When it comes to the world of single-action revolvers, Ruger stands as a name synonymous with quality and craftsmanship.
Two offerings from Ruger that have captured the attention of firearm enthusiasts are the Ruger Wrangler and its enhanced sibling, the Ruger Super Wrangler.
These revolvers pay homage to the iconic Colt Single Action Army design while adding their own unique features.
In this comparison, we'll delve into the distinctions between these two firearms, exploring their benefits, features, and usability to help you make an informed choice that suits your shooting preferences and needs.
Ruger Wrangler Revolver: A Budget-Friendly Blast from the Past
A Classic Design Reimagined
The Ruger Wrangler harkens back to the iconic Colt Single Action Army (SAA) design, the standard-issue sidearm for the U.S. military from 1873 to 1892.
Ruger's take on this classic design retains the SAA's distinctive lines and feel, offering shooters a chance to experience a bit of history without breaking the bank.
Chambered for the .22 LR cartridge, the Wrangler's 6-round cylinder offers plenty of capacity, making it an ideal choice for plinking, target shooting, and even small game hunting.
Additionally, 22LR ammunition is known for its low recoil, affordability, and widespread availability, making it an excellent choice for shooters of all skill levels.
As a single-action revolver, the Ruger Wrangler offers a unique shooting experience.
The hammer must be manually cocked before each shot, giving the shooter a sense of control and connection with each round fired.
This traditional single-action operation is enjoyable and promotes safe handling practices.
Ruger has designed the Wrangler with safety in mind. It features a transfer bar mechanism that prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the trigger is fully depressed.
This added safety feature ensures that the revolver won't discharge accidentally, providing peace of mind to users.
While the Ruger Wrangler is a fantastic firearm out of the box, Ruger enthusiasts will be pleased to know that there is a growing market for customization options.
From grips and sights to holsters and leather gear, you can personalize your Wrangler to your heart's content, making it a unique piece of your firearms collection.
Color Options
The Ruger Wrangler 22LR is available in multiple finishes, including:
- Black
- Silver
- Stone Gray
- Tungsten
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote
Features of the Ruger Wrangler Revolver
Caliber
Chambered for .22 LR, providing a cost-effective and widely available ammunition option for shooters.
Capacity
The Wrangler boasts a 6-round cylinder, offering ample capacity for shooting sessions.
Construction
Built on a robust alloy frame with a cold hammer-forged steel barrel and cylinder, ensuring longevity and accuracy.
Single-Action Operation
The revolver utilizes a single-action mechanism, requiring manual cocking of the hammer before each shot, enhancing control and safety.
Sights
The Wrangler typically comes with fixed sights, which are simple and functional for most shooting applications.
Grip
The standard grip is designed for comfort and control, but there are aftermarket options available for those who wish to customize their firearm's grip.
Finish
The Wrangler is available in various finishes, including black, silver, and bronze, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Usability of the Ruger Wrangler Revolver
The Ruger Wrangler is exceptionally user-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of shooters:
Novice Shooters
The single-action operation and .22 LR chambering make the Wrangler an excellent choice for beginners. It encourages safe handling practices and offers a gentle introduction to firearms.
Experienced Shooters
Seasoned shooters can appreciate the Wrangler as an affordable and fun firearm for plinking, target shooting, and recreational use.
Small Game Hunters
Thanks to its accuracy and chambering in .22 LR, the Wrangler can be a dependable sidearm for small game hunting.
Quality Meets Affordability
Ruger's commitment to producing reliable firearms is evident in the Wrangler's excellent fit, finish, and attention to detail.
Its classic design, rugged construction, and user-friendly operation make it an excellent choice for both experienced shooters and newcomers to firearms.
The revolver features a durable alloy frame, while its cylinder and barrel are made of cold hammer-forged steel for accuracy and longevity.
One of the most outstanding features of the Ruger Wrangler is its affordability.
With a manufacturer's suggested retail price typically below $250, the Wrangler has made single-action revolvers more accessible to a wider audience.
However, Ruger hasn't compromised on the quality of the gun despite its low price tag.
So if you're looking for a timeless shooting experience that doesn't break the bank, the Wrangler is a great option.
Introducing the Ruger Super Wrangler Revolver: Power, Precision, Perfection
Building upon the success of the Ruger Wrangler, Ruger has expanded its lineup with the Ruger Super Wrangler revolver.
The Super Wrangler is an evolution of the Single-Six Model, first released in 1953, a newer updated model released in 1992, and the most recent Wrangler model.
