The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard Made a Bold First Impression
The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard is a seemingly simple, yet essential accessory for any serious Ruger 10/22 owner who prioritizes proper cleaning and maintenance. Designed to protect the crown of the barrel, especially those with a .920 diameter, it aims to prevent damage during cleaning, preserving accuracy and extending the life of the rifle.
I’ve always been meticulous about gun care, especially with rimfire rifles that tend to accumulate lead and powder residue. The problem I was consistently facing involved cleaning my Ruger 10/22 with a .920 diameter bull barrel from the muzzle end, increasing the risk of damaging the crown with the cleaning rod. This led me on the hunt for a reliable muzzle guard.
Upon receiving the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard, my initial impression was positive, but cautious. The Delrin® material felt sturdy and well-machined. The compact size, just 1-9/16″ long, suggested it wouldn’t interfere with the rifle’s handling or storage.
Many universal muzzle guards exist, but they often lack a snug fit or proper alignment with the bore. This J. Dewey product is specifically designed for the Ruger 10/22 with a .920 diameter barrel. This precision promised a superior level of protection. I chose this due to the J. Dewey reputation for quality and the tailored fit it provided.
While not a flashy item, the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard instilled a sense of confidence. It addressed a specific concern I had about maintaining the integrity of my rifle’s barrel. It was a subtle promise of enhanced accuracy and a longer lifespan for my beloved 10/22.
Real-World Testing: Putting J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard was at my local indoor shooting range, where I typically clean my rifles immediately after a session. I was particularly interested to see how easily it attached and detached, and whether it truly guided the cleaning rod without any wobble or scratching.
The conditions were controlled, but the rifle was definitely dirty after a few hundred rounds of .22LR. Installation was a breeze. It simply slid onto the muzzle and stayed securely in place. I immediately noticed the smooth, effortless movement of the cleaning rod through the integral oilite bearing. There were no unexpected issues or surprises.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard has proven to be a reliable and indispensable part of my cleaning routine. It has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear and tear on the Delrin® material despite constant contact with cleaning rods and solvents.
Maintaining the muzzle guard is effortless. A quick wipe down with a cloth after each cleaning session is all it takes. Compared to my previous, less precise methods of protecting the muzzle, this product offers a significant improvement. The rifle’s accuracy has remained consistent, giving me confidence that the muzzle guard is doing its job.
Breaking Down the Features of J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard
Specifications
The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard is precisely machined from Delrin® and measures 1-9/16″ (3.9cm) in length. Its key feature is the integral oilite bearing, which reduces wear on cleaning rods and helps to prevent damage to the barrel’s crown.
These specifications are important because they ensure a snug fit on Ruger 10/22 rifles with .920 diameter barrels. The Delrin® material is resistant to cleaning solvents, and the oilite bearing provides a smooth, low-friction surface for the cleaning rod. This protects the rifling and promotes consistent accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard performs its primary function exceptionally well. It guides the cleaning rod straight and true, preventing it from rubbing against the crown of the barrel.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and precision. The only area for potential improvement might be a tighter fit, although the current snugness is adequate. Overall, it meets and even slightly exceeds my expectations, considering its modest price.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard is commendable. The Delrin® material feels robust and well-finished. The compact design doesn’t add any noticeable weight or bulk to the rifle.
The design is inherently user-friendly. There is absolutely no learning curve. Installation and removal are quick and easy.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the robust Delrin® construction, the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard should last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove any accumulated residue.
Its simple construction means there is little to no chance of needing repairs. The low price point makes replacement an easy option if the product ever does fail, although this appears unlikely.
Accessories and Customization Options
The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard itself doesn’t offer customization options. It is a standalone accessory designed to enhance the cleaning process.
It’s compatible with any standard cleaning rod designed for .22 caliber rifles. The key consideration is ensuring that the cleaning rod is of good quality and free of any burrs or sharp edges that could damage the oilite bearing.
Pros and Cons of J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard
Pros
- Precisely machined for a snug fit on Ruger 10/22 rifles with .920 diameter barrels.
- Integral oilite bearing provides smooth, low-friction guidance for the cleaning rod.
- Delrin® construction is durable and resistant to cleaning solvents.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Affordable and represents a great value for the protection it provides.
Cons
- May not fit barrels with non-standard .920 dimensions perfectly.
- Limited functionality – it serves a single, specific purpose.
Who Should Buy J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard?
This product is perfect for Ruger 10/22 owners with .920 diameter bull barrels who prioritize proper gun maintenance and want to maintain accuracy. It’s also great for those who clean their rifles frequently from the muzzle end.
This product might not be necessary for those who rarely clean their rifles or primarily clean from the breech end. Similarly, individuals with standard-tapered barrels or those who are extremely careful during cleaning may not find it essential.
A must-have accessory to complement this muzzle guard is a high-quality, coated cleaning rod to further minimize any risk of barrel damage. A bore guide for cleaning from the breech end would also be a good investment for comprehensive rifle care.
Conclusion on J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard
The J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard is a simple, yet highly effective accessory that offers peace of mind to Ruger 10/22 owners. It is designed to protect the crown of their rifle’s barrel during cleaning.
At $8.49, the price is more than justified. It’s a small investment that can potentially save you from costly accuracy issues caused by a damaged muzzle.
I wholeheartedly recommend the J. Dewey Ruger 10/22 w/ .920 Diameter Barrel Muzzle Guard to anyone serious about maintaining the performance and longevity of their Ruger 10/22. Invest in this inexpensive, yet critical piece of kit. Your rifle will thank you.