Ruger 10/22T Target Matte Blue barrel dates

I may be making a trade for a 10/22T with the hammer forged spiral barrel and brown laminated stock. I just shot a rimfire silhouette match this weekend and happened to be teamed up with a gentleman with the same model, but his had a gloss blued barrel. I think those came out first, then the matte blued, then the tactical target (with the hogue stock), then the stainless version. Is that the correct order? When did the matte blued models come out? Any pro's/con's on the matte version?

Thanks,

Stump

I've never seen a matte blue target barrel. Only have part numbers for the stainless and polished blue. Huh.

I have the hammer forged blued model I bought new in the early 2000's.
And to me the blueing never looked great. It's definitely not a matte finish though.
Shot a many of squirrels in the head with it.

Edit: my original post was incomplete. Since I seem unable to delete my post, I have removed those contents.

Yeah that helped. :?

Are we sure the "Matte blue" isn't just a barrel someone has "washed" with acetone or alcohol in some attempt to dull the finish for say, hunting intention? I've seen that done in my travels... ?

It's matte. I'll try and take a few pictures (and check the serial number database) and get back here. Gotta do some honey do's and set up the Dillon 550 today though, so it may be later this week.

I recently purchased one of the hammer forged spiral pattern bull barrel 10/22s
from its original owner but along the way he apparently grew weary of the finish
so he had the gun Cerakoted a subdued woodsy green but since I wasn't looking
for a collectible as much as a decent shooter I don't mind.

Well that day FLEW by!!! Got the Dillon set up, but ended up re-organizing my entire bench, so no pics today. Sorry, I'll try and get some taken and posted this week.

Based on the Ruger serial number data, it appears to be a 2008 vintage... (don't laugh at the pillows, they were handy in the garage)






Appears to be factory matte/satin as the crown is still in the white. I like the finish on this one. Probably could benefit from a Kidd trigger though I think.

Stump Buster said:

I may be making a trade for a 10/22T with the hammer forged spiral barrel and brown laminated stock. I just shot a rimfire silhouette match this weekend and happened to be teamed up with a gentleman with the same model, but his had a gloss blued barrel. I think those came out first, then the matte blued, then the tactical target (with the hogue stock), then the stainless version. Is that the correct order? When did the matte blued models come out? Any pro's/con's on the matte version?

Thanks,

Stump

Click to expand...

I've got the Target Tactical. Without a doubt, it's matte. Late 2015 vintage.



Preference? Really no. But the matte finish is easier to keep up when it's a rifle that sees a lot of use. On the other hand, a beautiful blued finish with some obvious wear, has character. 8)

If you're hunting, a shiny blue finish can be very reflective

At one point, all of Ruger's 10/22 blue steel was matte finish. They did that for a while then it went away.
Chet15