Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
You’re in the market for a new rimfire handgun. Like many of us, “rimfire” has always meant 22 Long Rifle (LR) to you, and that’s where you start your handgun search. But you’re also intrigued by the more powerful 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR).
Your budget, though, chimes in: “Buying two handguns? Nope!”
What to do?
A great option is the new Super Wrangler from Sturm, Ruger, and Company, a single-action revolver that fires both .22 caliber rimfire rounds. Yes, both 22 LR and 22 WMR!
Ruger designed the Super Wrangler to operate with two separate cylinders, one in 22 LR, the other built for 22 WMR. Switching between rimfire rounds is as simple as changing out cylinders.
Additionally, the Super Wrangler’s price tag won’t make you choose between buying the revolver or making the mortgage payment.
Super Wrangler – Solid and Safe
I received a Super Wrangler with the frame and barrel finished in black Cerakote, the hammer and trigger pewter colored. Right out of the box, I noticed the revolver’s very solid heft.
The Super Wrangler weighs in at a very sturdy 37.7 ounces. Credit a beefy steel frame, steel cylinders, and a hammer-forged 5.5-inch steel barrel.
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The revolver featured a transfer bar mechanism to prevent accidental discharges. When the hammer is cocked back into the firing position, the transfer bar inserts itself about halfway between the hammer and the firing pin. With the trigger pulled, the bar slides up to completely cover the firing pin. The hammer strikes the bar, transferring the energy of the hammer to the firing pin.
When the trigger is released, the transfer bar drops down, allowing the top of the hammer to rest against the cylinder frame. In this way, the firing pin is protected and can’t be contacted if the gun is dropped on the hammer.
Grips and Finish
Checkered synthetic grips are standard on the Super Wrangler and they can be swapped for grip panels that fit the Ruger Single Six family of single-action revolvers. The Super Wrangler will fit holsters made for the Ruger Single Six that accommodate 5.5-inch barrels.
While my revolver was finished in the black Cerakote, Ruger also offers the Super Wrangler with Cerakoted finishes in Silver or Bronze. Both sport black cylinders and pewter-colored hammers and triggers.
The nice and evenly done Cerakote finish on my Super Wrangler promised years of rugged use, rain or shine.
Important Note!
In its press and consumer materials, Ruger stressed this important point: “Cylinders are unique to the Super Wrangler and are not interchangeable with standard aluminum-frame Wrangler or Single-Six Convertible cylinders.”
Accuracy Testing The Super Wrangler
At my outdoor range, I ran over 300 rounds total of 22 LR and 22 WMR through the revolver and was impressed with the Super Wrangler’s accuracy and functionality. I experienced zero problems loading the revolver; the ejector rod popped out empty rimfire brass without a hitch.
At five yards and shooting offhand, the Super Wrangler was very capable of five-shot groups of one inch and under. For 22 LR, my absolute best five-shot group came in at .55 inches using Winchester Wildcat Super Speed loaded with 40-grain hollow points. The ammo and revolver combo also produced .70- and 1.0-inch groups.
At ten yards, the Wildcat made best groups at 1.25- and 1.5-inches.
CCI Green Tag 22 LR made several 1.0-inch groups at five yards, and 1.3- and 1.6-inch groups at ten yards offhand.
Magnum Force
I then changed out cylinders and ran the Super Wrangler with 22 WMR loads.
At five yards, Remington Magnum Rimfire and Winchester Varmint and Small Game easily made groups of 1.0 to 1.25 inches, with the Remington pegging a five-yard best group at .70-inches.
But at 10 yards, my 22 WMR accuracy seemed off. I had a single .90-group with the Winchester 22 WMR, but mostly I shot groups of 1.5- to 2.0-inches.
The harder I tried to shoot more accurately, the wider my groups got. Forcing the issue wasn’t working and I concluded that the larger problem was me.
A Nice Rest
I had nearly three hours of shooting in at this point. I decided I needed a rest.
For the Super Wrangler, that is, not me.
I dragged one of my range’s heavy wooden benches into position, got onto my knees, and used the top board at the back of the bench to support the revolver. I did some deep breathing exercises.
And my groups shrunk nicely. Using Browning Performance Rimfire in 22 WMR launching 40 grain jacketed hollow points, I shot five five-shot groups from this “bench” rest. They measured .70-, .90-, 1.0-. 1.1-, and 1.2-inches.
Pretty impressive what 5.5 inches of cold hammer-forged barrel can do when made with 1 in 14 right-hand rifling.
Other Features On The Super Wrangler
A good trigger is a basic expectation in a single-action revolver and the Super Wrangler does not disappoint. My trigger broke at a very clean two pounds, two ounces on average.
The revolver sported a windage- and elevation-adjustable rear sight and a ramped front post that showed up very well.
Additionally, the hammer spur on the Super Wrangler was deeply checkered and made the hammer easy to cock back into place during my shooting. Nice touch.
Making the Switch
Changing out cylinders on the Super Wrangler was super easy.
I simply opened the loading gate on the right side of the cylinder, depressed the base pin latch, and removed the base pin itself. I tilted the revolver to the right and the cylinder dropped into my hand.
Then, I reversed the process to install the other cylinder. Done.
The one thing I wondered was why the 22 WMR cylinder was etched with “22 WMR” on the side yet the 22 LR cylinder had no such indicator. Not a biggie but the difference seemed a little strange.
Conclusions
Well before I was done with my shooting, the Super Wrangler struck me as a near-perfect plinker. It would be a great introductory handgun for a newbie, too. Plus, the ability to also employ 22 WMR makes the revolver very capable of taking on garden pests.
Those who prefer a rimfire for home defense could also employ the Super Wrangler for this purpose, likely using one of the new 22 WMR self-defense rounds.
READ MORE: Ruger’s Wrangler “A Smile Maker”
Ruger suggests a retail price of the Super Wrangler at $329. I’d rate that as a fine deal. Yet, a quick survey of Internet prices found the handgun offered for as low as $260. Of course, shipping costs would be added. Still a deal!
Solidly built, single-action dependable, accurate and with the ability to easily switch between two very popular and relatively inexpensive rimfire rounds: I truly don’t see any flaws with the Ruger Super Wrangler.
Specifications: Ruger Super Wrangler
Chamberings: 22 LR, 22 WMR
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Action: Single
Frame: Alloy Steel
Barrel: 5.50”, Hammer-Forged Steel, 1:14 RH Twist
Grips: Checkered, Synthetic
Sights: Rear Adj., Front Ramp
Safety System: Transfer Bar
Overall Length: 11.0”
Weight: 37.7 Oz.
Misc: Included, One Cylinder for Each Chambering
MSRP: $329.00
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