Iron Eagle Tactical: Ruger SR-22 Combat Brush Guards Review

Recently I was looking on the internet for a set of rails to install on the hand guard of my new Ruger SR-22 Rifle.  During my search, I found the Iron Eagle Tactical website. This company specializes in providing quality custom accessories specifically for the Ruger SR-22 Rifle.  After talking with the owner, Larry Salsman, it seems that he has gotten some feedback on a real need out in the field for some type of guard to prevent debris (sticks, leaves, rocks, etc.) from getting down the hand guard of the rifle.  When you consider that the round hand guard tube of the SR-22 does provide a wide opening (see photo below), closing off the front of the tube make sense.

Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review

Iron Eagle Tactical makes two versions of their Ruger SR-22 Combat Brush Guards; Model 104a (ribbed) and Model 104b (smooth).  In addition to adding functionality to the rifle, these brush guards also add an attractive custom look to the rifle.  Each is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, is type 3 hard coat anodized, and has a non-reflective black surface.  Also note that the photo below shows a set of Iron Eagle Tactical Rails (Model 102) installed on the hand guard.  You can purchase these Combat Brush Guards directly from Iron Eagle Tactical for $34.99 with free shipping to the lower 48 states and Canada.

Model 104a (Ribbed)                                                 Model 104b (Smooth)
Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review   Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review

Each of the Combat Brush Guards is machined from 2.00" diameter aluminum 6061-T6 round bar and has a 1.00" hole in the center for the barrel.  This size of the center hole allows the brush guard to easily fit over the standard SR-22 flash suppressor as well as the Iron Eagle Tactical Talons (flash suppressors).  Since the Ruger SR-22 barrel is not centered in the hand guard, the barrel is also not centered in the brush guards as shown above.  When the brush guards are installed, there is still sufficient clearance between the barrel and the inside of the brush guard.

The brush guard attaches to the hand guard using the forward side rail screws on each side of the hand guard.  There are two tabs on the brush guard that stick into the inside of the hand guard.  One tab is drilled and tapped with a 10-32 thread and the other tab is drilled with an approximately 0.185" hole.  This is done to allow for slight misalignments of the holes in the SR-22 hand guard.  I installed the screw into the threaded hole side first and then the screw on the opposite side.  Both brush guards installed easily on the rifle and were held securely in place.  Also you can see in the photo below that the external surfaces (those visible after installation) are very smooth, but the internal surface where the part is counter-bored does have some tool marks from this machining process.  When the brush guards are installed you cannot see these tool marks.

Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review

 

There is nothing fancy about the packaging and shipping materials.  They arrived in a bubble wrap envelope and then were wrapped in thin foam sheet as shown below.  They arrived in great condition.  Each brush guard also comes with a pair of screws which are not shown in these photos.

Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review  Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review

The next several photos compare the two brush guards in side by side photos.  One thing you will notice with your Ruger SR-22 is that the aluminum Nordic components which house the receiver will develop white marks when you rub your fingers across the surfaces.  This is because the slight roughness of the hard coat anodizing will actually rub some skin off your fingers.  This is the same situation for these brush guards.  Don't worry because these white marks can be removed easily by rubbing with a piece of cloth.  If you notice any white marks on these parts below, it's only because I failed to wipe them off before I took the photos.

Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review  Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review

Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review  Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review

Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review  Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review

The brush guards weighed in at 2.50 ounces for the Model 104a (ribbed) and 2.05 ounces for the Model 104b (smooth).

Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review  Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review

 

Bottom Line:

The Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards for the Ruger SR-22 Rifle are a nice addition to the rifle.  They are quality and rock solid components that fit nicely on the rifle and add an enhanced custom look.  The price seems fair, especially if you consider you are probably getting free shipping.  After studying these parts, I think there are some opportunities to reduce the weights of these parts by increasing the counter-bore diameter and depths. I don't consider the current weights that bad and overall there is not much of a weight penalty (2 to 2.5 ounces) by installing these components on your rifle.  Just keep in mind that when you are rigging your rifle with accessories, a little extra weight here and there and eventually your rifle becomes heavier than you would expect. Regardless, if you are interested in creating a custom look for your rifle or if you plan to be out in the thick bush, then I recommend you considering one of these Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards while you accessorize your Ruger SR-22 Rifle.


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The photo below shows my current configuration of  the Ruger SR-22 Rifle.  Installed on the rifle are the following accessories, and yes, I can actually see over/around the laser with my scope.

Iron Eagle Tactical Combat Brush Guards Review

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