Ruger 10 / 22 in Israeli Military ( IDF ) Use

In 1987, the Intifada – the Palestinian uprising against the Israeli regime in the Occupied Territories – broke out, and involved mass violent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians protestors. As a result, the Israeli security forces needed a weapon with a more potent firepower then the standard riot control metal covered rubber round, but at the same time less lethal then the standard issue 5.56 mm round of the M16/Galil assault rifles. So the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) searched for a 0.22 caliber accurate rifle that will be used to take out the key protest leaders by shooting them in the legs.

Isreili IDF soldier using a Ruger 10/22

The Ruger 10/22, fitted with a X4 day optic, a full length suppressor and a Harris bipod was selected for this role and was due to be issued to all infantry oriented units, including both special and conventional forces. However, as often happens in the shoestring budget IDF, financial problems prevented the weapon’s mass distribution, and it was mainly issued to Special Forces (SF) units. Moreover, instead of using the rifle as a riot control weapon, as originally intended, the Israeli SF deployed the Ruger 10/22 more as a “Hush Puppy” weapon used to silently and effectively eliminate disturbing dogs prior to operations.
In the recent Israeli-Palestinian clashes began in 2000, the Ruger resumes it’s original role as a less lethal riot control weapon. However, it’s usage in this role was rather controversial this time. After several incidents involving the death of Palestinians by the Ruger fire, the IDF conducted a field experiment in the Ruger at the IDF Sniper School in Mitkan Adam under the supervision of the IDF Judge Advocate General (JAG). The test showed that the Ruger was more lethal then thought especially in upper body injuries. Also, since it’s suppressed and was considered less lethal by the troops, the soldiers were much more likely to use the Ruger loosely then intended.

Isreili IDF Soldier with Ruger 10/22 Anti Protest

As a result of this test, the JAG reclassified the Ruger as a lethal weapon. As a lethal weapon, the usage of the Ruger in riot control is much more limited today. In the IDF Center Command it was completely prohibited to use and the IDF South Command it’s deployment was cut down dramatically.

.22 Long Range Shooting at 500 Yards !!

We just found this cool little video on youtube, they start at 200 Yards and work their way to 500 Yards with a Ruger 10/22 ...

There's just something about Long Range Plinking, oh how most of us in the UK wish we could have the freedom to do this here ....

US Ban on International Export of high capacity magazines ?

HC3R 25 round .22LR Mag for Ruger 10/22

We have had confirmed reports that the US State Department has placed an International ban (not sure if temporary or permanent) on the export of high capacity magazines above 10 rounds Including .22LR !

Update: The ban is apparrently so as to prevent High Capacity magazines being used against US forces in conflict zones.

As we get additional information on this we will keep you all updated, Please submit your comments as this we feel is an unfair practice that will negatively affect the international sporting and recreational community since most manufacturers produce the magazines themselves or have one supplier whom is also a US registered company and therefore fall under the ban.
If they wish to prevent the use of High Capacity magazines against their forces then why is Rimfire firearms affected as well? I can understand being proactive and preventative but I don't think a .22LR will do much against a soldier with Nato standard ceramic armour, kevlar helmets and lets not forget his own .223 ( 5.56mm ) Automatic Assult Rifle which he Will return fire with. I just can't see the Taliban running around against the whole of Nato with some Marlin 60's, Anschutz MSR RX 22's, Ruger 10/22's or Mossberg 715T's!

The Infamous Ruger BX 25 Magazine for the 10/22

Lets hope our friends in the US arms industry will then at the very least sell licenced manufacturing rights to international firms (even if in China) to keep supply for International demand

How far will a .22LR kill ( penetration / lethality test )

In this 9 Min Youtube video, these blokes test the lethality of the .22LR round on 1/2'' ( 127mm ) Pine Wood Board at various distances starting with a Beretta Minx (.22 short) at 9' ( 2.74 Meters ) eventually going out to 440 Yards ( 402 Meters ) with a Ruger 10/22 (.22LR) with clean penetration at all intervals

 

I must say that I am severly impressed with the accuracy and range of the Ruger 10/22(And the shooters) in this video! I would have never imagined a .22 LR Rifle being able to hit targets at such distances accurately - below is another video from the same channel, 300 - 400 yards Ruger 10/22:

 

.22 Rifle with Tracers - this is a really awesome video

This guy made a musical montage with .22 Tracers Plinking steel targets and background music using a Ruger 10 22: