Gun Review: Ruger Wrangler Single-Action .22LR Revolver

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Gun Review: Ruger Wrangler Single-Action .22LR Revolver
Josh Wayner for TTAG

The legend of the Wild West still lives in the heart of every American. It’s our heritage and our birthright. Ruger knows that the spirit of the West belongs to each and every one of us and has released a new gun that has all the ruggedness of an old cowboy, but at a price we all can afford. Today we will be taking a look at the new Ruger Wrangler in .22LR

With an MSRP of only $249 and a retail price well under two Benjamins, the Ruger Wrangler is one hell of a deal. I will get into the features of the gun in a moment, but I first need to address the introductory price of this piece. I often hear that guns today are too expensive and that many companies have a very high potential customer exclusion rate. While I think that everyone should own the best guns they can afford, that line is different for everyone.

Gun Review: Ruger Wrangler Single-Action .22LR Revolver
Slip the affordable Wrangler into a good holster and you have one of the most enjoyable handguns you can buy on your hip. (Josh Wayner for TTAG)

Not everyone can afford a $900 pistol or an $1,800 rifle with thousands in optics and support gear, but the person who can should be applauded, not shamed for their investments. Likewise, a man who owns a ‘cheap’ gun shouldn’t be shamed either for not buying into all the bells and whistles.

The idea that the rimfire Ruger Wrangler is a ‘cheap’ gun is false. While it’s inexpensive relative to other guns, it is not at all of poor quality. There are certainly some terrible guns out there that you can buy for a couple of bills, but this isn’t one of them. I would say that this gun is of equal quality to most of Ruger’s revolver line and is better than most all of its competitors in the same class and feature range.

The class of gun we’re talking about is something of interest here as well. The Wrangler is a full-size revolver with a 4.6” cold hammer-forged barrel and 30 oz of heft. This puts it just under the same weight and size as a Single Action Army revolver.

The only area where the Wrangler is truly smaller than the old .45 is in the cylinder and aluminum alloy frame. The rest is fairly comparable in size, which means that it will not feel like a tiny gun to adult shooters while being comfortable for kids and newbies at the same time.

Gun Review: Ruger Wrangler Single-Action .22LR Revolver
Ruger Wrangler (top), Cimarron .45 Single Action Army (bottom) – Josh Wayner for TTAG

Some features are identical to the old SAA while there are some differences. To load a traditional SAA, you need to put it into half-cock and open the loading gate. The cylinder only spins clockwise. Insert your cartridges and then close the gate.

Make sure you don’t lower the hammer on a live round or it could ruin your day. Many people load five in a sixgun for safety with the hammer down on an empty chamber. I do this when carrying a traditional sixgun in the woods.

Gun Review: Ruger Wrangler Single-Action .22LR Revolver
The transfer bar safety and loading gate interlock mean the Wrangler is safe to load all six chambers. (Josh Wayner for TTAG)

The Wrangler rimfire revolver is a bit different. Opening the loading gate disables the hammer and allows the cylinder to spin freely in either direction. SAA fans will know that if you miss a chamber, you have to go all the way back around to get it again.

The good news is you can safely load all six rounds in the Wrangler, which has a transfer bar firing mechanism. That means the firing pin is retracted until the act of firing. On an original SAA, the firing pin is always active as it’s fixed to the hammer and can come to rest against a live primer if the shooter isn’t careful, which is why most carry on an empty chamber.

The Wrangler has the same ejection rod as the SAA and empty cases must be manually extracted. The sights are also similar in that they are a fixed blade front sight and a simple notched rear sight. The sights are not adjustable.

Gun Review: Ruger Wrangler Single-Action .22LR Revolver
The affordability of 22 LR ammunition means you can shoot all day long. (Josh Wayner for TTAG)

So how did the Wrangler perform? I tested it for accuracy and reliability and put about 500 rounds through it from a mixed bag of ammo. I had no issues to speak of as far as reliability goes.

Accuracy was seemingly built in at the factory. I had a great time shooting it and just couldn’t miss at ranges out to 35 yards. The gun shot right where it was aimed and steel rang just about every shot. This revolver is the very definition of fun.

