By Mike Schoby
Every time I break out one of my .22 Mags. (WMR to be technically correct and geeky), I kick myself for not shooting them more. They’re never going to replace the cost effectiveness and low noise of the standard .22 LR rimfire, but when it comes to rimfire killin’ power, there is no substitute. Prairie dogs pop into pieces, ground hogs don’t make it into holes, and for things you want to eat (like cottontails) require head shots only. No question, the .22 Mag. is a solid 100-yard killer.
I probably own a half a dozen WMRs of various configurations from single shots to switch barrel bolt guns. The most fun model I own is easily the semi-auto Magnum Research MLR.
Magnum Research, known for its impressive Desert Eagle pistol, also makes some other really cool stuff that gets overshadowed by the popularity and notoriety of its big pistol stardom. Centerfire rifles in the form of the Mountain Eagle, BFR revolvers, Baby Eagle pistols, 1911’s, and—last but not least—MLR rimfire rifles.
God bless Bill Ruger, who holds deity-like status among gun cranks, but it didn’t take long after Ruger introduced his fabled 10/22 for companies to start improving them. It started with aftermarket accessories and was followed by complete custom gun makers utilizing the original design but making it better. Voquartsen notably has done this in the standard long rifle world. Magnum Research did it with the magnum.
For starters, the MLR action is machined from a solid block of billet aluminum with an integrally machined picatinny scope base. The trigger is excellent. The barrel is tensioned carbon fiber, the stock can be had in either a Hogue OverMolded synthetic or a laminated wood thumbhole version.
Interestingly enough, Magnum Research developed a patented gas-assisted blow back system for this platform. A small hole bleeds off a tiny amount of gas to ensure proper function. It should be noted this rifle is designed for 40- and 50-grain loads, firing loads any lighter will negate the warranty.
When testing, accuracy was top notch. MOA at 100 yards with a variety of ammo was common, a few loads did better.
Cost: $1,100
Pros: Well made; accurate; reliable
Cons: The costs of .22 Mag. ammo, relegated this gun to the safe unless shooting critters
