Last year we launched a UK-wide search to find the oldest Ruger rifle in the UK. We think the hunt is over. Is this the oldest Ruger rifle across the whole of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland?
In the darkest depths of West Wales we discovered this Ruger rifle 10/22R which was manufactured in the United States and shipped to England in January 1965.
The rifle’s owner Richard Pittman bought the gun in 1965 when he was just 17 years old and living in Northampton. He still regularly takes his Ruger 10/22 rifle out hunting. He was a keen shooter from a young age and began shooting in his back garden with a small air rifle before growing into a three bore followed by the Ruger for pest control.
‘My friend had a Ruger rifle and I liked the look of it. At the time, the added bonus of the rifle having a 10-shot magazine was a really unique feature. I also really wanted a short-handed rifle mainly because it was much easier to use. There is no evidence that longer barrelled rifles are any more accurate than a shorter barrel, so I decided to go for the shorter barrel and it hasn’t disappointed.”
For the last 40 years, Richard has farmed beef in West Wales and uses the rifle for vermin control to prevent the foxes from stealing lambs and to stop the rabbits from grazing the fields.
“I don’t really see how I could upgrade from this rifle. I’ve taken good care of it over the years and it still hits the target. It’s like an old friend,” Richard adds.
Viking Arms are delighted to be sending out the competition prize of a new Leupold RX 1400i rangefinder to Richard.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have the oldest Ruger in the UK! My wife spotted the Viking Arms competition and thought that I might have the oldest Ruger”.
“It wasn’t until Lucy at Viking Arms checked the serial number that we knew for definite. It’s fantastic to know that a rifle I bought over 50 years ago has lasted the test of time and is still as reliable as ever even after 50 years”.Ruger 10 22 Target Rifle Specifications
Do you think you have a Ruger rifle that is older than Richard’s? Remember your Ruger needs to have been produced before 1965. Email us via media@vikingarms.com
