Gray Birch RDR .22 LR
This version of the Ruger 10/22 is a brilliant choice for “Tactical Rimfire,” which is becoming more and more popular. Besides shooting at various types of targets, it involves a lot of movement and replenishment of weapons. Good ergonomics and low weight give this rifle model an enormous advantage.
The .22 LR caliber has many features that make it a favorite in the shooting community. For some, a weapon of that caliber is their primary weapon. For others, it is an additional weapon that serves as a source of recreation and entertainment.
One of the most popular long-barreled models is the Ruger 10/22. It has been produced since 1964. 700,0000 copies. In addition to many original versions, this design has thirty subversions around the world.
The construction is simple and reliable. The prismatic shutter moves freely in the box. A double return spring is necessary for functioning.Depending on the required tolerances, the Ruger 10/22 can be accurate. It has gained a reputation as a very reliable machine. That’s because it’s rare in this caliber.
The Gray Birch Company is new to rimfire firearms. They came up to improve existing models (Ruger 10/22, Tikka TXX, and Z-457). The guiding idea is to make vital parts and a complete weapon system from the highest-quality materials with minimal tolerances. With an impressive machinery inventory and quality workers, something more is needed to achieve the goal. That something is total control. Each component and each completed weapon have passed inspection and met the required parameters. It is a time-consuming and expensive process. That is rare in today’s age of automated production. However, it significantly raises the quality of the product, the weapon.
The Gray Birch RDR model is a complete .22 LR semi-automatic weapon. It is based on Ruger’s 10/22.
However,
Even a cursory glance shows that there are significant differences. The appearance of the weapon is modern, even futuristic. The angular forms of the main assemblies are clearly defined. The color ranges in several shades of gray. There are also some polished stainless steel details. The foundation is represented by the Foundation Chassis System. It is a sounding name for a piece of aluminum forging machined on a CNC machine and weighing 214 grams. Its function is to be a housing for a precisely made steel fastener (tolerances are 0.05 mm). Also, AND to accept trigger mechanisms, barrels, ammo frames, stocks, sighting systems, and grips.
All construction elements are maximally lightened. Wherever it was possible to remove material by drilling or thinning the walls, this was done. The result is a very light rifle weighing less than 2 kg (full, equipped with a red-dot sight). The front handle is made of an aluminum alloy with large openings along its entire length, which further reduces the weight. It is offered in two lengths, 127 and 254 mm. The folding stock gives the impression of solid strength even though it weighs only 330 grams. The stock is adjustable, height of the shoulder support, and cheek piece by 32 mm each. An integral Picatinny rail for sight mounting is cut into the upper side of the case. Due to the three-hundred-gram heavy stock behind the grip, which changes the balance, the rifle can be aimed with no problems with one outstretched hand, and the red-dot is used as a
that it is mounted on a gun. A very fun weapon. A box frame can be used for ammunition. There is also a spiral magazine with a capacity of 10 bullets, which is typical for Ruger. The magazine receiver is funnel-shaped. This makes it easy to reload weapons without looking.
Another striking detail is the tube. It easily has a fat profit like the competition’s bull tubes; the factory data says it weighs only 550 grams (for a length of 408 mm). The internal track is made of 416 stainless steel with a precision-cut bullet bed. A carbon fiber wrap brought the low mass about with a marble finish. At the mouth of the pipe, there is a thread for silencer mounting, protected by a cap made of blue anodized titanium. At the other end, where the tube connects to the box, a massive nut is visible, which is used for removing and installing the tube. With the new, patented mounting system, “Gray Birch” guarantees that there will be no change in point of impact or group size, no matter how many times you disassemble the weapon. The torque wrench supplied with the rifle is sufficient as a tool.
The shorter version of the rifle has a barrel length of 317 mm, while the other characteristics are the same.
The trigger group is the proven “BX” with adjustable travel and trigger force. Users commend this trigger for having a very low force.
This weapon is an excellent choice for recreational target shooting. Also for occasional maintenance of shooting conditions. Although there are advocates of the idea that the caliber .22 LR is used for self-defense. I believe it is justified only in the absence of better solutions. Gray Birch RDR is an ideal choice for the increasingly popular tactical rimfire disciplines. In tactical rimfire, there are tasks such as hitting different targets. It involves a lot of movement, weapon replenishment, and manipulation in general. Good ergonomics and low weight give this model an advantage. At the same time, the manufacturer guarantees groups under 1 MOA at 50 meters (with suitable ammunition, of course). This means that it can be used at much greater distances. Unfortunately, one possible limiting factor is cost. The price is around 2000 dollars.
