Ruger 10/22 Target 22LR Black Laminate SS 1262

1 Reviews. Average Rating: [4 of 5 Stars!]

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Reviewed By: Bill K on 05/12/2012 Rating: [4 of 5 Stars!]
Ruger spent a lot of time making the outside of this gun really pretty. It's a very attractive rifle, and the black and gray laminated stock is a perfect match.
The receiver was cleaned down and brushed in a very nice way to make it blend with the rest of this nice package.
The barrel is a monster, the hammer forge with the visible twist from the forming left on it makes it unique and eye catching.
This is one application of stainless steel that was perfect.

Now the bad news. For as nice as it is on the outside, the inside was just the inverse. The inside of the receiver was so rough that the bolt would hold itself open at full spring tension and at half retract.
When I picked it up, I took it home and gave it a good once over. The barrel was exceptionally dirty, I assume from the test firing, but they must have really done a lot of test firing.
The other possibility is that it had been sold to another customer and returned because of the bolt issue, then re-sold (to me)

Since I have several other 10-22 Ruger firearms and have done some extensive work on some of them, I decided to make it right.
I like a good challenge, so I tore it down and proceeded to mend Rugers sloppy ways.
First, after being cleaned properly, the barrel was a true work of art. Crisp and smooth. Really nice. I have great expectations for this to be a real long range tack driver.
The inside of the receiver had been bead blasted (or the equivalent) and was rougher than a dried up corn cob. That explains the bolt closing issue.
A couple of hours with some wool and polishing powder, it was slick as glass. It was cleaned up and re-assembled.

The rifle is super smooth in function now. I have ordered 5 different match ammo types to see what it will shoot best with, and it will be going to the range in a couple of days to see what it will really do.
I will post again with more info after that happens.

This is supposed to be an A grade target rifle right out of the box, but it needs some help getting there.
I would still recommend this rifle, but with a warning. You will need to spend some time getting it right, or spend some $$$ with a smith to get it into what I would consider an acceptable condition.

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