Ruger 10/22 Charger
The Ruger 10/22 Charger takes the most popular .22 LR rifle action in America and cuts it down to a compact pistol format, pairing a cold hammer-forged threaded barrel with a BX-Trigger and factory Picatinny rails. Built on the same proven 10/22 platform that's sold over 7 million rifles, the Charger has become one of Ruger's fastest-growing sellers as pistol braces put a stabilized, easy-to-shoot .22 pistol within reach of any shooter. It's a favorite for plinking, small-game hunting, and as a lightweight truck-gun or backpacking companion.
Read our full Ruger 10/22 Charger Buying Guide ↓
What Is the Ruger 10/22 Charger?
The 10/22 Charger is a pistol-format variant of Ruger's iconic 10/22 semi-automatic rifle, first introduced in 2007 and reintroduced with lasting success in 2014 as pistol braces grew popular. It uses the same reliable blowback action, the same aftermarket ecosystem of triggers, stocks, and barrels, and the same 10/22-pattern magazines — just in a shorter, lighter, pistol-grip-only configuration built for one-handed or braced shooting.
Barrel and Trigger
Current-production Chargers ship with an 8″ cold hammer-forged barrel threaded 1/2″-28, ready for a suppressor or muzzle device out of the box. Ruger's BX-Trigger gives a lighter, crisper pull than the standard 10/22 trigger, and the bolt release is built into the trigger guard for faster reloads.
Optics and Rails
The Charger's receiver includes a factory-installed Picatinny-style optic rail on top and a rear vertical accessory rail with an integrated QD sling attachment point — enough real estate to mount a red dot, a compact scope, or a light without needing a separate rail adapter.
Magazines and Ammo
The Charger ships with a 15-round BX-15 magazine and accepts the full range of Ruger 10/22 magazines, from the factory 10-round rotary to aftermarket 25-round options. Any standard .22 LR ammunition runs reliably in the platform — see our .22 LR ammo selection for bulk options.
Building It Out
Because it shares the 10/22's aftermarket, the Charger drops into the same stocks, chassis systems, and trigger upgrades built for the standard rifle, making it one of the most customizable pistols on the market. A suppressor is a natural pairing given the threaded barrel — browse our .22 caliber suppressors.
Who It's For
The Charger suits plinkers who want a fun, low-recoil range gun, hunters who want a light small-game pistol, and preparedness-focused shooters who want a compact .22 that travels easily and shoots cheap ammunition all day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ruger 10/22 Charger a pistol or a rifle?
It's classified as a pistol — it ships without a shoulder stock, using a pistol grip (or a stabilizing brace, where legal) instead.
What magazines does the Charger use?
Any standard Ruger 10/22-pattern magazine, including the included 15-round BX-15 and the classic 10-round rotary.
Can I add a stock to make it a rifle?
Adding a shoulder stock to a pistol-configured firearm can trigger NFA short-barreled-rifle rules depending on barrel length and configuration. Check current ATF guidance before modifying the configuration.
Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
Yes, the 8″ barrel is threaded 1/2″-28 and ships with a thread protector.