Ruger 22/45 Carbine?

[Demitrios]

Sorry in advance to the MODS, I wasn't quite sure if this post belonged here, in legal or in gunsmithing or in something else.

I was looking for a Ruger 10/22 and have either come across a complete lack of stock or completely over priced models. (All I want is the most basic of basic 10/22 around $200 or so).

So it kind of hit me last night that I have a Ruger 22/45 Lite. Mine has a barrel length of 4.4 inches which means I could conceivably have a 12 inch barrel made for it that can screw on. Is this even legal?

Now getting to the carbine aspect of it, there was a mod I once saw a while back made by Hera Arms (now copied and sold here http://www.redwolfairsoft.com/redwolf/airsoft/Accessories_Conversion_Kits_GBB_AABB_1911_MEU_Carbine_Conversion_Kit_Tan.htm) that was meant to convert your 1911 pistol into a carbine by locking on to and replacing the grips. Grips that are virtually identical on my 22/45.

Mind you I'm not taking this project seriously, I have a feeling that even if it is legal I'd have a hard time tracking down and getting a decent barrel for a decent price. But I thought it was a fun idea to tinker around with and was wondering what you guys thought about it. By the way, knowing this forum, I'm not expecting this idea to have a warm reception. };-P

 

[wally247]

It's an interesting idea and I like the sound of it. Like you said though cost would be the worst part of it.

You're talking about just threading the longer barrel onto the mounted barrel via the threaded muzzle? I'm sure it would work but I wonder about accuracy.

As for being legal, as long as you didn't have the stock on it while the longer barrel is not on it you should be fine.

Sounds like a cool idea to me, would be pretty awesome to see.

 

[Urban_Redneck]

The barrel extension would have to be welded on (non removable).

IMHO, the entire exercise is taking the long way around, to the wrong side of town.

YMMV

 

[il_10]

Neat idea, but you're going to have to work out the barrel issue. The kit, as it's sold, doesn't have a stock on it, so it's not an SBR YET, but scary close to constructive possession if you've got an AR stock or m4 buffer tube laying around.
That kinda dictates trying to track down a 16" barrel, which may be a custom job. A MK# carbine isn't a new idea, but pretty well overlooked; browning, beretta, and other competitors offer factory carbines of their .22 autos, but not Ruger, so you're going to have to get creative.

http://www.pkfirearms.com/Ares_22_RCU/129/c is an option, but an expensive one.
If you buy yourself a barrel blank, I don't think it'd be terribly expensive to have the threads cut by a smith, and .22 barrel blanks aren't crazy expensive. You might be $100-$150 in that, all said and done, plus the 50 for the kit you linked on redwolf (you might want to try and find it stateside, redwolf's not fun when you get to the shipping prices), and you could walk away with a really nice custom .22 carbine for less than the price of a run-of-the-mill ares conversion.
Good luck!

 

[rcmodel]

It would be nearly impossible to screw a barrel extension on the existing barrel and get (and keep) the rifling lands & grooves lined up with each other properly.

Even it it was perfect the first time, it wouldn't stay that way as thread wear occurred and the extension screwed on further & further.

And as noted, it would have to be permanent, or you could not legally add a stock to it.

rc

 

[Demitrios]

il 10, thank you for the suggestion, I'm going to look into that.
Wally if I decide to do anything I'll let you know.

 

[Dentite]

If you are set on something like a 22/45 rifle, look around for a Browning Buckmark rifle. I've never handled one but they are pretty interesting looking:

 

[Inebriated]

If AR guys can add a 2" permanently welded flash hider, and AK guys can add a 4" permanently welded flash hider, then there's no reason us 22/45 guys can't add a 12" permanently welded "flash" hider.

Do that, add the stock, and you're golden. As long as the muzzle device is permanently affixed, it's legal. Mounting a stock seems to be a tougher affair, though.