Description
The Magnum Research SwitchBolt 22LR UT is a lightweight semi-automatic .22 LR rifle that pairs an 18-inch Ultra aluminum tensioned barrel with a black ambidextrous thumbhole stock. At roughly 4.25 pounds and 35.5 inches long, it is built for shooters who want rimfire accuracy that is easy to carry all day.
Magnum Research SwitchBolt 22LR UT Overview
Magnum Research, based in Pillager, Minnesota, is known for the Desert Eagle pistol and for its Magnum Lite rimfire rifles. The SwitchBolt is the company’s take on a premium semi-auto 22, built around a receiver with an integral scope base and a gas-assisted blowback action. This UT version uses the newer Ultra barrel, which wraps a rifled steel liner in a lightweight aluminum sleeve held under tension so it stays stiff and consistent as it heats up.
The result is a rifle that balances near the hands, points quickly, and is far lighter than a heavy bull-barrel 22 of the same length.
SwitchBolt Action and Controls
The SwitchBolt name comes from its bolt control, which lets you lock the bolt open or release it with a quick, positive motion instead of fumbling for a small factory catch. That makes clearing the chamber, showing an empty rifle at the line, and loading a fresh magazine quicker and safer. The action is a gas-assisted blowback design, meant to run reliably with common high-velocity 22 LR loads. Like any rimfire, it will be most consistent with ammunition it likes, so plan to test a few brands before settling on a favorite.
Ultra Barrel and Threaded Muzzle
The 18-inch Ultra barrel is the heart of this model. Tensioning the steel liner inside the aluminum sleeve helps resist the barrel whip and heat drift that thin sporter barrels can show. The muzzle is threaded, so you can add a thread protector, muzzle brake, or rimfire suppressor. Keep in mind that suppressors are NFA items and require an approved ATF Form 4, plus they must be legal in your state. Check the thread pitch before buying a muzzle device, and leave the protector on when you are not using one.
Ambidextrous Thumbhole Design
The fixed black thumbhole design places your firing hand in a near-vertical grip, which many shooters find steadier from a bench or bag. Because it is shaped for either hand, left-handed shooters get the same comfortable hold as right-handers. The synthetic material shrugs off moisture and scuffs, so the rifle can live in a truck or a range bag without worry. The tradeoff is that thumbhole designs feel bulkier than a slim sporter stock, so try one if you can before you buy.
Optics and Accuracy
There are no iron sights, so you will need an optic. The integral scope base on the receiver gives you a solid mounting surface without an add-on rail. A quality 3-9x rimfire scope or a compact red dot are both good choices depending on whether you shoot small targets at distance or plink at close range. With a good scope and match-grade ammunition, this rifle is capable of tight groups on paper and steel.
Magazines and Capacity
The rifle ships with one 10-round rotary magazine for a 10+1 capacity. Magnum Lite rifles use the widely available 10/22 pattern magazine, which makes spares, extended magazines, and loaders easy to find. Always confirm a magazine works reliably in your rifle before trusting it in a match.
Care and Maintenance
Rimfire ammunition is dirty, so clean the bolt face, chamber, and receiver regularly to keep the action cycling smoothly. Do not use harsh solvents on the aluminum sleeve finish. A light coat of oil on moving steel parts is all it needs between range trips.
State Laws
Some states restrict threaded barrels, thumbhole-style stocks, or magazine capacity on semi-automatic rifles. Check your state and local regulations before ordering, and your receiving FFL can help confirm what is allowed where you live.
Specifications
- Brand: Magnum Research
- Model: SwitchBolt (SSAT22UT)
- UPC: 761226089186
- Caliber: 22 LR
- Action: Semi-auto, gas-assisted blowback
- Capacity: 10+1 (one 10-round magazine)
- Barrel: 18″ Ultra aluminum sleeve, threaded muzzle, black
- Receiver: Black with integral scope base
- Stock: Black fixed ambidextrous thumbhole, synthetic
- Sights: None (optic required)
- Overall Length: 35.5″
- Weight: About 4.25 lbs
Before You Buy
Federal law requires that this rifle ship to a licensed FFL dealer, and you must be 18 or older and pass a background check to take possession. Plan to budget for a scope and mount, since no sights are included.
Who It Is For
The Magnum Research SwitchBolt 22LR UT is a great fit for target shooters, rimfire competitors, small-game hunters, and anyone who wants a light, accurate 22 that is comfortable for left- or right-handed shooters.
Buy the Magnum Research SwitchBolt 22LR UT at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Magnum Research SwitchBolt 22LR UT online and ship it to your local FFL dealer, or browse our full selection of firearms for more rifles. For factory details, visit Magnum Research.
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