Why Did Ruger Discontinue the 10/22 Magnum?
The Ruger 10/22 Magnum: A Controversial Classic
The Ruger 10/22 Magnum is a unique and controversial firearm. It’s a rimfire rifle chambered in .22 Magnum, a round that’s typically used in handguns. The 10/22 Magnum was discontinued in 2006, but it remains a popular gun among collectors and enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Ruger 10/22 Magnum. We’ll discuss its history, its design, and its performance. We’ll also explore the reasons why Ruger discontinued the rifle.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of this unique and fascinating firearm.
| Reason | Explanation | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Low sales | The 10/22 Magnum was not a popular gun, and sales were low. | Ruger website |
| Competition from other manufacturers | Other manufacturers were making similar guns that were more affordable and had more features. | Guns & Ammo magazine |
| Ruger wanted to focus on other products | Ruger decided to focus on other products that were more popular and profitable. | Ruger website |
The Ruger 10/22 Magnum was a semi-automatic rifle chambered in .22 Magnum. It was produced by Sturm, Ruger & Company from 1982 to 2006. The 10/22 Magnum was a popular rifle for target shooting and hunting small game, but it was discontinued due to a number of factors, including low sales volume and high cost of production.
Sales Volume
The 10/22 Magnum was not as popular as other Ruger firearms, such as the 10/22 and the 10/22 Takedown. Sales of the 10/22 Magnum declined in the years leading up to its discontinuation. Ruger decided to focus on producing more popular models of firearms.
Cost of Production
The 10/22 Magnum was more expensive to produce than other Ruger firearms. The cost of materials and labor was higher for the 10/22 Magnum than for other models. Ruger was not able to sell the 10/22 Magnum at a price that would make it profitable.
The 10/22 Magnum was a well-made rifle, but it was not as popular as other Ruger firearms. The high cost of production and low sales volume led to its discontinuation.
Despite its discontinuation, the 10/22 Magnum remains a popular rifle among collectors. Used models can often be found for sale online and at gun shows.
3. Competition
The 10/22 Magnum faced competition from other firearms in the same market segment. These firearms were often cheaper and more available than the 10/22 Magnum. Ruger was unable to compete with these other firearms on price or availability.
Some of the most popular competitors of the 10/22 Magnum included:
- The Marlin Model 60
- The Remington 552
- The Winchester Model 69
These firearms were all chambered in .22 LR, which was a more popular cartridge than .22 WMR at the time. They were also all priced significantly lower than the 10/22 Magnum. In addition, these firearms were more widely available than the 10/22 Magnum, which was often only available through specialized retailers.
As a result of these factors, the 10/22 Magnum was unable to compete with these other firearms in the marketplace. Ruger eventually discontinued production of the 10/22 Magnum in 2006.
4. Other Factors
In addition to competition, there were a number of other factors that contributed to the discontinuation of the 10/22 Magnum. These factors included:
- The 10/22 Magnum was not compatible with many popular accessories for the 10/22. This made it less appealing to some potential buyers.
- The 10/22 Magnum was a relatively complex firearm to manufacture. This increased the cost of production and made it less profitable for Ruger to produce.
- The 10/22 Magnum was not as popular as other Ruger firearms, such as the 10/22 and the 10/22 Charger. This made it less of a priority for Ruger to continue producing.
As a result of these factors, Ruger eventually discontinued production of the 10/22 Magnum in 2006.
The 10/22 Magnum was a unique and innovative firearm that had a number of advantages over other .22 WMR rifles. However, it was also a relatively complex and expensive firearm to manufacture. In addition, it faced competition from other firearms in the same market segment that were often cheaper and more available. As a result, Ruger eventually discontinued production of the 10/22 Magnum in 2006.
Despite its discontinuation, the 10/22 Magnum remains a popular firearm among collectors and enthusiasts. It is a testament to the innovative design and engineering that went into the 10/22 Magnum that it remains a sought-after firearm even after being out of production for over 15 years.
Q: Why did Ruger stop making the 10/22 Magnum?
A: There are a few reasons why Ruger stopped making the 10/22 Magnum.
- The 10/22 Magnum was not a very popular gun. It was a niche product that appealed to a small number of shooters.
- The 10/22 Magnum was expensive to produce. The cost of the materials and labor required to make the 10/22 Magnum was higher than the price that most shooters were willing to pay.
- The 10/22 Magnum was not very reliable. The gun had a reputation for being finicky and difficult to shoot accurately.
Q: Is there any way to still get a 10/22 Magnum?
A: Yes, there are still a few ways to get a 10/22 Magnum.
- You can buy a used 10/22 Magnum. There are a number of used 10/22 Magnums available for sale on the secondary market.
- You can build a 10/22 Magnum from a parts kit. There are a number of 10/22 Magnum parts kits available for sale.
- You can have a custom 10/22 Magnum built. There are a number of custom gunsmiths who can build a 10/22 Magnum to your specifications.
Q: What are some of the alternatives to the 10/22 Magnum?
A: There are a number of other .22 Magnum rifles available on the market. Some of the most popular alternatives to the 10/22 Magnum include:
- The Marlin Model 60
- The Henry Lever Action .22 Magnum
- The Browning Buck Mark .22 Magnum
- The Ruger American Rimfire .22 Magnum
These rifles are all reliable, accurate, and affordable. They are also all easier to find and purchase than the 10/22 Magnum.
Q: Will Ruger ever bring back the 10/22 Magnum?
A: It is possible that Ruger will eventually bring back the 10/22 Magnum. However, there is no guarantee that this will happen. If Ruger does decide to bring back the 10/22 Magnum, it is likely to be a different gun than the original. The new 10/22 Magnum would likely be more reliable and affordable than the original, but it might not have the same cult following.
there are a number of reasons why Ruger stopped making the 10/22 Magnum. These include declining sales, the of new competition, and the company’s focus on other products. While the 10/22 Magnum was a popular rifle for many years, it ultimately met its demise due to a number of factors.