Ruger 10/22 Classic VIII 22 LR 18.5" 10rd French Walnut Rifle

The 10/22 Classic VIII is a TALO edition of Ruger's rimfire workhorse, and the stock is the reason to buy it. It is AA Fancy French walnut, a big step up in figure from the hardwood on a standard 10/22. The metal is matte blued, and the barrel is 18.5" long, a sporter length that balances well offhand and gives a longer sight plane than the carbine.

Mechanically it is the 10/22 everybody knows. The action is semi auto and feeds from Ruger's detachable 10 round rotary magazine, which sits flush in the stock and is famously reliable. Sights are a gold bead front and a folding leaf rear, and a scope base adapter is included for anyone who wants to mount glass. At 5 lbs it is light enough for a day of squirrel hunting and easy for younger shooters to handle. Because it is a 10/22, the aftermarket for triggers, barrels and accessories is huge, though most owners of a stock this nice will leave it as is.