Sometimes a brief mention of politics is necessary to offer a historical perspective on what makes a particular gun interesting. In this case, the gun in question is a new Takedown 10/22 being offered by Davidson’s.

William “Bill” Ruger is possibly as famous for his alleged pro gun control stance as he is for making high quality firearms. In a March 1989 letter to the United States Congress, Bill Ruger stated his support for legislation that would “…prohibit the possession of high capacity magazines.” He went on to say that “…a simple, complete and unequivocal ban on large capacity magazines…” would be a more effective law than trying to “outlaw or license” guns that would be ultimately called “assault weapons.” Some may make the argument that he was trying to derail potentially devastating gun control legislation by offering something that was less devastating – the lesser of two evils, so to speak.

Regardless, Sturm, Ruger & Co had a variety of things missing from its catalog prior to the current management team. One of the most obvious missing items from the company’s line up were so called “high capacity” magazines for the 10/22 rifle.

Sure, you could get a “hot lips” magazine from Midway or the local gun shop, but there was nothing with the Ruger brand on it. In 2011, that changed with the introduction of the BX-25 magazine. Suddenly, 25 rounds of rimfire could be fed from a true Ruger magazine.

Davidson’s is taking advantage of those magazines and developed a special edition 10/22 Takedown rifle that comes with the BX-25 magazine standard. The rifles are also fitted with a decidedly non-PC Ruger flash suppressor on the end of its threaded barrel. What would Bill Ruger say?

These guns have a black polymer stock and a stainless steel barrel and receiver. Davidson’s via the Gallery of Guns shows these as having a MSRP of $504.32 with the scope base adapter and rugged take down case.

Anyone following the industry can tell you that Sturm, Ruger & Co. is not the same company it was under Bill Ruger. The company now happily sells AR-style rifles in a variety of calibers in addition to plenty of “high capacity” magazines and other things Bill Ruger would have likely objected to. May I respectfully suggest that anyone holding a grudge against the company for Bill Ruger’s actions reconsider their position? Ruger is making some good guns and seems to be solidly in the pro-rights camp.