Another 10/22 question

[R. Deckard]

Have seen a few post here about used 10/22 pricing at pawn shops and such. Several people have said the older models have fewer plastic parts and are better quality than the new ones you can get now, does anybody know what year they started becoming not as good? More plastic parts? Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[rangerruck]

this year is loaded with plastic, and painted bbls. plastic trigger guard, plastic trigger parts, plastic bbl band. ugly painted bbls, and just as bad painted receivers.
anything before this year, is about the same all the way back to the mid 80's. before that, you get better wood, and anodized receivers, not just painted.

 

[CRITGIT]

Yes, I believe it's serial numbers starting with 351-XXXX Very few were what I call the transition models which were launched in Jan 2008 .They were the first 351-XXXX and had painted barrels and receivers ....no plastic! Well into 351-XXXX they transitioned to plastic and as I understand it the plastic is limited to trigger,trigger guard, barrel band and the addition of a mag release which is plastic.
An older (pre 351-XXXX-Jan 2008) 1022 which is pre plastic would be my choice. Actually the pre 1984 genuine walnut stock issue would be even better.
JMHO

CRITGIT

 

[CajunBass]

If it has an extended magazine release, it most likely has the "plastic" trigger assemby and barrel band. I say most likely, because it's possible that someone installed an aftermarket one on an older gun.

I haven't bought one of the new ones yet. I've been tempted but I keep finding used DSP's for less money.

 

[cmcffpm]

Found a new metal 10/22

I just purchased a NIB all weather 10/22 with serial number starting 352-xxxxx.
Our local Big 5 had two left in stock. Not sure of the production date but I was glad I found it. I've considered buying the last one in stock but can't justify it.

Just a follow up to this reply...I called Ruger and the build date for this 10/22 serial 352-xxxxx was built in June, 2008. So non plastic 1022's were produced at least until June.