAFOA ’s Mini-14

(I removed the serial numbers from the photos)

The first one is a Ruger Mini-14 Stainless model in .223. This one has been “modified” with a Choate stock, muzzle break/flash disperser, an inexpensive Eurolux 4x bullet drop compensating, side mount scope and an Eagle Ent. 36 round polymer, see through, constant tension spring magazine. With all the extras, 2″ groups are the norm for this piece. Not a tack driver, but certainly “good enough” for plinking, fun shooting and serious close in (less than 150 yard) tactical purposes. This piece is utterly reliable (only problems have been with Wolf polymer coated rounds) and everyone that has shot it has enjoyed the experience. Total cost of gun and accessories is around $525. I bought the basic gun, new, about 8 years ago for just under $400.

I think the Choate stock had a lot to do with the improvement in accuracy which I experienced. Yes, it is a tight fit, which is good - less wiggle room for the receiver to move around from shot to shot. The stock is lighter than the factory wood and very durable. The hand grip is probably one of the best features as it provides a more steady grip, at least for me. The hand grip and the fore stock have very aggresive checkering molded in and provide a non-slip grip. The rubber recoil pad on the butt adds just a little bit of extra reach and helps lock the stock into the shoulder. It is well worth the money if you want to improve the performance of your Mini-14. The muzzle break was probably the biggest contributor to accuracy - from what I’ve read recently, one of the factors affecting Mini accuracy is barrel harmonics because of the thin taper barrel. The new Target Mini has a barrel harmonic dampener - I think the muzzle break has a similar affect. It is not there just “for nice” it does work.

The full thread is here.

Ruger has just announced their new polymer-framed 9mm pisol the SR9 and SR9-10

It features:

• Polymer Frame
• Slim Profile
• Striker-fired
• 1911-position manual safety
• Fits in Glock holster (UPDATE: See holster list below)

Read a review here.

Watch a video of it here.

UPDATE:

More info at Ruger.com:

Models: SR9 (17+1 capacity) SR9-10 (10+1 capacity)
Price: US$525 for both models

Features:

• Weighs 26.5 oz., in a package of just 5.52″ H x 7.55″ L x 1.27″ W
• Reliable, striker-fired ignition
• Easy, “Semi-Double Action” trigger-pull - 6.5 pounds.
• 17+1 Capacity. (Note: 17-round magazines are not available in all states and locales; 10-round magazines are available where required to meet state and local regulations limiting magazine capacity.)
• Chambered in 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19).
• Short trigger reach.
• Unique reversible backstrap (flat or arched) to accommodate grip preferences.
• Slim, ergonomic grip features a 17-degree grip angle and three, 22 lpi checkered panels that provide a sure grip without being abrasive.
• Patented Ruger camblock helps absorb recoil.
• High-visibility 3-dot sight system is click adjustable for elevation and drift adjustable for windage.
• Picatinny rail accepts modern sighting devices (lights, lasers, etc.).
• Ultra-slim stainless steel slide.
• Ambidextrous magazine release.
• Ambidextrous 1911-style manual safety.
• Internal trigger bar interlock and striker blocker, trigger safety, and magazine disconnect.
• Visual and tactile loaded chamber indicator.
• Suggested retail price of just $525, including hard case, extra magazine, magazine loader, padlock, and instruction manual.

SR9 Specs:

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19)
Capacity: 17+1
Finish: Stainless
Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
Barrel Length: 4 1/8″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Overall Length: 7.55″
Weight: 26.5 oz.
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): Drift Adjustable
Rear Sight(s): Adjustable
Other Features: Ambidextrous Manual Safety and Magazine Release, Reversible Backstrap and Magazine Disconnect
Suggested Retail Price: $ 525.00
Miscellaneous: Ruger’s First Striker-Fired Pistol

SR9-10 Specs:

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (9mm x 19)
Capacity: 10+1
Finish: Stainless
Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
Barrel Length: 4 1/8″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
Overall Length: 7.55″
Weight: 26.25 oz.
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): Drift Adjustable
Rear Sight(s): Adjustable
Other Features: Ambidextrous Manual Safety and Magazine Release, Reversible Backstrap and Magazine Disconnect
Suggested Retail Price: $ 525.00
Miscellaneous: Ruger’s First Striker-Fired Pistol

More here.

