First Thoughts on the Champion Targets 40420 Single Stack Clear Rotary 25rd 22 LR for Ruger 10/22 – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The Champion Targets 40420 Single Stack Clear Rotary 25rd 22 LR for Ruger 10/22 promised to solve a common issue: reliable, high-capacity .22 LR feeding for my trusty Ruger 10/22. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen my share of finicky aftermarket magazines, so I approached this one with a healthy dose of skepticism, hoping for a performance boost without the headache of constant jams. I was particularly intrigued by the advertised “clean-out door” and “jungle clip” feature, elements I hadn’t encountered before in 10/22 magazine designs.
My pursuit of this magazine stemmed from countless frustrating range days with standard capacity magazines. They often required constant adjustments and were prone to failures to feed, drastically impacting my training sessions. I needed a solution for more consistent and reliable high-volume shooting, whether for plinking or honing my tactical skills.
Upon unboxing, the magazine felt surprisingly sturdy, especially considering its clear polymer construction. The clear body allowed for easy visual confirmation of round count, a feature I immediately appreciated. Compared to the standard Ruger 10-round rotary magazine, this one felt substantially larger, yet still manageable.
Initially, I considered other high-capacity magazines from competitors like Butler Creek, but their mixed reviews concerning reliability steered me toward the Champion Targets 40420. The unique features, like the clean-out door, seemed like a practical addition addressing common .22 LR ammunition residue issues. I was optimistic, but also aware that aftermarket magazines can be a gamble, so I hoped for the best.
Real-World Testing: Putting Champion Targets 40420 Single Stack Clear Rotary 25rd 22 LR for Ruger 10/22 – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range, a familiar environment where I could easily assess its performance. I ran several different brands of .22 LR ammunition through the Champion Targets 40420, including CCI Mini-Mags, Federal AutoMatch, and Remington Golden Bullets. The conditions were dry and sunny, ideal for shooting.
The first few rounds were promising, but then the magazine started to feel a little tight when feeding. After about 15 rounds, I experienced my first failure to feed, a common issue with some Ruger 10/22 aftermarket magazines. Despite this initial hiccup, I continued testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, involving approximately 500 rounds fired, the magazine’s performance improved somewhat. The initial tightness eased, and the frequency of failures to feed decreased, though it never entirely vanished. Regular cleaning of the Champion Targets 40420 with a solvent designed for firearms became essential to maintaining its reliability.
While the clear polymer body showed no significant signs of wear and tear, the magazine spring seemed to weaken slightly over time. This led to occasional instances where the last few rounds in the magazine wouldn’t feed properly. Compared to my experiences with standard Ruger magazines, the Champion Targets 40420 requires significantly more maintenance and is less consistently reliable.
Breaking Down the Features of Champion Targets 40420 Single Stack Clear Rotary 25rd 22 LR for Ruger 10/22 – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Specifications
The Champion Targets 40420 Single Stack Clear Rotary 25rd 22 LR for Ruger 10/22 is an aftermarket magazine designed for the Ruger 10/22 rifle, chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It boasts a 25-round capacity, significantly increasing firepower compared to the standard 10-round Ruger magazine. The magazine’s body is constructed from a clear polymer material, allowing for visual confirmation of remaining ammunition.
This magazine features a rotary design, aiming for smoother and more reliable feeding than some stick magazines. The unique clean-out door is intended to simplify the removal of wax and residue buildup, a common cause of malfunctions with .22 LR ammunition. Additionally, it is designed with a right-handed “jungle clip,” theoretically enabling rapid magazine changes by connecting two magazines.
Performance & Functionality
When it functions correctly, the Champion Targets 40420 provides a noticeable increase in shooting volume without the need for frequent magazine changes. The jungle clip, however, proved cumbersome and impractical in my testing, often snagging on gear or making the rifle unwieldy. The “clean-out door” is a useful feature, but it requires the removal of the magazine from the firearm to access it.
