By Chad Adams
I’ve spent a lot of time during my adult life building up Ruger 10/22s, chasing the perfect build. Now obviously perfect can and does take on a lot of meaning, subjectively colored by the builder’s intent. So, along the way, I’ve played around with many a Franken-Ruger builds, swapping for bull barrels, Hogue overmolded stocks, Timney triggers and the like.
But if I were to attempt the build the perfect rimfire from scratch today, with the target of most capable, all-around rimfire platform—I know I’d be hard pressed to top the Volquartsen ENV-6 pistol.
During a recent company range week, I fell in absolute love with this versatile build. It has everything you could possibly want in a folding, compact design configured to accommodate a high-end suite of aftermarket accessories contemporary shooters demand.
Volquartsen ENV-6 RR Build
First, it comes pre-loaded with a folding SB Tactical pistol brace. The FS1913 brace is a low-profile, left-side-folding brace that attaches via a section of Picatinny on the back side of the chassis. A $200 value, it is an elite option for a compact folder/pistol build.
The receiver rides in an aluminum chassis system manufactured by Enoch Industries ($210-$225), another upper-tier component. It provides M-Lok slots for accessories at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock forend positions.
Inside, the TG2000 Trigger Group, a $310 component, delivers a 2.5-pound break. A 6-inch barrel comes with 1/2×28 threads, making it a perfect suppressor host. Magpul MOE-K grip and Slate Stop hand stop on the forend round out this impressive package.
We all learned long ago that a good, short stiff barrel could hold incredible accuracy. I once participated in an exhaustive Ransom Rest test of snubby J-Frame revolvers to eye-opening results. The 6-inch variant of this ENV-6 doubles down on that idea. So, in a discreet small case, this then becomes a very capable tool for the outdoorsman.
The Do-Everything Rimfire Build
I would happily employ this bad boy for snake duty out of the truck or the bass boat. Catch a monster fish too big to handle—snap off a .22 LR to the head. In the side-by-side on the farm, the ENV-6 would stand sentry duty against yard grizzlies, trash pandas and all the rest. Even as a truck gun, a covert, highly-accurate, suppressed .22 brings tremendous utility.
At a mere 5 pounds, 2 ounces, even topped with a red dot and wearing a can, this is one mean, lightweight, field-ready machine. It’s really only limited by your imagination for its intended role.
Lord knows I don’t need another rimfire, of any configuration, in my life. But the fact I know so many of my other builds fall so short of this one makes it all the harder to not place the order. It’s straight legit.
Price: MSRP of $1,681.
Pros: The blend of folding brace, optic- and suppressor-ready host on a short, compact and stowable platform makes this blaster your best friend in the field. In the truck, the side-by-side, or on the boat, this is one complete rimfire package. Just add Acro. You can also grab this one in .17 HMR if you prefer.
Cons: Obviously, the price stings on this one for any rimfire build. You can absolutely approach this blend of components on your own for less money. But you likely won’t top the performance by a long shot.
