Are folding stocks practical for .22 rifles?

Compactness Considerations

When it comes to survival rifles, compactness and portability are essential. Most .22 rifles with folding stocks are already larger than comparable non-folding models due to the added mechanism required for folding. A more practical approach would be to choose a .22 rifle with an adjustable cheekpiece or a folding sight, which provides similar benefits without the added bulk.

Practical Applications

In survival situations, the ability to carry a rifle comfortably for extended periods is critical. A .22 rifle with a folding stock may be more cumbersome than a non-folding model, especially when navigating dense terrain or climbing trees. For example, the Ruger 10/22, a popular .22 rifle, has a length of 36.5 inches when fully extended and 28.25 inches when folded. However, the folding mechanism adds significant weight (around 1.2 pounds) and increases the rifle’s overall length.

Alternative Solutions

A more practical solution for compactness would be to choose a .22 rifle with a shorter overall length, such as the Marlin Model 60 or the CZ 457, which have lengths of 32.5 inches and 38.6 inches, respectively. These rifles are already compact and do not require a folding mechanism, making them more suitable for survival situations where compactness is essential.