A folding stock for the Ruger 10/22 rifle offers a significant modification to the firearm’s profile. This type of stock allows the user to reduce the rifle’s overall length, making it easier to transport and store. Typically, these stocks utilize a hinge mechanism that enables the stock to fold against the receiver, often to the side. Various designs exist, employing different materials like synthetic polymers or metal alloys, each with potential advantages and disadvantages relating to durability, weight, and cost.
The compact configuration provided by a folding stock enhances portability, a feature often appreciated by hunters, backpackers, and those operating in confined spaces. Additionally, certain folding stock designs can improve maneuverability in close quarters, offering potential tactical advantages. The history of folding stocks dates back to early military applications, where reducing a rifles size was essential for parachute deployments and storage in vehicles. This practicality translated into civilian markets, appealing to a wide range of firearm owners for similar space-saving reasons.