This gun applies Ruger's deep history of manufacturing a high-quality, reliable single-action revolver.
The Super Wrangler retains its predecessor's classic aesthetics and affordability but introduces some exciting enhancements.
With a larger caliber and an extended cylinder capacity, the Ruger Super Wrangler offers an even more versatile shooting experience.
The sights on the Super Wrangler are a massive improvement over the standard Wrangler's fixed sights.
Owners can now enhance their shooting experience by utilizing a .22 WMR rimfire option, which can be extended by integrating a sophisticated sighting system, leading to greater accuracy and improved shooting range.
The Ruger Super Wrangler also provides a removable serrated ramp front sight, windage, and elevation-adjustable rear sights.
The Super Wrangler still has a cold hammer-forged barrel fitted with an aluminum ejector housing for long-lasting durability.
The integral trigger guard and grip frame are diecast from a zinc alloy, and the hammer and trigger are MIM stainless steel components.
The Super Wrangler has the same footprint and grip frame dimensions as the 5.5” barrel Single-Six.
It includes a textured polymer grip with the same standard Cerakote finish as the other Wrangler options, will accept the same-sized grip panels, and will fit into existing holsters.
For those who enjoy customizing their firearms, this model comes in three different Cerakote finishes:
- Black Cerakote
- Silver Cerakote
- Bronze Cerakote
In addition to color, the ability to change out the standard checkered black grip panels with a Single-Six wood laminate panel gives the shooter even more customization freedom.
Ruger Super Wrangler Revolver Features
Caliber
Chambered in .22 WMR, the Super Wrangler delivers more power and versatility for target shooting, plinking, varmint hunting, and other applications.
Extended Capacity
With a 9-round cylinder, the Super Wrangler provides shooters with more rounds before needing to reload, ideal for extended shooting sessions.
Construction
Ruger maintains its commitment to quality with a durable alloy frame and a cold hammer-forged steel barrel and cylinder, ensuring longevity and accuracy.
Single-Action Operation
Like its predecessor, the Super Wrangler operates in the single-action mode, requiring manual cocking of the hammer before each shot, promoting safety and precision.
Sights
The Super Wrangler typically comes with fixed sights for simplicity and functionality, allowing for accurate aiming.
Grips
It features a comfortable and ergonomic grip for improved control during shooting.
Finish
Available in various finishes, including black, silver, and bronze, allowing users to select their preferred style.
Usability of the Ruger Super Wrangler Revolver
Versatile Shooting
The .22 WMR chambering makes the Super Wrangler suitable for a wide range of shooting activities, from target shooting and plinking to varmint hunting and small game control.
Extended Range Sessions
The increased cylinder capacity of 9 rounds means fewer reloads during extended shooting sessions, saving time and enhancing the shooting experience.
User-Friendly
Like the standard Wrangler, the Super Wrangler's single-action operation encourages safe handling practices and is approachable for novice shooters.
Customization
Enthusiasts can customize the Super Wrangler to their liking with various grip options and accessories, allowing for a personalized shooting experience.
Exceptional Craftsmanship at a Great Value
The Ruger Super Wrangler revolver is an excellent upgrade alternative to its predecessor with improved caliber, higher capacity, and a classic design that is still affordable.
It is a great firearm for both beginners and experienced shooters, offering dependability, ease-of-use, versatility, and affordability.
The low-cost .22 LR ammo makes it a perfect gun to take inexperienced shooters like friends or family to the shooting range.
It is also a great gun for experienced shooters who want to have fun without spending too much money.
The Ruger Super Wrangler is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality firearm with modern features that combines history, quality, and affordability. Its MSRP is $329.00.
Additional Ruger Resources
VIEW / DOWNLOAD Ruger Wrangler SPEC SHEET
- Ruger Wrangler Single-Action Model 2002 (Black)
- Ruger Wrangler Single-Action Model 2017 (Burnt Bronze)
- Ruger Wrangler Single-Action Model 2027 (Black Cherry)
VIEW / DOWNLOAD Ruger Super Wrangler SPEC SHEET
- Ruger Super Wrangler Single-Action Model 2032 (Black)
- Ruger Super Wrangler Single-Action Model 2033 (Silver)
- Ruger Super Wrangler Single-Action Model 2034 (Burnt Bronze)
For more information on Ruger Firearms including Owner's Manuals, SPECs, and Part Lists, visit the Ammunition Depot Ruger Firearms Schematics and Owner's Manual Page.
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