If there is a .22 that qualifies as America’s rimfire it is the Ruger 10/22. Introduced in 1964 The 10/22 has proven reliable, accurate enough for rimfire chores, and versatile. The design was intended to make for economic production with good tolerances. This rifle proved easily upgraded and modified with aftermarket barrels and trigger actions. Among the more interesting Ruger creations I have came into a little late in the game is the Ruger Charger. This neat lightweight firearm is classed as a handgun and performs beyond expectation in most particulars.
The Charger has been offered in several versions including a wood stock pistol and a synthetic stock type. The Charger reviewed is the folding brace version. There is also a take-down version. The take-down version is a neat trick for carrying in a backpack until you get to the camp, or storing in a vehicle. My version is the synthetic stock and folding brace version. This is simply the ideal choice for my needs. This pistol- or hand rifle- has become a go anywhere do anything type of rimfire and a stock that does not warp or peel in bad weather is a good choice. The receiver is anodized aluminum. The ten inch barrel features a threaded muzzle for muzzle brake or suppressor use.
The Charger features the proven 10/22 action. The bolt is easily racked with a generously sized cocking handle. The Charger feeds from Ruger’s famously reliable rotary ten round magazine or larger X type magazines with 15 or 25 round magazines. The magazines snap in smartly. The Ruger magazine latch is easily manipulated. The Ruger features a plunger type safety in the trigger guard. The trigger is ok for a factory rimfire rifle, not too light for a beginner but may also be handled well by an experienced shooter.
The Charger is a versatile firearm that may fill several roles. Fitted with the supplied bipod the Charger offers a good experience as a bench rest target shooting pistol. That’s one role and that is plenty. The Charger isn’t difficult to carry to the range and will put a smile on your face. The Charger weighs but 50 ounces, a little more with the brace, bipod and optic. Is the Charger accurate enough for target shooting? In my experience the Ruger 10/22 rifle is capable in factory dress of a three shot group of 2 to 2.5 inches at 50 yards. The Charger is in the same category. Often enough a short stiff barrel- and a ten inch barrel isn’t that short- will prove very accurate. The Charger if properly set up is a very accurate combination often equaling the rifle. It will never take the place of a good rifle because practical off hand accuracy is more difficult to achieve with a handgun type such as the Charger. In intrinsic accuracy what the Charger is capable of from a solid rest is equal to the average 10/22 rifle.
Firing Tests
With the Ruger Charger firing from a rest the original version is OK. But if any type of off hand fire is undertaken the brace is a necessity. It isn’t a shoulder stock and I don’t use it as such but for holding the Charger at arms length and using it as a brace results are good to excellent. The side folding brace features a plunger type lock that snaps into place securely. The Charger is a handy piece for training young shooters. Once safety is taught and you move past the single shot stage the Charger is easy enough to shoot well but also challenging enough to serve well as a trainer. Recoil is non existent and muzzle rise limited. The trigger is controllable. I mounted the Riton (Ritonoptics.com) 1 Tactix ARD 2 red dot sight to the handy picatinny rail. I have the same tube type red dot on an AR 15 making compatibility in training good. The sight has eight brightness settings. It is easily sighted in and offers a good sight picture. You may set the sight for a 2 MOA dot or a dot with 30 MOA circle. Riton optics offer a good value and I feel that I get a bit more than I pay for.
Riton’s red dot sight provided excellent results.
Reliability
For best reliability with a .22 rimfire clean the firearm every 300 rounds. There is no other way. The 10/22 action is more reliable than most .22 pistols, a given, and may last a bit more than a few hundred rounds between cleaning. The .22 LR is simply a dirty round. The powder is designed to burn in longer barrels and lead bullets leaves some residue. The heel based lead bullet is pushed into the cartridge case. This isn’t a recipe for reliable feeding in self loading firearms. For the single shot pump and lever action guns available in 1883 the load was fine. The barrel need not be cleaned at all or perhaps every few thousand rounds, the action must be clean and lubricated for best reliability. Some of the bulk loads from the box stores don’t fare well in any self loader. Bulk ammunition is ok and usually works well enough for practice. According to my Chronograph the Winchester Super X 1110 fps in a 6.5 inch barrel Ruger Single Six and 1244 fps in a 18.5 inch rifle barrel. From the 10 inch Charger barrel velocity is 1180 fps. That is a useful level of power in a light .22 rimfire. At 25 yards this load will group 3 shots into .5 to .7 inch on demand. Even the cheaper bulk loads will group 3 shots into 1 to 1.5 inch at 25 yards. Winchester M22 has provided .9 inch groups at the same distance. This dog will run! Use a modern load expressly formulated for automatic actions such as the Winchester M22 and good results will follow.
25 Yard testing Results
Where else does the Ruger fit in? The Charger is a neat choice for small game. Easily carried and fast into action it should be a dandy game taker to moderate range. I don’t recommend a .22 for home defense as even with the best ammunition load reliability isn’t service grade. But then my Charger has fired perhaps 2000 rounds of the Winchester M22 Mag during the past few years without any type of failure. Keep the Charger clean and lubricated and it is a good bet. With 15 to 25 round magazines you have a good reserve of ammunition. Shoot straight. The .22 LR has enough penetration for effect and the Charger is easy enough to use well. For those for some reason unable to use a firearm with greater recoil the Charger will serve. For field use or camp defense it is a light handy and friendly firearm. I prefer something heavier for feral dogs or coyote- but then it will so if you put the high velocity bullet into the right spot. When I was growing up most households had a .22 rifle on hand for dispatching animals for food, to rid the property of pests, or out of mercy. The .22 may still serve in the hands of those who can shoot.
Get a few Ruger X magazines, some Winchester ammunition, mount a Riton optics, and your in like Flynn! The magazine carries is from Adaptivetactical.com.
The Ruger Charger was purchased on a lark and out of curiosity. It has provided the family with hours of pleasant shooting and recreation. This is a friendly firearm that will compliment a trained shooter.
Specifications
Caliber .22 LR
Capacity Magazines in 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 round capacity
Barrel length Ten inches
Finish Black
Stock Synthetic
Overall length, brace folded 19 inch
