The Fletcher Rifle Works 11/22 OpenTop receiver, a brainchild of Sebastian Unger’s passionate innovation, has finally made its debut to the delight of rimfire aficionados. Born in a modest Austrian garage in 2017, Unger’s vision was to modernize the venerable Ruger 10/22 design, simplifying field stripping and cleaning without complete disassembly from the stock and trigger pack. Despite Ruger’s disinterest, Fletcher Rifle Works in Texas has brought this exciting iteration to life with a build quality that promises to redefine the rimfire experience.
The OpenTop 11/22 is CNC-machined from solid billet aluminum and boasts stainless steel components that offer robustness and longevity far surpassing the standard 10/22 receiver. Outfitted with a sliding top plate that allows immediate access to the bolt assembly, this design not only eases the burden of cleaning but also provides a quick fix to the common rimfire woes of jams and stuck casings.
In the words of an enthusiast from Rimfire Central Firearm Forum, “The CNC machine work is truly outstanding and there’s a minute or two degrees of taper in the internal rails, it tightens up about halfway in then there’s a locating ‘nub’ on the port side and then the stainless AR-style miniature lower pin that’s also captured by a detent.” The OpenTop receiver supports 1″ bull barrels without modification and is fully compatible with standard Ruger parts, seamlessly integrating into the beloved 10/22 platform.
One user lauded the rifle’s reliability with a variety of .22LR ammunition, following extensive field-testing. Another noted the convenience offered by the OpenTop design when cleaning the rifle, a feature that even facilitated mid-shooting session maintenance. This blend of durability and functionality is further enhanced by the option for a railed top plate, allowing for the use of red-dot optics or magnified scopes, catering to both casual shooters and precision enthusiasts.
TandemKross, known for their extensive catalog of Ruger-compatible components, offers the Manticore X lower assembly that complements the OpenTop 11/22 receiver beautifully. This assembly transforms the traditional 10/22 into a sleek, modern platform without the need for a stock or chassis system.
The arrival of the OpenTop 11/22 Takedown variant adds another layer of practicality and portability to the mix. With its full-length Picatinny rail, the Takedown model accommodates traditional scopes, and its precision-made barrel ensures consistent accuracy. The Picatinny rail system and takedown mechanism maintain a tight lockup, which is crucial for maintaining zero after disassembly.
Relevant articles:
– Fletcher Rifle Works 11/22, rimfirecentral.com
– Review: Fletcher Rifle Works 11/22 Action & Manticore X Upgrade, American Rifleman
– The Rimfire Report: Fletcher Rifle Works 11/22 OpenTop Receiver Review, The Firearm Blog
– The Rimfire Report: The Fletcher Rifle Works OpenTop Takedown Rifle, The Firearm Blog