The Ruger Wrangler is a revolver that makes you feel like you are in the wild west. It has the ruggedness of a cowboy gun at a price you can afford!
But does its low price reflect its quality? In this Ruger Wrangler review, let us explore all the aspects of this single-action revolver.
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Ruger Wrangler Review: A ‘Cheap' Cowboy Gun?
Ruger Wrangler Variations
The Ruger Wrangler is a new addition to Ruger's line of revolvers. Introduced in April 2019, one of its most highlighted features is its low price. It costs less than half the price of Ruger's other revolver models – the Bearcat and Single-Six.
The Ruger Wrangler comes in 15 variations. Six are standard catalog versions, and nine are distributor exclusives.
All models have Cerakote finishes on their cylinder frames.
The standard catalog revolvers come in black, silver, and burnt bronze.
While the distributor exclusives have the following tones:
- olive drab green
- cobalt
- plum brown
- stone gray
- tungsten
- midnight bronze
- crushed orchid
- dark earth
- black cherry
Gun Specs (Of All Ruger Wrangler Variations)
Most Ruger Wrangler models come with a 4.62-inch barrel.
Here are their firearm specs:
- Cartridge: 22 Long Rifle (LR)
- Cylinder capacity: 6 rounds
- Overall length: 10.25 inches
- Weight: 30 ounces
- Suggested retail: $269.00
However, three of their newest revolvers feature shorter barrels, measuring only 3.75 inches.
Here are their weapon specs:
- Cartridge: .22 Long Rifle (LR)
- Cylinder capacity: 6 rounds
- Overall length: 8.62 inches
- Weight: 28 ounces
- Suggested retail: $279.00
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Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The Ruger Wrangler is lightweight and comes in handy, thanks to the combination of its materials.
Its frame is aluminum alloy, while its cylinder and barrel are steel. Meanwhile, its grip frame is machined from zinc alloy.
Ruger has enhanced the appearance of Wrangler by applying Cerakote finish. This polymer-ceramic-composite finish is one of the most well-known firearm coatings, and it suits well with all the components and metals used in each of Ruger Wrangler's revolvers.
However, Cerakote is a bit expensive. So the fact that a $200-ish revolver features a Cerakote finish already elevates the value of the Wrangler.
Its grip is a scaled-down version of the Single-Action Army (SAA). This means shooters with large hands will find their little finger (or pinkie) below the grip frame.
The Wrangler also features one of the standard components of Ruger since 1973, which is the transfer bar. This mechanism retracts the firing pin until you fire the gun. This allows you to load all six rounds safely and avoid accidental discharge.
This feature also makes the Wrangler a better option than the original SAA, wherein the firing pin is active.
In addition, when you open the Wrangler's loading gate, the hammer gets disabled. This lets the cylinder revolve freely in either direction.
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Durability
We have mentioned before that the Wrangler's barrel is hammer-forged, while its cylinder is machined from a steel alloy. These components are what make the Wrangler last longer than your average clinker.
Furthermore, the Cerakote coating makes the revolver resistant to corrosion and chemical solvents.
Moreover, this Cerakote and steel-alloy combination work well together that even if you put hundreds of rounds through the revolver, its cylinder would remain in tip-top shape.
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Performance
If you were to test the Ruger Wrangler for reliability, expect that you won't encounter any issue, even if you feed it with different types of ammunition.
As for its accuracy, you won't miss your targets, even if they are about 35 yards away. You won't even feel that this revolver is low-priced when you use it!
You will know how the Wrangler operates if you own either a Remington or a Colt single-action revolver.
The Wrangler's cylinder rotates in a clockwise motion. Additionally, it is charged with using the loading gate, which is located on the frame's right side.
However, you might find shooting this gun slightly slow since you have to cock the hammer on your every shot. Then, you also need to load the rounds individually into the cylinder. Plus, you have to eject the empty cartridge separately, too.
But overall, you can use the Ruger Wrangler comfortably all day long. In addition, it exhibits no recoil, making it pleasant to use.
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Versatility
The Ruger Wrangler is literally for everyone. Whether you are new to shooting or experienced in hunting, you can't go wrong with the Wrangler.
Even your kids can shoot this revolver! However, it might be difficult for them to load the gun. But if you just open the loading gate for them, they can reload and unload the weapon on their own.
In addition, the hammer is easy to cock, that even a 9-year old can do it using two thumbs!
Another good thing about the Wrangler is that since it was developed similarly to Ruger Single-Six, the two revolvers share a lot in common, especially when it comes to their internal components.
This means that Single-Six accessories, such as grips and holsters, are compatible with the Wrangler.
Overall Verdict
The notion that the Wrangler is just a ‘cheap' revolver is obviously not true. While it is more affordable than other handguns, it is still high quality.
Sure, there are less effective guns, but the Wrangler is not one of them. We can confidently say that the Wrangler has the same performance as Ruger's other quality revolver lines.
If you are not convinced by its low price tag, look at its styling and features. It is a solid, reliable revolver that you can use for training, at the range, in your adventures, and many more!
And that is the beauty of this gun–you may use it wherever and however you want.
Check out this video by hickok45 as he shoots the Ruger Wrangler side by side with its closest competitor, the Heritage Rough Rider:
In a nutshell, the Ruger Wrangler is an affordable version of the Ruger Single-Six. It may come at a low price point, but do not let it fool you. It looks, feels, and performs like a revolver that wears a hefty price tag.
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