As the Wrangler is a relatively heavy .22 long rifle revolver, it exhibits virtually no recoil, making it a very pleasing plinker. I could have shot it all day long with not a hint of discomfort. The trigger is excellent. You expect a good trigger in a single-action revolver but the Wrangler’s is exceptionally crisp with a light, clean break.

Gun Review: Ruger Wrangler Single-Action .22LR Revolver
The Wrangler has a Cerakote finish on the aluminum alloy cylinder frame. (Josh Wayner for TTAG)

That’s an important feature for young shooters who are lacking in finger strength as well as those looking to build marksmanship skill at a low price of entry. Nothing is more frustrating than having to send a factory gun off for trigger and action work. It is nice that, after centuries of manufacturing, mankind is able to deliver a good factory trigger on an affordable gun.

My time with the Wrangler was well spent. I like that it has everything you could hope for in a gun with a street price less than $250 new. I am pleased with the sample I got and, intent to play with it a bit more and see just what extra fun I can squeeze out of it.

Gun Review: Ruger Wrangler Single-Action .22LR Revolver
The Wrangler has checkered synthetic grips on a Ruger Single-Six pattern grip frame. (Josh Wayner for TTAG)

If you’re wondering why companies keep making single-action revolvers in the current day and age, you need to take a look at just what makes us who we are. The single-action revolver is part of America’s cultural heritage and it’s as important to how we see ourselves as the sword is to the Japanese or tea is to the English. The martial culture of America is centered on the single-action revolver and you can own a fun, affordable part of that with the Ruger Wrangler.

Specifications: Ruger Wrangler Single-Action Revolver

Caliber: .22LR
Finish: Black Cerakote (Silver and Burnt Bronze available)
Capacity: 6 rounds
Barrel Length: 4.62”
Overall Length: 10.25”
Weight: 30oz
MSRP: $249 (about $180 retail)

Ratings (Out of Five Stars)

Reliability * * * * *
I had no issues with the Wrangler. The firing pin is robust and cylindrical and strike marks were deep and consistent.

Accuracy * * * * *
The gun simply puts lead where you aim it. I tested a variety of ammo and the gun produced groups on paper at 25 yards that averaged 2.75” for ten shots. Shooting it against steel was a hoot.

Ergonomics * * * * *
The single action revolver, particularly those resembling the Single Action Army, have always been known as some of the most comfortable and sculptural guns ever made. The grip size and weight make for a great day at the range.

Customize This * * * 
Sadly, there is not much that can be done to alter this gun without sending it out for work.

Aesthetics * * * *
While maybe not the prettiest revolver out there, there’s a charm to the ruggedness and no-frills attitude the Wrangler displays. The clean, even Cerakote finish on my sample is black, but it’s also available in silver and burnt bronze.

Overall * * * * *
If the price isn’t enough to catch your interest, the features should do the trick. The Ruger Wrangler is a solid, reliable gun that has a great number of end uses. Many here see a fun gun for plinking at the range. Others see a good kit gun for their fishing adventures. This gun can be whatever you want it to be and that’s the real beauty of it.

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96 COMMENTS

  1. Good review. I was worried about it being too light and thus giving the appearance of being cheap but you’ve answered that question. I like the single actions for range fun. I may be “forced” to add this to the collection.

  2. Americans are still making and using single action revolvers because not every American is a tactifool.

    We can own guns for other reasons than civil war 2.0. Guns are supposed to be fun. Plinking is supposed to be a fun family activity.

    The single action .22 fills that bill nicely.

  3. Everyone needs a SA .22. Even better, one of the old Single Sixes with cylinders for both .22 LR and .22 WMR.

    • That’s what I have. I rarely shoot the mags as they cost a little steeper than the LR’s. And the single six costs roughly twice what this new revolver costs.

      • Everyone should own a single action revolver. At least one.. I’ve owned Rugers and given them as gifts to friends. Great revolvers. I only own two single actions now. Both Colt’s. As for the interchangeable cynlenders? I always found the .22 LR to be the most accurate. Colt or Ruger.

        • Oh, 45 Colt and 22 LR. It ain’t a real single action unless it’s a Colt’s center fire. Recently gave one of those in mint condition in .44 Spl to one of my best friends. It was a hard thing to do, but Randy is a really good guy.

        • Gadsden Flag,

          I am always looking for more close friends. Care to add me to your list of close friends? For reference I am a really good guy, gal, or whatever else you want me to be if it means you will be sending firearms my way as gifts!

