Are you looking for a quick firing new version of an old long lost classic?
I got a chance to test out the BCA 202 .22 Magnum Rifle and here is how it performed.
It was a great day when I got the message from my friend Bill over at Finest Firearms that the review rifle had arrived. Finest Firearms has you covered with whatever shooting needs you have. If it’s not in the store, he will order it for you!
First off lets see what Bear Creek Arsenal has to say about their new rifle:
The 202 features a sleek, 16″ 416R stainless steel (match grade) threaded barrel with thread protector, over-molded black Hogue stock with an ergonomic design, and integrated sling mounts that add a touch of classic style with modern options. The barrel has a .920 diameter and 11-degree target crown. It also includes a high-performance bolt with an enhanced firing pin which provides better durability and accuracy. The 7075 T6 aluminum receiver has an integrated Picatinny rail for easy scope mounting. The 202 rifle comes with a detachable rotary 9-round magazine that features a unique rotor to separate cartridges and provide reliable feeding. The magazine release is easy to use and allows for quick removal of the flush-mounted magazine. The trigger is crisp and smooth, and our side charging enhanced (patented) charging handle makes reloading easy.
Compatible with aftermarket Ruger components and magazines for .22 WMR Rifles
Here is a quick look at a list of features:
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| SKU | CR8930-SCH22M202HB16116SS |
| Weight (lbs) | 6.500000 |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 Round Magazine |
| Barrel Length | 16 |
| Profile | Heavy Barrel |
| Twist | 1:16 |
| Barrel Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Material | 416R Stainless Steel |
| Thread Pitch | 1/2 x 28 |
| Caliber | .22 Magnum |
| Flutes | Non-fluted |
| Charging Style | Right Side Charging |
| Classification | Rifles |
| Platform | BC-200 |
For about 35 years I have enjoyed the Ruger 10/22 rifles and certainly thought great things on the simplicity and ruggedness of the rifle’s action. I have carried them to the range, on plinking trips and used them for hunting. Those rifles were in the .22 long rifle cartridge. Well, back quite awhile ago there was a 10/22 Magnum rifle chambered in the .22 Winchester Magnum cartridge. I always wanted one but they were sadly discontinued by Ruger. If you found used one for sale they commanded collector’s prices. Well that was disappointing.
When I found out my friends at Bear Creek Arsenal had resurrected that lost rifle design I was anxious to get my hands on one for a full review. First off I needed a scope. I chose a vintage Weaver K4 scope for testing. To set it up as a hunter’s rifle I also added a Slogan Outdoors Ultraflex Firearm Sling.
Off to the gun range! I first set up on the 50 yard range to sight in the scope. It was quite easy to accomplish and I noticed right away the groups were quite small. That 416R stainless steel heavy barrel is incredible!
The supplied Ruger rotary magazine holds 9 rounds. It fits flush into the receiver. I have always been a fan of the Ruger style rotary magazine.
Need more firepower? The BCA BC-202 rifle will also function with other Ruger magazines for .22 magnum. This Ruger BX-15 magazine gives you extra rounds for fast shooting. I had one on hand for testing also for the BC-202 rifle just to see how it would function.
Check out the business end of the BCA BC-202 rifle. What a beautifully made rifle with an epic barrel! Note the protective nut on the end of the barrel. That conceals threads that can be utilized for your favorite suppressor. That is indeed a handy feature if you have one available.
At the 100 yard range the BCA BC-202 rifle was ready to have it’s time in the sun. I shot for groups and functioning with three different manufacturer’s ammo selections.
I chose a small “woodchuck” target for the Winchester Super X 40 grain jacketed hollow point ammo. A total 5 shots on paper yielded an overall group of 1.46″. That little varmint would be having a very bad day.
For the CCI Maxi Mag 40 grain jacketed hollow point ammo I chose a small squirrel target. The overall group I achieved was 1.75″.
The best group of the day was 1.3″ using Remington Premier 33 grain V-Max cartridges. All of the targets were shot by the BCA BC-202 rifle from a rest using a vintage Weaver K-4 scope that is a fixed 4 power. I am sure with a higher magnification scope and more practice I could easily shrink all fired groups in half.
The over-molded Hogue stock is quite comfortable for handling and shooting. The “Ghillie Green” color of the test BCA BC-202 rifle stock is quite eye appealing. The soft rubber butt plate while not necessary because of the extremely low recoil, does serve a purpose of anchoring the rifle firmly into your shoulder.
The BCA BC-202 rifle was also fired for function with both the supplied 9 round rotary magazine and my own personal 15 round Ruger BX-15 magazine. I found with most rifles that keeping them clean is the sure way to keep them functioning well. The BCA BC-202 rifle was certainly no different and preferred the Remington Premier 33 grain V-Max .22 Magnum ammo. Function and accuracy are top notch.
I also found the trigger pull to be nice and light enough for a hunting rifle. Off the bench the trigger pull was also very pleasant and was a joy to use. Overall the BCA BC-202 rifle is put together nicely and is quite accurate in a carbine length package.
This rifle is extremely fun to ring steel targets with and it packs a quick shooting punch over the lower powered .22 long rifle cartridge. As a plinking cartridge the .22 magnum fills the void between the .22 LR. cartridge and larger centerfire cartridges. As a hunting cartridge, it excels as a varmint and small game getter.
In summary if you are looking for an easy to upkeep and highly accurate .22 magnum rifle, I highly recommend the BCA BC-202 rifle. Also be sure to check out all of the other great firearms and accessories on their website.
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