The magazine’s primary weakness is its inconsistent reliability. Failures to feed, particularly with certain types of ammunition, are more frequent than with factory Ruger magazines. While it meets the basic expectation of holding and feeding .22 LR ammunition, it falls short of delivering the flawless performance I demand from my gear.
Design & Ergonomics
The clear polymer body is a visually appealing feature and allows for easy round count assessment. However, the plastic construction doesn’t inspire the same confidence as steel magazines, particularly concerning long-term durability. The magazine is relatively lightweight, contributing to overall rifle balance.
While the ergonomics are generally acceptable, the jungle clip adds bulk and can interfere with comfortable rifle handling. The magazine loads easily, but requires consistent pressure to ensure proper alignment of the rounds within the rotary mechanism. The design is user-friendly in terms of visual feedback, but less so in terms of practical use and convenient handling.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Champion Targets 40420 remains uncertain. The plastic construction is susceptible to damage from impacts or extreme temperatures. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent malfunctions caused by .22 LR ammunition residue.
The clean-out door simplifies the cleaning process, but requires careful handling to avoid damaging the delicate internal components. Repairing the magazine is not easily done, and replacement parts are not readily available. Maintenance is straightforward but frequent, and long-term durability is a significant concern.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Champion Targets 40420 does not come with any additional accessories beyond its basic design. The magazine is not easily customizable, and modifications are generally discouraged due to the complexity of its internal components. While theoretically compatible with aftermarket magazine releases, the magazine itself offers little in the way of customization.
The lack of customization options limits its appeal to users seeking to personalize their Ruger 10/22 platform. Its primary function is to increase magazine capacity, not to integrate seamlessly with other accessories.
Pros and Cons of Champion Targets 40420 Single Stack Clear Rotary 25rd 22 LR for Ruger 10/22 – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
Pros
- Increased Capacity: Holds 25 rounds, offering more shooting between reloads.
- Clear Body: Allows for easy visual confirmation of round count.
- Clean-Out Door: Simplifies the removal of wax and residue buildup.
- Relatively Affordable: Costs less than some other high-capacity 10/22 magazines.
Cons
- Reliability Issues: Prone to failures to feed, especially with certain ammunition types.
- Jungle Clip Impracticality: Cumbersome design that can snag on gear.
- Durability Concerns: Plastic construction may not withstand heavy use or extreme conditions.
Who Should Buy Champion Targets 40420 Single Stack Clear Rotary 25rd 22 LR for Ruger 10/22 – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model?
The Champion Targets 40420 is best suited for casual plinkers who want increased magazine capacity and are willing to tolerate occasional malfunctions. It might also appeal to shooters who enjoy tinkering with their firearms and don’t mind performing frequent maintenance. However, its inconsistent reliability makes it unsuitable for serious competitive shooters, hunters who require absolute reliability, or tactical users who rely on their equipment for self-defense.
Those seeking maximum reliability should stick with factory Ruger magazines or explore higher-end aftermarket options with more positive reviews. A must-have accessory for this magazine is a high-quality .22 LR solvent for thorough and frequent cleaning. Buyers should also consider investing in a magazine loader to ease the loading process, especially for extended shooting sessions.
Conclusion on Champion Targets 40420 Single Stack Clear Rotary 25rd 22 LR for Ruger 10/22 – 22 Long Rifle Caliber, 25 Rounds, Aftermarket Origin, Ruger Model
The Champion Targets 40420 Single Stack Clear Rotary 25rd 22 LR for Ruger 10/22 presents a mixed bag of features and performance. While the increased capacity and clear body are appealing, the reliability issues and impractical jungle clip detract from its overall value. At a price point of $28.99, it offers a budget-friendly entry into the world of high-capacity 10/22 magazines, but be prepared to manage its shortcomings.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this magazine without significant reservations. While it offers some advantages, the inconsistent performance makes it a liability in situations where reliability is paramount. If you’re on a tight budget and willing to experiment, it might be worth a try. However, for serious shooters, investing in higher-quality magazines from reputable manufacturers is a far wiser choice. Explore other options before committing to this magazine.