        • Uncommon Sense, I understand, but this guy once gave me a custom Winchester Model 70 .375 H&H for Christmas. I have made it my mission to give all of my best friends a Randall Knife. I must be up to around to 20 by now. Some two. They reciprocate in their own way. Just how we do things down here. Not that it’s expected. We just appreciate each friendship.

    • Heritage Arms rough rider in 22 LR with a 22 WMR cylinder.
      One of my favorite guns I own,
      admittedly the safety on it is very odd but not entirely unwelcome.

      • Bitter,

        I am a huge Heritage Rough Rider fan and have more than one. Their triggers are excellent like this Ruger.

        Personally, I love — LOVE — the safety on the Heritage Rough Rider series because it allows you to carry a round in all the chambers and it enables you to partake in all the dry-fire practice you want without the firing pin peening the cylinder.

        • I also really enjoy my Heritage Rough Ryder. It is a very fun gun. Mine was $129 for the 22lr only version.

          On the other hand, this Ruger Wrangler looks quite a bit better, and isn’t that much more expensive.

          $130 or so for a Heritage RR, vs. $500 for a Single Six – I chose the Heritage.

          $130 for a RR vs. $199 for a Ruger Wrangler – I’ll take the Ruger all day long. I’ve always had good luck with Rugers. Great guns, and not overly expensive

      • I also own a Heritage Rough Ryder in .22 with extra cyl in .22 mag, by far my favorite small caliber revolver. For more serious fun I have the .45 colt Rough Ryder, love them both but I have always had a soft spot for Ruger and will be looking into the Wrangler. Never have too many, right

    • I managed to luck into one of these in stainless with both cylinders for about the price of the Wrangler is new. Best investment I have ever made and my son now carries it in the woods for grouse and whatnots.
      For folks who can’t get that lucky, this is an awesome pistol.

  4. What metal is the frame made of and if it is aluminum are there steel around the firing pin and where the cylinder meets the frame?

    • I forget what site I read it on, but it was stated that the cylinder frame
      is aluminum alloy, and the grip frame is Zamac. As for the rest of it,
      I don’t know, but I definitely see one of these coming home with me
      in the future.

  5. The retail of this should be about $180 given the pre-sale pricing on a few sites. I went to about 4 gun shops over the weekend and Cabela’s as I was primed to pick up at LEAST one of these if not 2 consecutive serials. Fortunately for my wallet, they weren’t in stock yet.

  6. When I was 6, I wanted a pair of guns like these so I could be JUST LIKE A REAL COWBOY. Now that I’m 60 it seems I still do. (visualizing myself practicing quick draw against a fence rail covered in soup cans and beer bottles). Maybe for Christmas.

    • I was 65 when I got my “cowboy” guns. I got a Heritage Rough Rider and a Henry lever action carbine (both 22) to pretend I was a cowboy. I bought them both for less than a
      Single Six and I would have bought a Wrangler if it had been available when the notion hit me..

      • I guess I’m the spring chicken. I was in my early 40s when I bought my Henry lever action .22 and Heritage Rough Ryder .22. I enjoy the Heritage, but would have bought the Wrangler instead it it was available at the time. Every man who grew up watching westerns wants a lever gun and a Single action revolver.

    • {The Ruger ‘Wrangler’}

      “Maybe for Christmas.”

      You’ll just shoot your eye out, kid… 😉

    • Hounddog Dave,

      I purchased a left-handed and a right-handed holster properly sized for single-action revolvers chambered in .22 LR. For the last two Halloweens, I wore a full old-West Sheriff costume, complete with single-action revolvers on each hip, while accompanying my child for trick-or-treating. Thus far, everyone seems to love my costume.

      I have had a few people ask if my revolvers were real. My prepared response, “These are genuine miniature Colt 1873 Single-Action Army replicas.” The fun part: that statement is true as far as I know.

      • For reference my old-West Sheriff costume is quite simple and inexpensive. I wear boots, jeans, and a solid-color button-up shirt that I already own. I added a red (with black paisleys) bandanna for a couple dollars and a white cowboy hat that I purchased at a Halloween store for $12. I pilfered a set of toy handcuffs from my oldest child which I wear on my belt. And I made my own Sheriff star (badge) out of cardboard and covered it with aluminum foil. My costume actually looks really good with a single-action revolver in a holster on both hips.

