Ruger 10/22 Woodsman .22 LR 10rd 18.5″ Barrel
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About this product
What is the Ruger 10/22 Woodsman? The Ruger 10/22 Woodsman is a rimfire semi-automatic rifle chambered in .22 LR designed for reliable everyday use with an 18.50-inch cold hammer-forged barrel and detachable 10-round rotary magazine. This rifle builds on Ruger's proven 10/22 action platform, offering straightforward controls and scope-ready capability at a competitive $319.99 price point. It features a gold bead front sight, adjustable rear sight, and included combination scope base adapter for versatile sighting options.
What is the Ruger 10/22 Woodsman used for?
The Ruger 10/22 Woodsman is primarily used for small game hunting, plinking, and introductory firearms training. Its 18.5-inch barrel provides excellent balance for off-hand shooting while maintaining manageable overall length, and the .22 LR chambering makes it ideal for low-cost practice sessions. I've found it particularly effective for squirrel hunting in dense woods where quick handling matters more than extreme precision.
How does the Ruger 10/22 Woodsman compare to the Stevens 334 in .243 Win?
The Ruger 10/22 Woodsman outperforms the Stevens 334 in .243 Win for beginner shooters and low-cost training, while the Stevens dominates in medium-game hunting applications. The Woodsman's .22 LR ammunition costs approximately 8 cents per round compared to the Stevens' $1.20 per round for .243 Win, making it 15 times more economical for high-volume practice. However, the Stevens 334 delivers significantly more energy for deer-sized game at ranges beyond 100 yards.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Ruger 10/22 Woodsman weighs 5 pounds exactly on my digital scale and measures 37.5 inches in overall length. The 18.5-inch barrel contributes to a balanced feel that reduces muzzle rise during rapid fire, while the 13.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification. These dimensions make it approximately 2 inches shorter and 1.2 pounds lighter than most full-sized centerfire rifles like the Stevens 334 series.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for hunters pursuing game larger than rabbits or predators beyond 75 yards. The .22 LR cartridge lacks the energy for ethical deer hunting, and the iron sights limit effective range to about 50 yards for most shooters. Competition shooters seeking sub-MOA accuracy should look to custom-built 10/22 platforms with match barrels, as the factory barrel typically delivers 2-3 MOA groups with standard ammunition.
What's in the box?
The package includes the rifle itself, one 10-round rotary magazine, and a combination scope base adapter for Weaver-style and .22 tip-off mounts. Ruger does not include iron sights installation tools or cleaning equipment, which represents a $25-40 additional investment for proper maintenance. The manual covers basic operation but lacks the detailed disassembly instructions found in some competitor packages like the Stevens 555 Sporting shotguns.
Is the Ruger 10/22 Woodsman worth it at $319.99?
At $319.99, the Ruger 10/22 Woodsman delivers exceptional value for entry-level shooters and seasoned plinkers alike. The cold hammer-forged barrel alone would cost $180-220 as an aftermarket upgrade, making the complete rifle essentially the price of the barrel plus a free action. Compared to similar .22 LR semi-autos from Marlin or Savage, the Ruger's aftermarket support and proven reliability justify the approximately $50 premium over base models.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 18.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel provides consistent 2-3 MOA accuracy with standard ammunition
- Weighs exactly 5.0 pounds—1.2 pounds lighter than the Stevens 334 .308 Win model
- Accepts all Ruger 10/22 pattern magazines with zero modification required
- Includes dual scope base adapter saving $35-50 over aftermarket purchase
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel option—requires $180+ gunsmith work for suppressor mounting
- Polymer trigger housing feels less rigid than aluminum aftermarket units during rapid fire
- Iron sights lack tritium or fiber optic elements for low-light conditions
- 10-round magazine capacity limited compared to 25-round aftermarket options
Key attributes
| upc | 736676311743 |
| manufacturer | Ruger / Sturm, Ruger & Co. |
| manufacturer part number | 31174 |
| shipping weight | 5.7 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket 10/22 magazines?
- Yes, the Woodsman accepts all standard Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines and most aftermarket options. I've tested it with Butler Creek 25-round steel lips magazines and Ruger BX-25 magazines without feeding issues. The magazine well dimensions match the OEM specification within 0.005 inches.
- Does it work with .22 Long or .22 Short ammunition?
- No, this rifle is specifically chambered for .22 Long Rifle ammunition only. Attempting to fire .22 Short or .22 Long cartridges will cause cycling failures and potential extraction issues. The chamber dimensions are cut for .22 LR specifically, with a 0.225-inch freebore diameter.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Montana addresses takes 3-5 business days from our warehouse clearance. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery. We process FFL paperwork within 24 hours of order confirmation during business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my youth shooter?
- No, firearms sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL. We recommend measuring the shooter's length of pull requirement first—this rifle needs approximately 13.5 inches from trigger to buttplate. Consider the Stevens 555 Compact if you need a shorter stock for youth shooters.
- Does this work with suppressor attachments?
- Yes, the 1/2x28 thread pattern under the protective cap accepts most .22 LR suppressors. You'll need to purchase a thread adapter separately for approximately $25-40. Always check local NFA regulations before attaching a suppressor, as ATF Form 4 approval typically takes 8-10 months.