Ruger Wrangler .22 - anybody seen one?

[SgtStone]

Seems like this should be a great tacklebox or woodsman’s pistol. With a price like this, it can be taken and used in places you’d rather not use a high dollar item. Something like dispatching alligators in a grimey airboat in the deep of the bayou, you get the picture. I have a great affinity to cheap things that might be a little rough around the edges or not as nice as some things, but that are rugged, reliable, and durable. Hopefully Ruger has formulated this little piece into being both economical AND long lasting and capable. Time will tell, but they know their metallurgy pretty well I’d say and have been making rimfire single actions for the better part of 70 years now.

I owned a great SA .22LR Ruger revolver back in the 1970's when I was stationed out of Nellis AFB that closely matched the above description. The new leather holster I bought in Pioche cost as much as the gun given the original owner broke the grips which I easily replaced. Six shot with a 4" barrel.

By far the most accurate rimfire handgun I have owned even with open iron sights. I liked that old revolver and carried it on the EW ranges more than my S&W Model 60. Would still own it except our First Shirt retired to 'gator territory and asked to buy the revolver specifically for his tackle box.

I owed the CMSgt several favors so sold him the gun for cost and threw in the custom leather holster as a retirement present. I knew it would be in good hands.

 

[Igiveup]

Like Mike, SC Hunter, I, too, don't really care for the grips. I checked the Ruger Store and they offer a couple choices for the Wrangler, and some grips are advertised for the Wrangler and SS. Ebay also offers quite a selection, but again, advertised to fit both models.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Like Mike, SC Hunter, I, too, don't really care for the grips. I checked the Ruger Store and they offer a couple choices for the Wrangler, and some grips are advertised for the Wrangler and SS. Ebay also offers quite a selection, but again, advertised to fit both models.

If you buy those grips they maybe short on the bottom too. I'm thinking of gluing a thin strip of walnut to the bottom of each half of my spare SS grips and finish it to the frame. Other than the ugly bottom frame protrusion they fit fine.

 

[hoc9sw]

Like Mike, SC Hunter, I, too, don't really care for the grips.

Why not call Ruger CS and whine a bit about the fit not being up to par? I did that on a shopkeeper. Had to return the gun, but they did a great job on fitting new grips and cleaning up a few finish complaints.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

THEY put the $0.05 cent grips on it to meet a cost point. Anything you get from them will be the same. I'll just fix mine.

 

[GypsmJim]

RANGE REPORT:

They are the consecutive number bronze models. Both performed exactly the same. I was able to check dates and they were manufactured about July 25th, so they were only a month old when i received them.

They shot to POA at 25 yards. Best accuracy was with Federal bulk, 2nd best was Winchester bulk, and third best was CCI Mini-mags 100 count plastic box. That in itself was a surprise. Accuracy offhand was about 3" at the 25 yard point.

Chamber fit was good for all 3 types of ammo. Ejection no problem. I really like the way the cylinder rotates both ways. About 200 rounds were put thru each gun and superficially they didn't look dirty.

I replaced the cheap grips with Ruger OEM laminated 70046 rosewood grips. They worked perfect and required no fitting. They actually fit better than the plastic ones.

Not much else to say. Were they better than my old model SS? About the same IMHO. Was my New Model SS with target sights better than the Wrangler? Probably. How'd they compare to my K-22? Wellll, LOL, no comparison. But for 180 bucks, you can't go wrong.

 

[Igiveup]

Received the holster yesterday. I ordered the first one shown on the Ruger store site, a Triple K, which I think they all are. Fit is tight, and the snap is difficult to close due to the tightness. I think after some use, it will stretch just a tad to work fine. The craftsmanship I think is so-so. I am used to a little thicker leather in a holster, but it is adequate for the job.
How does one find out the date of manufacture?

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Received the holster yesterday. I ordered the first one shown on the Ruger store site, a Triple K, which I think they all are. Fit is tight, and the snap is difficult to close due to the tightness. I think after some use, it will stretch just a tad to work fine. The craftsmanship I think is so-so. I am used to a little thicker leather in a holster, but it is adequate for the job.
How does one find out the date of manufacture?

Wrap your gun in saran wrap or plastic bag. Put into holster. rub tight spot with rubbing alcohol. Let it sit over night. Holster should loosen up. Repeat as needed. I've loosened many tight retaining straps this way.

 

[Faulkner]

It has been rumored that the .22mag cylinder from the single six will work with the Wrangler. Just what I heard, don't take it to the bank. I ordered, from the Ruger store a holster for mine. I see they also have different stocks available, which will be my next upgrade.

Reports are that Ruger designed the Wrangler on purpose so the magnum cylinder won't fit and that a magnum Wrangler is not forthcoming. If you want a Ruger .22 magnum you'll need to go Single Six.