        Note: my state has laws that forbid wearing badges and impersonating law enforcement officers. For that reason, I made sure that my old-West Sheriff badge is obviously not real (hence the cardboard and aluminum foil) and I have the word “Sheriff” on the top of the badge and “Arizona” on the bottom of the badge.

      • Well, whoop-tee-doo, most of the real cowboys buy stuff. I never heard of one purchasing anything before. (:>)

  7. I have a ruger single six I picked up for 279 about 15 years ago. They are way more than that today. It’s a quality gun for sure.
    I might look at the Wrangler as another toy plonker but honestly I think the Single.Six is just so much better.

    • I have the single six. It is a very good gun. But the price on the new gun will appeal to a lot of budget minded folks. And its not like you’re getting a bad gun for that low cost.

        • hey superman, what are you twelve years old, on your school library computer? go back to shoulder firing your m249 in whatever video game you were playing. let the adults talk about interesting throwbacks to before you were a mistake in your dad’s eye.

  8. The frame on the Wrangler is “Aluminum Alloy”. Unavailable for purchase in states with a Melting Point law. Stay with the Single-Six, they’re a better built gun.

    • It’s a .22 LR. I don’t think the cartridge will stress the frame. It will last longer than my lifetime if I was inclined to buy one (which I am not–sucker is UGLY!).

      • Yeah, I need something in the middle here. Not as ugly as the Wrangler but more dependable than the heritage. I’m planning on getting cheap SA .22 soon but I can’t get over how bad this looks.

    • Kyndon,

      As Mark N. mentioned below, there is pretty much zero stress on the frame.

      And even if these single-action revolvers do wear out after 5,000 rounds, who cares when they cost less than $200?

      Note: if these revolvers last for 5,000 rounds and cost $200, that equates to 4 cents per shot. If your .22 LR ammunition costs 4 cents per round, then your total cost is only 8 cents every time you pull the trigger. That is pretty much impossible to beat and an incredible value.

    • LMAO

      My father in law has a lightweight Bearcat made in the 60s with thousands of round through it. The Dural frame doesn’t seem to be a weak point with 22s. Melting point laws were put in place to hinder competition long before virtue-signaling became a term. They mean nothing and are just another attempt to limit gun ownership.

      The single six may be better finished than the Wrangler, but I think it’s a stretch to say bstter-built.

      By the way, how many rounds have you put through one of the new Wranglers to make that determination?

      • Single six comes with .22 Mag cylinder. It’s better built to handle that round for starters. Adjustable sights. Better wood.

        • Sights aside, the wood is cosmetic and as far as people being concerned about aluminum being to weak for revolvers they simply havent read or shot guns much.

          Some info: several quality big bore revolvers have frames of aluminum such as Ruger LCRs and Chiappa Rhino. Not even mentioning the S&W Aircrewman that used low preasure .38s with an aluminim CYLINDER. Heritage Rough Riders are aluminum and come in .22mag. Then there is aluminum rifles like ARs. There is even the AR17 shotgun that has an aluminum barrel with steel chamber sleeve. Then HiPoints are durable and made of low temp Zemak. Some black powder revolvers use brass recievers to reasonable degree.

          In short the reciever quality is very overbuilt and people complaining about it either are really complaining about its looks or probably wont buy a Glock or similar pistol because its plastic even though its plenty strong for its purpose.

        • Comparing a firearm to a Hi Point. Now THERE is a convincing argument (NOT).

        • You have never even bothered to shoot a HiPoint have you? Also keep in mind I was purely talking about the strength of components and not the overall gun coolness. Face facts, HiPoints are spectacular budget guns, albiet not nice guns.

          Stop being nearsighted, get your thumb out your butt, and realise that things don’t have to look nice or be expensive to work. Look at the AK rifles. Ugly and made of sheet metal but great. We as Americans simply think due to some unfortunate self gratifying superiority complex that only the best is good enough when in reality good enough is good enough.

