J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard Review

The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard Made a Bold First Impression

The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard is a small but crucial accessory for any Ruger 10/22 owner who values the longevity and accuracy of their rifle. Cleaning a 10/22 from the muzzle end is almost a necessity, but it carries the risk of damaging the crown and affecting shot placement over time. This little Delrin device promised to solve a long-standing issue, so I had to give it a shot.

I’ve always been meticulous about firearm maintenance. After countless rounds downrange, I’d noticed slight inconsistencies in my groups with my favorite 10/22, and I suspected crown damage from years of cleaning rod friction. The J. Dewey guard seemed like a proactive solution to protect this critical part of the rifle, ensuring consistent performance for years to come.

The package arrived promptly, and the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard itself was surprisingly simple in its design. It’s a small, machined piece of Delrin, lightweight and seemingly durable, with an integral oilite bearing. I’ve used similar bore guides for my AR-15s, but this was my first experience with a muzzle guard specifically designed for the 10/22.

I considered other options, like bore snakes, but they don’t offer the same level of controlled cleaning as a rod and patch. Some shooters recommend cleaning from the breech, but modifying the 10/22 to make that feasible is more involved than I wanted to get. This muzzle guard seemed like the perfect balance of accessibility and protection, especially for a semi-auto rifle that requires more frequent cleaning.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard appeared well-made and fit snugly into the muzzle. I was eager to see if this small investment would translate to improved accuracy and peace of mind.

Real-World Testing: Putting J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test run with the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard was at my local outdoor range. It was a typical sunny afternoon, with a slight breeze, perfect for dialing in my 10/22. I wanted to see how easily the guard installed and how smoothly the cleaning rod moved through the bore.

The guard slid into the muzzle easily, and the oilite bearing provided a smooth, low-friction surface for the cleaning rod. I ran several patches through the bore, and I could immediately feel the difference compared to cleaning without the guard. There was no abrasive scraping, and the rod remained perfectly centered.

I didn’t encounter any immediate problems, although I made sure to use a properly sized cleaning rod to avoid any unnecessary pressure on the Delrin material. The initial cleaning session was a breeze, and I felt confident that the muzzle crown was well-protected.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard has proven to be a valuable addition to my cleaning kit. The Delrin material shows no signs of wear or degradation, and the oilite bearing still provides a smooth, consistent cleaning experience. I clean my 10/22 after every range session (usually around 200-300 rounds), so this guard has seen plenty of use.

The guard has held up remarkably well to constant insertion and removal. I’ve occasionally applied a small amount of gun oil to the bearing to ensure smooth operation. Cleaning the guard itself is simple – just wipe it down with a clean cloth and some solvent.

Compared to cleaning without a muzzle guard, the J. Dewey product is a clear winner. I no longer worry about inadvertently damaging the crown while cleaning. It offers a level of protection and peace of mind that I didn’t have before.

Breaking Down the Features of J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard

Specifications

The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard is a simple device with precise specifications designed for a specific purpose. It’s crafted from machined Delrin, a durable and low-friction polymer. Delrin resists wear and tear from repeated cleaning rod use.

The guard measures approximately 1-9/16″ (3.9cm) in length. This size ensures sufficient coverage of the muzzle crown while remaining compact and easy to store in a cleaning kit. The Manufacturer, J. Dewey, also notes the M-16HB variant fits post-ban Colt H-Bar rifles, though this review focuses solely on the 10/22 version.

Performance & Functionality

The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard excels at its primary function: protecting the muzzle crown during cleaning. The integral oilite bearing is a key feature. It allows the cleaning rod to rotate smoothly and effortlessly, minimizing friction and preventing damage to the rifling.

The guard is easy to use and requires no special tools or skills to install. It simply slides into the muzzle and remains securely in place during the cleaning process. The snug fit ensures that the cleaning rod stays centered, preventing contact with the crown.

There are no significant weaknesses in its design. The guard is purpose-built and performs its job effectively. It significantly reduces the risk of crown damage and enhances the overall cleaning experience.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard is straightforward and functional. The Delrin material is lightweight and feels durable in hand. It’s easy to grip and manipulate, even with wet or oily hands.

The user experience is seamless. The guard fits perfectly and doesn’t interfere with the cleaning process. There’s no learning curve; it’s intuitive and easy to use right out of the package.

Durability & Maintenance

The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard, made from Delrin, is designed for long-term durability. Delrin is resistant to solvents and chemicals commonly used in firearm cleaning. It should withstand years of regular use with proper care.

Maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe the guard clean after each use and apply a small amount of gun oil to the oilite bearing as needed. There are no moving parts to wear out or replace.

Accessories and Customization Options

The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard is a standalone accessory and doesn’t require any additional components for its intended function. It’s designed to work with standard cleaning rods and patches commonly used for .22 caliber rifles. No customization options are available, nor are they necessary.

The product’s simplicity is its strength. It integrates seamlessly with existing cleaning tools. It makes it a versatile addition to any 10/22 owner’s cleaning kit.

Pros and Cons of J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 Muzzle Guard