Henry Rifle Forums

Here's one for you Ruger 10/22 fans, especially if you love those early vintage 10/22s from the days when 10/22s were the new, fun semi auto 22 in town.

I found this absolute mint 1969 Carbine last month at my LGS. They had just received a collection of about 25 guns of various brands and types, all in mint condition. Most of the guns were hanging on a wall behind the counter, but this one 10/22 was sitting on the used rack with many other guns, so I walked by it and only noticed it as we were heading out the door.



This being a '69 Carbine, it has the early Overton Carbine stock, anodized (not painted) receiver, no read the instructions stamping on the barrel and metal (not plastic) butt plate and barrel band. That's more than enough to get my attention, but this particular example is probably the best condition early 10/22 Carbine I've ever found. The only thing that would have made it even better would have been the original box. 10/22s are bought to shoot, of course, so finding an early 10/22 in this very lightly used condition is remarkable. Needless to say, I had to take it home.









Yes, I will shoot this one, same as all our collectible 10/22s. Only thing I'll add is a small scope and probably a BX trigger for the sake of shooting ease, though I'll keep the original trigger, of course. Makes a great companion to my '66 finger groove Sporter.

Both beautiful!

Nice find. Love my 10/22's even if they are newer

I love them all, too. I'm just more sentimental about the early ones, given I shot them almost from the beginning when they first came out. In fact, the very first one I shot was a first year 10/22 that a friend brought out to our farm for some plinking. That was back in the late 60s. To this day, I remember thinking what a neat little gun that was and how much fun it was to shoot.

Our 1985 SD also happens to be the first gun my husband and I bought together. It's actually one of the most accurate out of the box 10/22s I've ever owned.

Was that finger groove model something that Ruger offered? I never saw one like that.
The trigger guard looks different too.
Good looking rifle!

The 10-22 was the second gun I bought for myself once I started working. The first was a Sears Double 12 gauge. Both guns were extremely accurate. I shot the gun often and never found another like it. The end of that little Ruger is a sad tale indeed.

Nice find, couldn’t go to a better home than yours where it will be appreciated for what it is but also used as it should. That SD sure looks rich.

Thanks, guys.

Yes, that finger groove Sporter is actually famous with 10/22 collectors. From the first year, 1964, through 1971, Ruger contracted the stock making to Overton, so these Overton stocked early 10/22s are distinctive.

The rarest of them all, though, is that very first International. That one is gold to a collector. Ruger has made special versions of the International over the years, but that very first one is super collectible and rare. I've yet to see one. It would be a grail gun for me.

This is an add from 1966.


Good eye on that trigger on the finger groove. That's actually a Kidd 1.5 pound trigger. The original trigger now sits in the drawer. Expensive, but all metal and still classic in the looks department. Yup, I splurged with that Kidd trigger, but that's how much I like that gun.

I had Brimstone rework the trigger on my vintage 1966. He switched a couple parts that were better matched with my parts clearances. He used vintage parts so its still original. The end product was a very tight trigger that breaks at 2 1/2 pounds.

I know you liked Brimstone for your 10/22 triggers. Is brimstone still in business?

I am not sure what year my international/manlicher stock 22 is. I'll have to look it up sometime.

The various Internationals have been popular when Ruger introduces them. I've been looking for one of the later Internationals, as well as the original 60s version. I just have a thing for full stock guns.

One way you can spot the very first 60s vintage International is that it has the same composite butt plate as my finger groove Sporter. All the later Internationals that I've seen have a butt pad instead of a plate.

I got it from my dad, he said that he thinks he bought it in the 60s...

It was the first rifle i ever fired.



A pair I assembled for my Daughter and Son


One I assembled for me, Lilja barrel


I eventually found lower rings.

That sure looks like a 60s International. Very cool. Impressive build on your custom 10/22. How does it shoot?

Like a lilja barreled 12lb 22 should.

Only 12 pounds, eh. Sounds amazing.

I saw one about 15 years ago and passed on it because I was out of state. I later learned I could have bought it.