        • Who told you the single six came with both the 22lr and 22 WMR cylinders? You can buy it that way, or you could get it with just either caliber over the years. It has also been sold in 17 HMR and 17 HMR2 and today is still sold in 17 HMR. The SS comes either blue or stainless. Oh and from 1984 to 1997, it was sold in 32 H and R Mag and started back up in 32 H and R Mag in 2002 ( also fires the 32 long and short and 32 acp in some guns with some ammo). When the 327 Federal came out, the same gun was suddenly called the Single 7, because it carried an extra round. The 17 HMR and 32 H and R (not mag) and are both sold right now, both in blue, and the 32 has the Bisley grip. I have no clue why anyone would buy the 32 when the could get the 327 that will shoot, 327, 32 H and R mag, 32 long, 32 short and 32 acp (some brands of ammo).
          And you can get the 22/22 mag version with or without adjustable sites.
          FYI

    • The issue is the ultimate tensile strength of the aluminum, NOT the melting point. That’s why only MN and MA are implicated.

      • Inherent tensile strength of Aluminum? You mean the material used in the receivers of the most popular rifle in America?

      • Look at my above comment… Aluminum is fine. If it was made of recycled Mountain Dew cans it would be fine so long as the cast or forge was consistent and sound.

        • I bet you think Christenson Arms barrels are going to explode because they are not all steel.

    • I enailed Ruger and they said that the aluminum frame had a high enough melting point to be legal in IL. I don’t know about other states.

  9. I have the single six. If I was just starting out with guns this one would be my choice. I started out in ’76 with the single six and 10/22. A Wrangler and a 10/22, what more do you need for inexpensive family fun? Good review, thanks!

    • You need to swap out that 10/22 for a Marlin 60! 😊

      Kinda kidding, both the Marlin 60 and the 10/22 are wonderful plinkers.

        • heh heh… i have a mostly factory k10-22rbi, and a kidd 10-22, both tack drivers. the beat to crap marlin squirrel 60 my buddy gave me before she moved to cali is by far my favorite. feels good, staples paper.

  10. My small collection is Ruger heavy. I want to diversify but Ruger keeps pumping out great products of all types. This is added to the long list of guns to buy.

  11. I have I own five black powder revolvers and two 1873s, one in .38/.357 and the other in .45 Colt. All have light triggers, since the trigger extension sits right on the sear. They are a hoot to shoot. I have also made tow sets of “ivory” grips from Tombstone. The kit requires a lot of sanding, and one grows to appreciate all of the subtle curves built into the grips. I like the Colt grips more than any other gun I own.

  12. This looks like alot of fun, but for a plinker I don’t need it to be a semi-faithful true SA design. A hybrid with a swing out cylinder or even a top break would facilitate more plinking, thus more fun.

    • DrewN,

      The true single-action design does not seem to dampen anyone’s fun that I have taken out plinking.

      A friend of mine was born in Russia and emigrated to the United States when he was 18 years old. Two of his friends from Russia came to visit last summer. I took them out to a secluded and safe location in a forest for a half-day of plinking. They had so much fun and their smile was plastered so hard on their face all day that I am convinced their facial muscles were sore for the following three days. For reference we had no trouble burning through a brick (500 rounds) of .22 LR in about three or four hours.

      If you have any disposable income at all and enjoy shooting handguns at all, purchase an inexpensive single-action revolver in .22 LR. Trust me, you will not regret it.

        • Basically every combat arm is more or less disposable. Take the original intermediate caliber select fire combat rifle, the STG. It had round count life and once reached it was trashed and replaced, so let me guess that it wouldn’t have been good enough for you in 1944 and you would rather have a Mosin.

          Lets do math, assuming you have the capacity to comprehend it. “Note: if these revolvers last for 5,000 rounds and cost $200, that equates to 4 cents per shot. If your .22 LR ammunition costs 4 cents per round, then your total cost is only 8 cents every time you pull the trigger. That is pretty much impossible to beat and an incredible value.” (Courtesy of uncommon_sense)

    • The old NEF92 and H&R double action, 9 shot, swing out cylinder .22 revolvers are also wonderful budget plinkers. Lots of fun!

  13. We just got in 3 of these wonderful Ruger Wrangler 22LR single action revolvers, one in each finish. Being the firearm tech in our shop, I took and messed a little with each of them. I fell in love. I would like to own one of these wonderful little wheelguns…badly. They would probably give me a tad if a discount, being a shop employee. I cleaned off the faces of each cylinder, reassembled them, and back on display. I’m sure these won’t be here long. Love the smooth cylinders, and the brethren Ruger styling. Way to go!!