UPDATE:

Ruger has posted a list of compatible holsters:

Hunter Leather:
5029 Belt Slide
5229 Open Top
5129 Shoulder Holster
1300 #13 Inside the Pant 1300

Galco:
CT5224B Cop 3 Slot
84122 Fletch Holster
84155 Classic

Bianchi:
7001 Thumpsnap - Holster-Size 13
7115 Thumpsnap Duty - Holster-Size 13
105 Minimalist-Size 13/15

Uncle Mike’s:
Nylon All Size 15
9521 Pro-3 RH and LH
9821 Dual Retention
9921 Tactical Thigh

Safariland:
4062-23-21 Inside the Pant
527-836 Belt Slide
070-383-161 SS111 Duty Holster

The list is here.

UPDATE: Some more photos:

The safety on and off:

The back of the striker is visible when the action is semi-cocked. Nice.

Loaded chamber indicator:

Stripped:

The manual can be downloaded here (I have mirrored it on this site because the ruger site is *very* slow at the moment).

UDPATE:

The Unforgiving Minute has a less than positive review:

CAUTION: Dry firing your RUGER SR9 with the magazine removed may result in damage or unnecessary wear to the striker blocking mechanism.

Didn’t we just go through this with the P345? Guys, if you just HAVE to include a mag safety, at least go to the trouble of engineering it so the damn thing won’t break like that.

More here.

UPDATE:

Some videos about the SR9.

Ruger SR9 History

Ruger VP Bob Stutler explains the 20-year journey Ruger has taken in the evolution of their handguns to the new SR9 starting with the Ruger P85 centerfire autoloading pistol.

Watch it here.

Ruger SR9 Features

Ruger VP Bob Stutler points out the various features of the new Ruger SR9 including the reversible backstrap, low-profile sights, ambidextrous safety, and high capacity 17-round magazine.

Watch it here.

UPDATE

GunBlast have done a comprehensive review:

While on the subject of the SR9 trigger, I have heard early reports from those who have handled, but not necessarily fired, the SR9 that the trigger pull is somewhat gritty. Mostly this is due to dry-firing the weapon without a magazine in place. Ruger warns SR9 owners to not dry-fire the pistol without the magazine in the gun. The SR9 has a magazine safety, which is located in the slide… The trigger pull on my sample gun exhibited these same traits when dry-firing the pistol without a magazine in place. However, while actually firing the pistol, it has a pretty decent trigger pull… After shooting the SR9 extensively, the trigger pull has also improved somewhat. It compares favorably with the trigger pull on other pistols of its type.

The sights on the SR9 are a very good design. The front is drift adjustable for windage, and the rear is adjustable for windage and elevation. They are much better sights than those that are supplied with most competitive pistols.

I like many features of the SR9. It is very user-friendly to left-handed shooters like me. It is slim. It is reliable, rugged, and backed by the famous Ruger reputation for customer service. I like the thumb safety. I like the large trigger guard that can easily accommodate a gloved finger. I like the steel magazines. I love the slim grip! I also like the fact that it is American made.

More here.

UPDATE

Ruger are now offering a version of the SR9 with a blackened stainless slide

The recently launched Ruger SR9™ pistol, the first striker-fired pistol from Ruger, is now available with a blackened stainless slide. The multi-step blackening process improves both the durability and corrosion resistance of the stainless steel slide by creating a surface hardness of 68Rc. The extra hard finish also reduces scratching and holster wear.

Looks nice, but I think the stainless slide looks better.

UPDATE

I came across a video of an SR9 in action

UPDATE

A very nice photo taken by ScaredOnce and posted at PAFOA

UPDATE

A OD green frame model is now available. Looks nice.

UPDATE:

Jason took some great photos and has licensed them under a Creative Commons Lisence. I have uploaded one of them to the wikipedia Ruger SR9 page. Thanks Jason

Jeffersonian shows you how to speed load your revolver. He has many photos showing the process using his .357 Magnum Ruger GP100 and HKS #586 speedloaders.


Click here for more.

I love watching IPSC wheel gun competitors doing their thing!

The Krinker Plinker is a kit that includes everything but the receiver, trigger group, and their internal parts to convert a Ruger 10/22 rifle into a replica AK-74U Krinkov assault rifle. The kit includes a new sixteen inch heavy barrel, AK-style pistol grip and handguard, an extended magazine release, a fake sound suppressor (silencer), a good set of adjustable peep sights, a Picatinny rail for mounting optics, hardware, and a Krinkov style side-folding stock. The metal parts are either black anodized aluminum, or black oxide coated steel. The kit also comes with a good set of illustrated instructions for installing the kit on your Ruger 10/22 receiver.

More here.

UPDATE

A custom camo paint job: