Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Rounding out Winchester’s venerable lever-action lineup is this new .22LR rifle. Joining guns like the Model 1873 is a big responsibility and Winchester’s Ranger .22 has a lot to live up to.
But from the way it handled at the range and the way it feels in your hands, the Ranger looks like it’s in the right family.
All Machined
Remarkably, its receiver is machined from aluminum billet, and all the steel components are also machined.
All the metal has a black matte finish, and the satin-finished walnut stock looks terrific, too. Winchester says they see this as an heirloom gun and expect it to last generations.
Smooth Action
Several people were ahead of me in line at the range to shoot this gun and I saw many others handle it at the show. Just about every person said, “Wow, that’s a smooth action.”
This action is a completely new design, and while it is assembled in Portugal, it was designed by Winchester’s team in Morgan, Utah. Not only is it smooth, but it’s also easy to take down.
Simple Takedown
.22 LR ammo is notoriously dirty, and lever guns are notoriously difficult to disassemble. Winchester has solved these issues with a simple design.
Incredibly, removing one screw opens the whole thing up. Hit it with a toothbrush and CLP and you’re ready to shoot again. Or, take it apart to carry in two halves like a takedown rifle.
Although the receiver is aluminum, the steel screw goes into a steel nut pressed into the right side of the receiver. This mechanism is tough.
Classic Lever-Action
As modern as Winchester’s Ranger’s action is, the rest of the gun exudes classic lever-action styling. It’s got a 15-round tube magazine under the barrel with a brass plunger.
Also, the elevation-adjustable buckhorn rear sight and front hooded sight (covered wagon sight) are excellent and clear, but they also machined a dovetail rail for optics into the receiver.
That means it’s ready for a scope, but you don’t have to ruin its classic lines by adding Picatinny ring mounts.
Winchester’s Ranger .22 lever-action rifle is available now. Despite the excellent styling and production quality, its MSRP is just $419.
Specs
| Caliber 22 LR | Barrel Length 20 1/2 |
| Overall Length 37 3/4 | Length of Pull 13 |
| Drop at Comb 1 1/4 | Drop at Heel 2 |
| Weight 5 lbs 4 oz | Magazine Capacity 15 |
| Twist Rate 16 | Barrel Finish Matte Black |
| Stock Finish Satin Oil | Wood Grade Grade I |
| Receiver Finish Matte Black | Barrel Material Steel |
| Barrel Contour Sporter | Recoil Pad Plastic Butt Plate |
| Checkering Cut | Receiver Material Aluminum Alloy |
| Trigger Finish Matte Black | Magazine Type Tubular |
| Trigger Material Alloy | Trigger Guard Material Alloy |
| Trigger Guard Engraving None | Drilled and Tapped for Scope Grooved |
| MSRP$419.99 |