Pictures: Ruger 10/22s as M1 Garand and M1 Carbine

General Firearms Other Semi-Automatic Rifles
1

All,

Earlier this year, I wrote a review/how-to on “dressing up” a Ruger 10/22 as a M1 Carbine:
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?207187-Review-Sarco-quot-M1-Carbine-quot-Stock-for-Ruger-10-22

Thanks to a fellow enthusiast, I have a new addition to my collection. Here are two Ruger 10/22s, modified to resemble a M1 Garand and a M1 Carbine:

Obviously, the authenticity just isn’t there:

But as training rifles for the young and new shooters (and for the homage factor alone), they’ll do.

Next step…M1 Thompson?

These Ruger 10/22s are really too much fun.

Respectfully,
butlers

2

I have a suggestion, especially for new shooters.

Dress up is fine and everything but for the cost of a kit you could do something far more interesting.

3

Sorry but an M1 Carbine 10/22 and a Browning 1911 22 combo- would be tits.

4

I don’t disagree.

However, with new shooters at the local range, I’ve found teaching the fundamentals on iron sights is more practical. No need for scopes and bull barrels at the 25 yard line. Furthermore, some appreciate the touch of history, and are less intimidated by the cosmetic aspects of these classics.

I agree!

Alas, I like the Browning, but it’s 85% the size of a regular USGI 1911. I’d rather go for a full-size 1911 chambered in 22LR – either via a conversion kit upper, or an actual 22LR clone.

Update:

  • I swapped out the rear sight on the M1 Garand clone from a Williams target sight to an actual M1 Garand rear sight (I had to use Sarco’s M1 Garand-style rear sight base for the Ruger 10/22).
  • I swapped out the front sight on the M1 Carbine clone by calling Ruger customer service and asking them to send me the front sight that they sell for their clone. Ruger charged me $10 (5 for the sight, 5 for shipping). I then got an actual M1 Carbine rear sight, drilled out space for a screw, and then screwed it into the top of the receiver (it’s not pretty, but it’s functional). The Tech Sights – while great – were too “high-profile” for my taste.

So, here’s what I started with:

And here’s what I ended up with:

I think it looks a lot more like the original pair (not my photo; pulled from a Google Image search):

5

I always liked the 10/22 ‘M1 paratrooper stock’ with the wire folder. I’d heard they went out of production.

As popular as these are, and with Chiappa selling the rimfire & 9mm m1 clones, you think Ruger would try to roll out an M1 rimfire clone, even just a single ‘commemorative’ run.

Of course, if we’re wishing, I’d wish the Chiappa 9mm m1 clone was better built, then I’d buy one.

I hadn’t seen the M1 garand clone, that’s not bad. I HAVE seen the 10/22 Tommy Gun kit in person and wasn’t impressed, for what it costs.

6

Fear not! Sarco (the company that made my regular M1 Carbine stock for the Ruger 10/22) does make a paratrooper version:
http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/m1a1-stock-for-ruger-10-22.aspx

They currently have a free shipping promotion for Columbus Day.

I agree. Of course, Ruger does make a Ruger 10/22 dressed up in M1 Carbine clothing:
https://ruger.com/products/1022Carbine/specSheets/21102.html

But the rail really ruins the look for me, in my opinion.

Agreed! Beretta mags are not the most aesthetic, but are certainly functional/prolific.
https://www.chiappafirearms.com/p/id/202/product/M1-9-Carbine.php

I imagine if the thing had taken Glock mags that it might’ve gotten more love! =P

I didn’t build it. I bought it from another veteran, who bought it from another WWII enthusiast at an Appleseed event. I imagine that the original builder used these instructions to build the “Garand” from a regular 10/22:
http://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/gunsmithing_build_a_22_lr_garand_part_1_032311/99740

Kingston Armory did build a true M1 Garand clone (M1 Garand-style action, operating rod, etc), but chambered for the .22LR:
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/01/30/kingston-armory-22lr-m1am14-replica-shot-2017/

Alas, they went out of business.

Agreed. $300 for what is essentially a stock, grip, and forend is not my definition of cheap:
http://www.1022fungun.com/store/

7

Here are some comparison pictures, along with my commentary.

This is a USGI M1 Carbine (picture from Wikipedia):

Pros: N/A
Cons: N/A

This is a Chiappa/Citadel/Legacy M1-22 (Model #500.082), with proprietary 10-round magazine (my picture):

Pros: most resembles a genuine M1 Carbine in form/function
Cons: it’s not a Ruger 10/22 (i.e. reliability/track record, after-market, etc)

This is my M1 Carbine “clone” built off a Ruger 10/22, customized with Sarco M1 carbine stock, Ruger 10/22 M1 Carbine front sight (see previous posts), Sarco M1 Carbine rear sight (modified to take a Ruger scope/rail screw and screwed into the rear-most factory-drilled/tapped hole of the receiver), 1022FunGun magazine extension on a standard Ruger 10-round rotary magazine, Sarco sling/oiler, and Sarco magazine pouch) (my picture):

Pros: it’s a Ruger 10/22; the sights better resemble actual M1 Carbine sights
Cons: not as authentic as the Chiappa; the rear sight is a DIY project

This is my M1 Carbine “clone” built off a Ruger 10/22, customized with Sarco M1 Carbine stock, Tech Sights’ TSR100 front and rear sights, 1022FunGun magazine extension on a standard Ruger 10/22 10-round rotary magazine, and Sarco sling/oiler (my picture):

Pros: it’s a Ruger 10/22; Tech Sights are legitimately designed for the 10/22
Cons: not as authentic as the Chiappa; the sights don’t resemble M1 Carbine sights

Finally, this is Ruger’s 10/22 M1 Carbine (Model #21102) (picture from Ruger website):

Pros: it’s a Ruger 10/22; comes straight from the factory like this
Cons: not as authentic as the Chiappa; that rear sight + rail…

Hope this helps others with their buying/build decisions.

8

Can’t forget about an Erma Werke E M1 .22 Carbine.
http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_em1.html

I’ve gotten close to buying one of those, but I don’t really need a trainer for rifle that isn’t a HD/PD rifle. I’ve heard they work well.

Sounds like your a .22 M1 carbine expert, and your 10/22 clones are very neat. To me the 10/22 by itself is pretty much a .22 M1 carbine clone.

ETA…also the much more obscure Johnston Tucker Arms .22 M1 Carbine…

http://www.m1carbinesinc.com/carbine_JohnstonTucker.html