4 Best Ruger 10/22 Models [2024]: Hunting, Competition, & More

Introduction

In the market for a rifle that comes from the factory working great, but also provides virtually endless customization opportunities? Look no further than the Ruger 10/22!

This little .22 rifle has been a favorite among shooters for over 50 years and is known for its accuracy, reliability, and customizability. But with so many models out there, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

Don’t worry, though, because we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll be breaking down the best Ruger 10/22 models so you can find the perfect match for your shooting style.

So grab your ammo, and let’s get started!

Best Ruger 10/22 Models & Recommendations

Best Overall – Ruger 10/22 Takedown Model 11112

Specifications

Pros & Cons

It’s hard to identify a single 10/22 model as the single best one because different models are optimized for different things.

So, to try to identify the “best” choice, I went with the model that I think is the most versatile. That’s the Takedown Model 11112. It is, obviously, a takedown rifle, meaning that it can be disassembled into two pieces, making the rifle easier to carry or stow, making it a great boat, plane, or backpack gun.

The primary reason I prefer this particular model over the base model of the Takedown, the Model 11100, is simple: this one has a threaded barrel. It comes with a simple Ruger birdcage-style flash suppressor pre-installed, but it’s super easy to remove and replace with whatever muzzle device you’d like, such as the Ruger Silent-SR suppressor.

I also like that the metal components have a sleek satin black finish that matches the stock for a monochromatic look, but that’s more of an aesthetic preference than anything to do with the quality of the rifle.

Best Value – Ruger 10/22 Carbine Model 1151

Specifications

Pros & Cons

I’ll admit, I struggled to decide between this model and the other basic Carbine model, the Model 1103. They’re the same price, and there’s only one real difference between the two, the stock material, but that’s where I decided the Model 1151 squeaks ahead.

While the 1103 has a beautiful, classic hardwood stock, the Model 1151 has a more durable synthetic stock. The extra durability of that synthetic stock, plus the fact that it shaves off more than half a pound of weight, led me to give the Model 1151 the edge in terms of value.

As part of the Carbine line, the Model 1151 is pretty much a prototypical example of the 10/22. It has an 18.5-inch alloy steel barrel, and the black synthetic stock has a minimalist straight comb, giving the rifle a classic feel despite the synthetic stock. The cross-bolt manual safety is another classic feature.

The barrel, receiver, and other metal components all feature a satin black finish, blending with the black stock for an even more minimalist feel. The barrel is topped with a gold bead front sight and an adjustable rear sight.

The rifle comes with a combination scope adapter that works with both Weaver-style and .22 tip-off scope mounts for those who want an upgrade.

Best for Hunting – Ruger 10/22 Sporter Model 1102

Specifications

Pros & Cons

As a .22 rifle, the hunting applications for the Ruger 10/22 are limited, but for those who do want to use the 10/22 to hunt very small game and varmints, the 10/22 Sporter Model 1102 is my recommendation.

It has sling swivels and a flat buttplate to optimize the rifle for hunting use. The 18.5-inch barrel is on the longer end for a 10/22 barrel, helping to make your shots at tiny game more accurate without too much length for maneuverability.

To help you zero in on those tiny creatures, the sight has the standard gold bead front sight and adjustable rear sight. However, you’ll probably want to take advantage of the optic-ready receiver and the fact that the rifle comes with the standard combination scope base adapter.

In addition to the hunting upgrades, the 10/22 Sporter is, at least in my opinion, the best looking across the 10/22 line. It has an absolutely gorgeous American Walnut stock and a satin black finish on the receiver and barrel, giving the Sporter a lovely, classic appearance that brings to mind the saddle rifles of the Old West, just in a modern semi-auto package.

Best Honorable Mention – Ruger 10/22 Competition Model 31120

Specifications

Pros & Cons

Of all the various 10/22 models, the Ruger 10/22 Competition is probably the one that stands out from the standard the most. Ruger designed this to be, as the name suggests, a competition-grade rifle suitable for serious competitors.

As such, it features a lot of upgrades relative to other 10/22s, especially basic models like the 10/22 Carbine.

For one, the stock features a grippy laminate finish and a fully adjustable cheek rest, so you can optimize the comb height and position for your comfort and optic alignment. And speaking of optic alignment, the 10/22 Competition doesn’t have sights but instead has a 30 MOA Picatinny rail for mounting a scope, red dot sight, or other optic.

