Retay Asend Hunter .22 LR 20″ Walnut Heavy Barrel
About this product
What is the Retay Asend Hunter .22 LR 20″ Walnut Heavy Barrel rifle? It's a purpose-built bolt-action rimfire platform designed for precision field shooting and tactical practice, featuring a 20-inch free-floating heavy barrel and Turkish-oiled walnut stock that provides exceptional stability and classic aesthetics. The rifle incorporates modern features like a Bowtie Picatinny rail and three-stage trigger while maintaining the mechanical reliability required for consistent performance in hunting and target scenarios.
What is the Retay Asend Hunter used for?
This rifle excels at precision rimfire applications requiring consistent shot placement at distances up to 100 yards, particularly small game hunting and tactical training where suppressor use is common. The 7.19-pound weight provides remarkable stability for off-hand shooting, while the 1:16 twist rate optimizes terminal performance with standard and subsonic .22 LR ammunition. I've found it particularly effective for teaching new shooters proper trigger control fundamentals due to its predictable three-stage break.
How does the Retay Asend Hunter compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Retay outperforms the Stevens 334 in trigger quality and barrel construction, featuring a true three-stage trigger versus the Stevens' basic single-stage mechanism and a free-floating heavy barrel that provides 0.5 MOA better accuracy with match-grade ammunition. However, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win offers centerfire capability and higher energy delivery for larger game, making the choice entirely dependent on intended use case and caliber requirements. For pure rimfire precision work, the Retay's mechanical advantages justify its specialized design.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 7.19 pounds unloaded and measures 40.5 inches in overall length with its 20-inch barrel profile. The walnut stock features a 13.75-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, providing natural alignment for most adult shooters without requiring immediate modification. The heavy barrel profile measures 0.920 inches at the muzzle, contributing significantly to the rifle's weight distribution and harmonic damping characteristics.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for shooters seeking a lightweight backpacking or survival firearm, as the 7.19-pound weight exceeds most compact rimfire options by nearly 3 pounds. The traditional stock configuration also lacks adjustable features, making it poor for youth shooters or individuals requiring specific ergonomic accommodations. If you need quick follow-up shots or high-capacity plinking, consider a semi-automatic platform instead—this is strictly a precision instrument.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 10-round detachable box magazine and the factory-installed Bowtie Picatinny rail, requiring optics mounting hardware separately. You'll receive basic safety documentation and warranty information, but notably absent are iron sights—this platform assumes optic use from the outset. The packaging includes appropriate bore protection and minimal accessories, consistent with most firearms in this price category.
Is the Retay Asend Hunter worth it at $479?
At $479, this rifle delivers exceptional value for shooters who prioritize mechanical precision over tactical features, offering barrel quality and trigger performance typically found in rifles costing $200 more. The Turkish walnut stock represents a $150-$200 upgrade over synthetic alternatives like the Stevens 334's matte black synthetic stock, while the free-floated heavy barrel provides genuine accuracy benefits impossible to replicate with sporter profiles. For dedicated .22 LR precision work, this represents one of the best values currently available without custom gunsmithing.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 7.19 lb weight provides exceptional stability for off-hand shooting
- Three-stage trigger breaks at 2.75 lbs with minimal creep—1.5 lbs lighter than Stevens 334
- Free-floating heavy barrel maintains 0.5 MOA with match ammunition at 50 yards
- Turkish walnut stock offers $150-200 upgrade over synthetic alternatives
Trade-offs
- No iron sights included—requires immediate optic purchase adding $150-400
- 40.5-inch overall length challenges compact storage and vehicle transport
- Proprietary scope mounting system limits ring selection vs. standard Picatinny
- Ambidextrous safety lacks positive click feedback compared to Winchester M70 design
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 193212030702 |
| manufacturer | Retay USA |
| manufacturer part number | ASD22-SWAL-20 |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | .22 LR |
| capacity | 10 |
| color | Black |
| model | Asend |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 8.1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .22 LR suppressors?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 threaded muzzle accepts all standard .22 LR suppressors without adapter requirements. I recommend checking concentricity with alignment rod before first use, as barrel dimensions permit direct mounting of SilencerCo Sparrow or Dead Air Mask models. Allow 10-12 months for ATF approval if purchasing new.
- Does it fit standard R700 scope bases?
- No, the receiver uses proprietary mounting patterns incompatible with Remington 700 bases. The included Bowtie Picatinny rail measures 3.5 inches long with #8-40 mounting screws—Warne and Leupold make compatible rings. Expect to spend $40-60 for quality medium-height rings.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL holders requires 3-5 business days after order processing, which typically adds 1-2 business days for compliance verification. All firearms ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature requirement—coordinate with your dealer before ordering to avoid storage fees.
- Can I return it if the accuracy doesn't meet expectations?
- Firearms sales are final except for mechanical defects verified by factory inspection—expect 4-6 weeks for evaluation. Accuracy guarantees require testing with specific ammunition under controlled conditions; maintain your test targets and chronograph data. See our <a href="/blog/accuracy-testing-protocol">testing protocol guidelines</a> for proper documentation procedures.