    • I used to shop at a store where they shot the new guns (just a little) and then sold them as new.

      Used to shop……

      • I have encountered that also. Their excuse, “a gun is considered legally new no matter the condition until it is first written up on a form 4473.” Who knew.

        • whaaat?… that’s pretty disappointing. as a not ffl type citizen i can never purport a firearm i sell as “new” (unless it is a build), regardless of whether i have even opened the box it came in. bummer.

  14. We just got in 3 of these wonderful Ruger Wrangler 22LR single action revolvers, one in each finish. Being the firearm tech in our shop, I took and messedva little with each of them. I fell in love. I would like to own one of these wonderful little wheelguns…badly. They would probably give me a tad if a discount, being a shop employee. I cleaned off the faces of each cylinder, reassembled them, and back on display. I’m sure these won’t be here long. Love the smooth cylinders, and the brethren Ruger styling.

  15. I own 2 single action revolvers; a Uberti Cattleman in .45 long Colt and a Heritage Rough Rider (tehnically my son’s, though he’s only 13) with both the .22lr and .22wrm cylinders. They both are GREAT fun to shoot. There’s just something about the deliberate action of firing a SA revolver that just adds so much satisfaction to the experience.

    I for one can see a substantial market for the Wrangler. I’ve yet to let anyone fire that Heritage who didn’t turn to me with a huge grin and say ‘this thing is FUN!’ At the Wrangler’s price point it’s very easy for new (and old) shooters to justify the purchase for the grin factor alone.

  16. While I love shooting my Semi’ pistols and DA revolvers, nothing says “America,” like a SAA. Iconic and practical. I enjoy taking my SAA to the range just as much as any of my other guns. Been looking at getting a SAA in .22 LR, and Ruger’s Wrangler is going to be on the top of the list after your review. Thank you

  17. In my 65+ years of shooting addiction, I have owned, sold and traded many, many hundreds of guns. Ruger revolvers are the ones that stick around the longest. Currently I have two 1979 vintage Rugers: a Super Blackhawk .44 mag and a 4″ Security Six .357, two near-new SP101’s: one 4.2″ in .22lr and one 2.25″ .357. I have had a Bearcat, Blackhawks in various calibers, and several Single Six Convertables which were traded off for various reasons. I am quite satisfied with my current Rugers, but I know I need one more…….a Wrangler. For the price I absolutely can’t go wrong. I went to a Gun Show last Saturday and picked up a nice Marlin .44mag lever gun as a companion for the Super Blackhawk. I already have a Browning lever action .22 and the next Gun Show is in 3 weeks. I’ll have two crisp 100 dollar bills in my wallet just in case a vendor has a Wrangler.

  18. I own a Ruger single six, Super Blackhawk and GP100 which all use the same transfer bar system. This line in your review is incorrect. “That means the firing pin is retracted until the act of firing.” The firing pin does not retract. The hammer and transfer bar is designed in such a way as that the transfer bar has to be in-between the hammer and firing pin to fire which only happens when the trigger is pulled. The transfer bar rests below the firing pin otherwise not allowing the hammer to strike the firing pin due to the hammers design, the hammer rests harmlessly against the frame not contacting the firing pin.

  19. To me, this appears to be poorly made. Check the spacing at the rear of the cylinder – top vs. bottom. You should also take note of the finish on the barrel and frame vs. the cylinder. I would guess that the problems with this gun will mount-up quickly because if the visible aspects are this poor, only time will tell about those items less visible. I am surprised that Ruger would market a gun with such visible flaws.

    • “Check the spacing at the rear of the cylinder – top vs. bottom.”
      That is a design feature on the left side of the firearm(feel free to check out other pictures of any of the guns on the Ruger website, they all have it).

      “You should also take note of the finish on the barrel and frame vs. the cylinder.”
      Also a design feature. There are 3 different color choices for the frame and barrel, but all versions have the same cylinder color and finish.

        • Look at a picture of the left side of the gun It is not a gap! It is a radius on the lower half of the frame opening at the rear of the cylinder. I would assume that it is there so you can see if there are cartridges in the cylinder easily since the cylinder does not come out for loading. There is nothing wrong with the gun in the photo(other than in your prejudices)

    • Or anywhere online. Lipsey has them at full retail, but most sites have them at $179 pre-order.