The trigger is also upgraded, to the Ruger BX-Trigger, which is a big improvement over one of the weak points of the original design. The Ruger BX-Trigger has a short pull, a nice and crisp break with a 2.5 to 3-pound pull weight, and positive reset.

And it’s even available in a left-handed version, the Model 31110, for all you southpaws out there. For those who can’t justify the higher cost of the 10/22 Competition or are just having a hard time tracking one down, the 10/22 Target can be a solid alternative.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

My biggest complaints about Ruger 10/22 models is that there aren’t more of them and that I can’t justify having them all in my gun collection.

I’m kidding (sort of), but seriously, Ruger has stacked the 10/22 lineup with a ton of great options, so we were really spoiled for choice when it came to selecting top picks. The hardest part was narrowing it down to just the models included here.

I tried to choose a variety of different models, each with its own distinct set of features, to give you a good idea of the different options available and how well-suited they are for different uses. I also tried to cover models for as many different possible uses as I could.

Buyer’s Guide

Standard 10/22 Features

Okay, so we know there are a variety of different models out there, but there are some shared features that help make a 10/22 a 10/22.

The main three features that define all 10/22s are the barrel block, rotary magazine, and breechblock decelerator. Let’s talk about each of those.

The 10/22 barrel block has a unique V-block mounting system with screws. This system makes it easy for even beginners to easily swap out the rifle’s barrel. While Ruger started using this system because it made manufacturing easier, it did lay the foundation for the 10/22’s incredible ease of personalization and upgrading.

While the use of a rotary magazine is hardly unique to the 10/22, the 10/22 is the first rifle to use a rotary magazine as opposed to the previous box magazine. Rotary magazines are more reliable and easier to load than box magazines, even modern ones.

Finally, the breechblock decelerator was designed to solve the common issue among semi-auto rifles where the bolt would cycle too fast. This meant the magazine cycle didn’t move quickly enough to move the next cartridge into the chamber.

Choosing a 10/22 Model

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind to make sure that you’re choosing the right 10/22 model for your needs:

Barrel

A rifle’s barrel length and material can have a major impact on how the gun performs.

Shorter barrels are more maneuverable (which can be great if you’re looking to shoot rats in a barn or shed), while longer barrels offer superior accuracy. Most 10/22 models have a barrel of 16.12 or 18.5 inches, though there are a handful that fall somewhere in between.

Most 10/22 barrels are made from alloy steel, though some are stainless steel. Stainless steel is stronger and more heat resistant, but also costs more, so stainless steel barrels are reserved for the more high-end 10/22 models.

Finally, some 10/22s do feature threaded muzzles. If you’d like to be able to use a muzzle device, be sure to select one of these options.

Stock

Most models of the 10/22 have a synthetic stock, which is convenient because it’s durable, weather-resistant, and lightweight. Wood is the second most popular material, offering a more classic look.

Between synthetic and wood, almost all 10/22 stocks are accounted for, though there are a few laminate options as well.

Stock style matters too, though. Almost all 10/22s have a straight comb, but there are versions that are upgraded, such as the 10/22 Target that features a thumbhole to function more like a pistol grip, and several models which use the Ruger Modular Stock System.

Sights

Again, most models of the 10/22 have the same basic setup when it comes to sights: a gold bead front sight and an adjustable rear sight. In addition, they generally come with a scope base adapter compatible with both Weaver and .22 tip-off style scopes.

However, some models have upgraded sights, like fiber optics, which offer improved visibility in low-light conditions. Others have no sights at all and instead have a Picatinny rail for mounting a scope.

FAQs

Conclusion

Each model of the Ruger 10/22 brings its own unique features and benefits to the table. If we have to pick a winner, though, the Ruger 10/22 Takedown Model 11112 takes the crown.

It has the standard features that we love from the Ruger 10/22 platform, like the barrel block, rotary magazine, and breechblock decelerator. However, it also elevates them with the addition of takedown functionality, a threaded barrel, and an included flash suppressor.

However, it’s important to note that the “best” Ruger 10/22 model ultimately depends on your specific requirements and shooting preferences.

So, when considering the best Ruger 10/22 model for you, take into account factors such as intended use, customization options, barrel length, stock materials, and personal preferences.

Ultimately, the ideal model is the one that meets your specific needs and brings you the most joy when shooting.

What’s your favorite 10/22 model? Let us know in the comments below!