Description
I was halfway up the ridge when I realized my mistake. The truck was a mile back, and the coyote call was in the glove box. My old .22, a solid rifle, was strapped across my pack and catching on every branch. That’s the exact moment I became a believer in the concept of a takedown rifle. The Ruger 10/22 Takedown .22LR, 18.5″ Barrel, Red/SS, 25rd is the solution to that problem—a legendary, reliable rimfire that breaks down in seconds to fit in a compact backpack or case, without sacrificing a single bit of its iconic performance.
Here’s the capsule answer you came for: The Ruger 10/22 Takedown is a .22 Long Rifle semi-automatic carbine with an 18.5-inch stainless steel barrel and a distinctive red synthetic stock. Its patented takedown system allows it to separate into two halves for easy transport and storage. This model ships with a 25-round Ruger BX-25 magazine, offering extended capacity right out of the box. It’s a versatile, packable plinking and small-game hunting tool built on the most trusted .22 auto-loader platform ever made.
Let’s talk about that takedown system, because it’s the whole point. A simple twist of the captive barrel lock ring separates the barrel and forend from the receiver and stock. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through this system, and the lock-up is consistently solid—you get a repeatable zero, so you’re not re-sighting every time you assemble it. It’s a genius piece of engineering that genuinely works. The red stock isn’t just for looks; it makes the rifle easy to spot in the field or against a dark backdrop, a small but practical touch.
The heart of it, though, is the proven 10/22 action. This isn’t some novel, untested design. It’s the same rugged, blow-back operated system that’s digested millions of rounds of .22 LR. It runs clean, it runs reliably, and it’s famously easy to maintain. The included 25-round magazine is a huge bonus. While the standard 10-round rotary mag is great for bench work, having that BX-25 on hand for a long plinking session or pest control duty changes the game. The rifle weighs in at a manageable 4.7 pounds, making it easy to carry all day, whether it’s assembled or in your pack.
Compatibility is a major strength. The aftermarket for the 10/22 is arguably the largest for any rifle in the world. This model accepts all standard 10/22 triggers, stocks (with the correct takedown-specific forend), and optics. I’ve mounted a Vortex Crossfire II on mine using a standard Picatinny rail, and it was drop-in ready. You can customize this rifle to your heart’s content, knowing the core platform is rock-solid.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .22 Long Rifle |
| Barrel | 18.5″ Stainless Steel |
| Overall Length | 37″ (Assembled) |
| Weight | 4.7 lbs |
| Stock | Synthetic, Red Finish |
| Magazine | 25-Round BX-25 (1 included) |
| Sights | Adjustable Rear, Blade Front |
Pros: The takedown feature is incredibly practical for hiking, ATV travel, or discreet storage. Ruger’s reliability is legendary. The 25-round magazine included is a significant value add. Vast aftermarket support lets you build it your way. The stainless barrel resists corrosion, a plus for all-weather use.
Cons: The red stock won’t be for everyone, though it’s functional. As with any takedown, there’s a very slight potential for point-of-impact shift if not assembled tightly—a non-issue if you follow the simple instructions. At $456.55, it’s a premium over the standard carbine, but you’re paying for the innovative takedown system and the included high-capacity magazine.
So who is this rifle for? It’s perfect for the Missouri hunter who hikes into squirrel woods and wants a compact kit. It’s for the backpacker who wants a survival-capable firearm that doesn’t add bulk. It’s for the recreational shooter who needs to store a rifle in a small safe or vehicle compartment. And it’s absolutely for the 10/22 enthusiast who wants the ultimate in versatile configuration. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it come with a case for the takedown configuration?
A: This specific model typically ships with the rifle and magazine only. Ruger does offer Takedown models with a dedicated backpack, but for this SKU, you’ll want to pick up a compact rifle bag or hard case. A 24-inch case is perfect for the separated rifle.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor or muzzle device?
A: This particular model with the 18.5″ stainless barrel is not threaded from the factory. If a threaded barrel is a must-have, Ruger offers Takedown models with that feature, or you can source a compatible aftermarket threaded takedown barrel—the market is full of them.
Q: How accurate is it after repeated takedowns?
A: The system is designed to return to zero reliably. The key is ensuring the barrel lock ring is hand-tightened firmly each time. In my use, any shift has been minimal and within acceptable minute-of-squirrel accuracy at typical .22 ranges. For serious benchrest shooting, you’d keep it assembled, but for its intended field use, it’s more than capable.
If the idea of a proven, packable .22 that’s ready for adventure right now speaks to you, check out the full details on our site.
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