First Thoughts on the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard
The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard might seem like a small, inexpensive accessory, but for anyone who cares about maintaining the accuracy and longevity of their favorite .22 rifle, it can be a crucial addition. The Ruger 10/22, a perennial favorite for plinking, small game hunting, and training, is often cleaned from the muzzle end. This seemingly innocuous practice can lead to significant wear and tear over time, damaging the crown and affecting accuracy, which makes the J. Dewey Muzzle Guard a welcomed product.
My Ruger 10/22 has always been my go-to for introducing new shooters to the sport. I needed a simple, effective way to protect the muzzle during cleaning, something that would prevent accidental damage without adding unnecessary complexity. I’ve seen too many well-loved .22s with crowns marred by improper cleaning techniques.
Upon unboxing, the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard is deceptively simple. It is a small, machined piece of Delrin®, but it feels solid and well-made. Compared to alternatives like improvising with patches or using a generic muzzle protector, this product’s custom fit for the 10/22 barrel immediately inspires confidence.
I chose the J. Dewey Muzzle Guard over a universal bore guide because of its specific design and affordable price. My initial impression was positive; it seemed like a practical solution that could save me from potential accuracy issues down the road. At $7.99, it seemed like cheap insurance.
Real-World Testing: Putting J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard was at my local range. I’d just put about 200 rounds through my 10/22 and it was time for a cleaning. Using the muzzle guard was surprisingly easy.
The guard slipped snugly onto the muzzle, providing a secure guide for my cleaning rod. I didn’t experience any binding or difficulty as I pushed the rod through, even with a bore brush attached.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard continues to perform flawlessly. There are no visible signs of wear or degradation on the Delrin® material. The guard still fits as snugly as it did on day one, providing a reliable barrier between my cleaning rod and the delicate muzzle crown.
Cleaning the J. Dewey Muzzle Guard itself is a breeze; a quick wipe with a solvent-soaked patch is all it takes. Compared to my previous makeshift methods (using cardboard shims and hoping for the best), this product has been a significant upgrade in terms of both convenience and peace of mind. I’m confident it’s preventing any unnecessary damage to my rifle’s crown.
Breaking Down the Features of J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard
Specifications
- The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard is specifically designed for Ruger 10/22 rifles that require muzzle-end cleaning. This ensures a proper fit and optimal protection.
- It is constructed from Machined Delrin®, a durable and non-marring polymer. This material minimizes the risk of scratching the barrel or muzzle during cleaning.
- The Muzzle Guard measures 1-9/16″ (3.9cm) long. This compact size makes it easy to store and transport in your cleaning kit.
- The Muzzle Guard features an integral oilite bearing. This bearing reduces rod wear and ensures smooth, consistent cleaning rod movement.
These specifications are important because they directly contribute to the product’s effectiveness and ease of use. The Delrin® construction protects the rifle, while the oilite bearing minimizes friction and potential damage to the cleaning rod.
Performance & Functionality
The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard excels at its primary function: protecting the muzzle crown during cleaning. The snug fit and smooth bearing provide a secure and friction-free path for the cleaning rod. This prevents accidental contact between the rod and the crown, which can degrade accuracy over time.
The only improvement I could suggest would be to include visual markings indicating the proper orientation for insertion. That said, this is a minor point, and the product performs admirably as is. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a simple and effective muzzle protector.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, considering the price point. The Delrin® feels solid and durable, and the machining is precise. The guard is lightweight and easy to handle, and its compact size makes it a convenient addition to any cleaning kit.
There is no learning curve; it’s incredibly user-friendly. The design is simple and effective, reflecting a focus on functionality over unnecessary frills.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard should last for many years with proper care. Delrin® is a tough and resilient material. Cleaning the guard is as simple as wiping it down with a solvent-soaked patch after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard is a standalone product and doesn’t require any additional accessories for its primary function. However, it pairs well with other cleaning supplies, such as a high-quality cleaning rod, bore brush, and solvent. There are no customization options available, but the product is designed to be universally compatible with standard Ruger 10/22 barrels.
Pros and Cons of J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard
Pros
- Affordable Protection: A low-cost way to safeguard your Ruger 10/22’s muzzle crown.
- Durable Construction: Made from robust Delrin® for long-lasting performance.
- Improved Cleaning: The oilite bearing reduces rod wear and ensures smooth cleaning.
- Easy to Use: Simple and straightforward design with no learning curve.
- Maintains Accuracy: Prevents damage to the crown, helping to preserve your rifle’s accuracy.
Cons
- Orientation: Lacks visual markings for proper orientation during insertion.
- Limited Functionality: Only protects the muzzle during cleaning; no other uses.
Who Should Buy J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard?
The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard is perfect for any Ruger 10/22 owner who regularly cleans their rifle from the muzzle end and values maintaining its accuracy. This product is particularly beneficial for new shooters who may be less familiar with proper cleaning techniques, and for anyone who wants a simple and effective way to protect their investment.
Anyone who exclusively cleans their 10/22 from the breech end (if modifications allow) could skip this product, though it’s still a good safeguard against accidental muzzle damage during any cleaning. A high-quality cleaning rod and appropriate bore brushes are must-have accessories to complement the muzzle guard.
Conclusion on J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard
Overall, the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard is an excellent value for the money. At $7.99, it’s a small investment that can potentially save you from costly accuracy issues down the road. The product is well-made, easy to use, and performs its intended function flawlessly.
I would absolutely recommend the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard to any Ruger 10/22 owner looking for a simple and effective way to protect their rifle’s muzzle. Don’t risk damaging your crown – invest in this inexpensive guard and enjoy worry-free cleaning sessions.