Ruger Custom Shop "Competition Model" — Initial Impression

[Mike AKA Bandaid]

So I have finally received the new "Ruger Custom Shop Competition Model".

I have yet to shoot it, however, thought I would jot down my initial impressions.

The barrel is 16 inches, and threaded. My thought on the threading is "why"? However, with the increase in suppressor sales, I am guessing it is a common mod. I can do without it and would have preferred an 18 in barrel instead. The fluting is nice, and definitely lightens up the barrel. The receiver has an integral 20 MOA scope rail. To help with barrel alignment, they have a new V-Block for the barrel, as well as a new upper screw to help with the alignment.

They have a new round charging handle. This is comfortable to use, and is larger than the typical charging handle. I never had a problem with the old style charging handles, however, after using this, I may change all my other 10/22's over to this.

The bolt release has been CHANGED!! Halleluja! Pull and release!

The stock mag release has been replaced with an oversized, contoured mag release. It is wider than most others, and can be operated with a pointer finger, with either hand. There is also a sizable cut out to allow easy access to the bolt lock/hold open.

The stock. The stock is where this rifle shines, and failed at the same time.
GOOD: The stock is a heavier stock, with a matte grey paint, and an aggressive black splatter texturing. This texturing really makes it stick in place when you shoulder that rifle! The Stock has a built in adjustable cheek riser. This can shift up or down quite a bit, and is reversible to move the cheek weld area forward and back. Lastly, the installed Sling swivel studs are in great spots, and seem solid. They fit a GI sling well with the distance between them. The stock seems well balanced too.
BAD: When you get a "custom shop" rifle, you would expect they check the fit and finish. They did not. The mag well was so tight, I had to use a pokey stick to lever the mag out. A bit of Dykem revealed that the mag well was way too small towards the back. A half hour of sanding and smoothing and the mags now drop free. Before I did this, I checked with 4 different magazines. I also placed a mag into the mag well and removed it about 50 times to see if it would loosen up. It didn't.
Also, the length of pull is not adjustable. Although the length will work for about 75% of shooters, I was expecting a little bit of adjustabliity!

There are no sights. Scopes will be required. My Nikon scope mounted easily on the integrated rail, and is a great height with standard Nikon rings. I hope to have it out to the range sometime this week, so look forward to further reports.

[HammBone]

Good initial review. Thanks!

Interesting that they would choose a fluted barrel for this "competition model" which disqualifies it from competition in CMP Rimfire Sporter.

[Snow Snake]

Great review Mike,
I've already got the gimme's,just have to wait and see your next report.
Stay safe                           Ken                                 

[Charles McKinley]

Hi Mike,

Thank you for the write up.

Why would you want an 18" barrel on an optics only .22LR?  All the powder is burnt by 12-14" additional barrel length adds to dwell time and slows the bullet.

For iron sights this is off set some what by the longer sight radius.

Chuck

[Mike AKA Bandaid]

Why would you want an 18" barrel on an optics only .22LR?

Never thought about it, I guess it's a kind of personal prejudice against 16" barrels... other than that, I really have no good reason.

-Mike aka Bandaid

[FiremanBob]

The fluted barrel is a terrible idea. Makes the rifle ineligible for CMP Rimfire Sport competition, which really is the only suitable accuracy match available for the rifle.

[Timber Wolf]

So I have finally received the new "Ruger Custom Shop Competition Model".

I have yet to shoot it, however, thought I would jot down my initial impressions.

Also, the length of pull is not adjustable. Although the length will work for about 75% of shooters, I was expecting a little bit of adjustabliity!

My Ruger Target Lite has a couple of removable spacers in front of the buttpad, but it is still too long with them removed.  I was surprised and disappointed to find that Ruger would use a stock that long, on a rifle that would be ideal for youth and small statured shooters to use.  All the thought that goes into a new rifle design and something as basic as stock length they get wrong?