Back in the day, Volquartsen Firearms created the Stingray, a .22 pistol that looked like it belonged on a sci-fi movie set rather than a shooting range. It was a bold design that was perhaps a little too early for its time, with a sleek, futuristic aesthetic that caught the eye of anyone who saw it. It wasn't just a pretty face, though; its accuracy made it a go-to conversion for competitive shooters and enthusiasts alike. And then, like so many cult classics, it vanished, leaving a void for those who appreciate both form and function.

The thing about good design is that it's timeless. Volquartsen must have realized this because the Stingray is back. But this isn't just a re-release of an old model. They've brought its iconic look into the 21st century by marrying that striking design with modern engineering. This new version, appropriately named the Lightweight Stingray, shaves off the pounds without sacrificing the performance that made the original so popular. It's the equivalent of taking a classic muscle car and giving it a carbon-fiber body—all the style, none of the bulk.

This is where the engineering gets interesting. The new Stingray features a stainless steel barrel with a laser-hardened breech, which is a bit of an over-the-top way of saying it's incredibly durable and precise. This whole setup is cleverly tucked into a lightweight aluminum sleeve. This combination gives you the rigidity and accuracy you need from a barrel without the heft. It's a clever trick, and it's a testament to the brand’s commitment to obsessive detail.

As for the looks, the new Stingray comes with a distinctive Bronze Battleworn Cerakote finish. It’s a finish that looks like it's already seen a few thousand rounds, with a rugged, distressed appearance that gives it character. It's a bit like buying a new pair of jeans that are already perfectly faded and worn in. The kind of look that says, "I'm not a safe queen, I'm here to shoot."

Underneath all that style, the Lightweight Stingray is built on the ubiquitous Ruger MK IV 22/45 frame. This is a smart choice for a few reasons. The MK IV is known for its simple push-button takedown, which makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze—a serious upgrade from the notoriously finicky takedown process of its predecessors. This partnership combines the best of both worlds: the trusted foundation of the Ruger platform and Volquartsen's performance enhancements.

Speaking of performance enhancements, Volquartsen didn't just bolt on a new barrel and call it a day. They’ve fully kitted out the internals with their own Accurizing Kit. This is a crucial component that replaces the factory parts to deliver a crisper, cleaner trigger pull. The result is a trigger that breaks at a predictable 2.25 pounds, which is light enough for competitive shooting but still safe and manageable for a day at the range.

The gun also comes with all the fixings you'd expect from a high-end firearm. There's a Picatinny rail on top, so you can easily mount your optic of choice, a Volquartsen Competition Bolt for reliable cycling, and a removable forward blow compensator on the end of its 6-inch barrel. The barrel is also threaded, which is a nice touch for those who might want to use a different muzzle device or even a suppressor. And it’s all tied together with a comfortable Hogue grip, which helps with control and comfort.

So, what you have here is a gun that honors its past while firmly planting its flag in the present. The Lightweight Stingray is a welcome return for a design that once seemed futuristic and now feels like a perfectly executed bit of nostalgia. It’s a gun for those who appreciate things that are a little different and who want a .22 pistol that performs as good as it looks.

If you’re feeling the pull of this re-imagined classic, you can already preorder one. Volquartsen estimates a 5-7 week shipping window, so while it's not an instant gratification purchase, it gives you just enough time to clear a spot in your safe. As for the price, be prepared to shell out $1,495.00.