  20. I would love one in 22MAG, with adjustable sights. I know but it would make a great trail gun

  21. I have a Wrangler, in Burnt Bronze. It is one terrific shooter, and the trigger pull is the best I’ve found on any Single Action other than Freedom Arms. The sights are right on, which is a rare and wonderful thing in this genre. This is going to be one of Ruger’s best sellers!

  22. I brought a ruger wrangler. I am very disappointed with it. Seems I always get the lemon. I shot it and it has not performed up to ruger standard. For starters it doesn’t always cock. Second the cylinder axel keeps moving forward. It’s accuracy is not great it’s ok. But not as good as my bearcat. I am very disappointed with this firearm. I am sending it back to ruger so the company can see what problems this pistol has. I have tried oiling it cleaning it and relubing it. It’s all the same. This pistol is a big disappointment. I have 4 other single action pistols of which have no issues.

  23. I purchased mine to use as a plinker but I fooled around and fell in love. Almost 1,000 rounds through it and my accuracy is improving. It just feels so good.

    I replaced the grips with some really nice Arizona Professional ones. My crazy obsession with the Wrangler has totally overtaken my weekly range time. I own a lot firearms but this one has swept me off my feet. The best $189 I ever spent.

  24. If only they’d started making these a couple of years ago, I would’ve bought one instead of my Bearcat.
    I love my stainless steel Bearcat, and it’s lightweight like a “kit gun”, but it costs a lot more and is just a little too small with its 4.2″ barrel and stubby grip.

    This Wrangler is just the right size, with its 4.62″ barrel and full-sized grip, and just the right price!
    Do you think they’ll come out with a Convertible model to shoot .22 Magnum as well as .22 LR?
    It has some space in front of the cylinder (like the 9mm versions of .357 Magnums) that looks like it could be modified to handle a .22 WMR cylinder, if not by Ruger as a factory model, then maybe by a gunsmith.
    I know that when Ruger creates their new models, they often design them in a way that they can later come out with other calibers in the same model (e.g. Ruger American Rimfire was originally only .22 LR, but they designed it so they could make .22 Magnum models, and Ruger PC Carbine was originally only 9mm, but they designed it so they could easily make .40 S&W models).

    I asked my gunsmith if my Bearcat could be converted to .22 Magnum, but the Bearcat cylinder is too small for 22 Magnum, and the cylinder fits so tightly into the Bearcat frame that there is no room to replace it with a lengthened cylinder. I’ve heard the original version of the Bearcat were slightly bigger to allow for a .22 Magnum version that was very short-lived, but then Ruger decided to go for “small and cute” with the Bearcat and make it so it could only shoot .22 LR and .22 Short.

  25. Comparing the specs of the Wrangler to the Bearcat, here are the key differences:
    Barrel length: Bearcat 4.2, Wrangler 4.62 (win goes to the Wrangler)
    Overall length: Bearcat 9″, Wrangler 10.25″ (win goes to the Bearcat)
    Weight: Bearcat 24 oz, Wrangler 30 oz (win goes to the Bearcat)
    Twist rate: Bearcat 1:16, Wrangler 1:14.

    The twist rate is interesting, because almost every other .22 LR handgun or rifle in existence uses a 1:16 twist, except the Single Six, probably because it comes in Convertible models (.22 LR/.22 WMR) and so has spare cylinders available in .22 Magnum. Could this be an indication that they plan to offer either a Wrangler Convertible (.22 LR/.22 WMR) or a dedicated .22 Magnum Wrangler? I’m betting they will. I’ll wait and hold out for a convertible model myself. One thing I’ve learned the hard way from Ruger is that after introducing a new model, as soon as I snap up that new model, they always come out with a better version of that new model and I wish I would have waited. It pays to to wait a couple years after a new model’s introduction, until they add the features I want (such as a convertible model with a 2nd cylinder).

  26. I was very pleased when I first shot the Wrangler. It has the typical excellent Ruger built and quality. I really like the feel when cocking the hammer and the crisp pull of the trigger. This is my 4th Ruger and am well pleased with them all. A very affordable price for such quality. Thanks again Ruger and keep up the good work.

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