Ruger has announced the new Ruger SR-22 rifle, which is the time honored and tested 10/22 action in a Nordic Components AR style frame kit. It seems like everyone that jumped in to the AR market is now making AR trainers in .22LR, which if you ask me is a smart decision, since .22 LR is still far more economical to shoot than .223. The advantage to Ruger’s design is that it allows the SR-22 to accept most aftermarket 10/22 parts and barrel. The major drawback however is that it’s not a true AR trainer, as the safety, mag release, and function of the rifle are pure 10/22.
The MSRP for the rifle is $625, which puts it above both the Colt M4 .22 and the S&W MP-22 in terms of price. I’m also not 100% sure that you couldn’t buy your own 10/22 and build a gun exactly like the SR-22 for less money, but that remains to be seen. I hope this rifle is successful for Ruger, I truly do, because I hope that every new gun that’s introduced makes it big on the consumer market. However, if you’re looking for a true AR training platform, look to the Smith & Wesson MP-22 first. If you own a 10/22 and want a gun that scares hippies and Senators but interfaces with all your gear, the SR-22 might be right up your alley.
