Author Topic: Ruger "Hammer Forged" 10/22 target model - what's (Read 3076 times)

ZANARDI · « **on:** January 06, 2006, 07:27:52 AM »

In my search for a rimfire to add to my collection I came across a 10/22 on the used gun rack. It has a brown laminate stock, and a heavy blued target barrel with a spiral "flute" pattern lightly cut into the barrel surface.

I assumed the barrel was an aftermarket add-on. When I handled the gun however, I noticed the words "Ruger Hammer Forged" stamped on top of the barrel near the receiver in rather large block letters.

What's the deal with this? Isn't hammer forging a low cost rifling method currently used on many/most mass produced barrels? If this is true, why does Ruger go out of the way to let the world know this model is hammer forged by stamping it in big letters on the barrel? Did the gun likely ship from the factory with this barrel or did Ruger offer it as an accessory?

The asking price is $ 280.00 and it appears to be in great condition. I'm trying to decide if this is some special "sleeper" that I should snap up or if it is just a typical bull barreled 10/22.

Any background is appreciated.

jh45gun · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2006, 08:03:25 AM »

With every one modding the 10/22 Ruger decided that they were missing out so they come out with their own target model and that is what you found. I had one and they shoot good though I suspect some of the other barrels you may buy like Green Mountain may shoot a bit better. While mine was accurate I felt it was not that spectacular and got rid of it for a other gun I wanted. Hammer forging is just a other way to make a barrel. I am not sure if it is any better or not.

dave375hh · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2006, 04:45:53 AM »

Hammer forging is the way most large companys make their barrels. The spiral your seeing is a result of programing the hammers to skip a hammer blow in an even sequence. The companys use hammer forging because it is less costly for them, because there are no cutters or swageing buttons to wear out. The key to good barrels is the hole drilling, and reaming quality. Hammer forging can & does produce very good barrels. It also tends to stress relieve the barrels.

Hammer forging is the reason we can buy a good rifle for $400 to $700, as opposed to the swaged or cut rifled custom guns that cost $2000 to $7500.

One of the reasons Ruger advertizes this is because they used to outsource their barrels and only guaged 1 of 4 and if you got # 2,3, or 4 you stood a chance of getting a lemon. They knew they had a problem and buying a CNC controled hammer forging press was their way of addressing the problem. Their newer barrels are much better than the old ones. I had an old one that would actually rip the patches it was so rough.

jh45gun · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2006, 10:18:34 AM »

One of the reasons Ruger advertizes this is because they used to outsource their barrels and only guaged 1 of 4 and if you got # 2,3, or 4 you stood a chance of getting a lemon. They knew they had a problem and buying a CNC controled hammer forging press was their way of addressing the problem. Their newer barrels are much better than the old ones. I had an old one that would actually rip the patches it was so rough.
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Could be one of the reasons that I have kinda swore off of Ruger back in my old days I used to own a few now I own none. I did not think they were that great and the two that I did own that were pistols that shot good I now wish I would have kept because I will never take a chance on a other one unless the price was a giveaway price.

14jesus · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2006, 06:58:41 AM »

Hello Mr. Zanardi, I really like mine as it was bought primarily for squirrel hunting and general shooting. I'm not a big critic on guns if they shoot good, look good, and put the meat on the table they earn their keep, when they stop doing that they get a new home. Although I've never put it to the accuracy test it seems to shoot really good for me @ 25 yds. it makes on little hole out of 10 shot groups from a bench and i'll never be able to shoot that good in the woods while hunting, the extra weight helps me to be steadier also. All in all I like mine it functions good, shoots good, looks good, and hasn't let me down yet. All i can say is try it you might like it, otherwise you'll never know for sure.

Wizzlepig · « **Reply #5 on:** January 11, 2006, 06:26:14 AM »

Rifle manufacturers such as Steyr and CZ use hammer forged barrels. I would say that Ruger is in good company. I have one of the Russian Biathlon Basic .22 rifles and it has a hammer forged barrel as well. This is the most consistantly accurate .22 that I have ever owned. Hammer forged barrels are generally smoother than cut or button rifled barrels so break in is less of an issue.