RedBeard Outdoors · Johnathan (RedBeard)

459. Rimfire to the EXTREME w/ Scott Volquartsen and Volquartsen Firearms

August 2, 2025·1 hr 9 min·5 clips

Scott's dad was told his 1022 barrel idea was nuts, but his stubbornness created a rimfire revolution.

This episode of RedBeard Outdoors features host RedBeard and guest Scott Volquartsen, co-owner of Volquartsen Firearms, discussing the company's history and its focus on high-performance rimfire firearms. Scott represents the second generation of a family business that specializes in customizing and manufacturing .22 LR rifles and pistols. Scott explains his father started the company as a hobby in 1974, working from the family basement while employed as a tax collector for Iowa. The company initially took on any custom gunsmithing work but later specialized in the Ruger 10/22 and Mark II platforms after identifying a market gap. Scott and his brother took over the business around 2005, shifting from manual machining to CNC and modern marketing while maintaining a family-oriented ethos. Volquartsen now manufactures all rimfire calibers, including .17 HMR and .22 WMR, but discontinued the .17 WSM. A core company philosophy is designing for performance first and cost second, which Scott admits means their products are not for every budget. Specific manufacturing techniques include laser-hardening the breach face on their barrels for extreme durability and applying a DLC coating to their bolts. Scott cites an example of a pistol barrel used at CCI's test facility that showed minimal wear after 109,000 documented rounds. The company machines nearly all components in-house, allowing for rapid testing and design changes based on customer feedback. Scott emphasizes the importance of carefully reading negative customer emails, viewing them as valuable feedback from people who care about the brand. He rejects the idea of creating a budget "economy line," arguing that trying to cut corners always leads them back to their high standards. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on using rimfire firearms to introduce new shooters, especially children, to the sport. Scott stresses the importance of a positive first experience, advising against letting ego lead to intimidating introductions with large-caliber guns. He shares a story of a friend who successfully engaged his son in shooting using a Volquartsen pistol after previous failures. The discussion covers practical tips for mentoring new shooters, such as helping them load magazines and operate charging handles to avoid pinched fingers. Both hosts criticize the tendency of experienced shooters to correct minor terminology errors, like calling a magazine a "clip," which can alienate newcomers. They advocate for making range trips fun with reactive targets and affordable ammunition, noting Volquartsen guns are designed to cycle cheaper .22 LR ammo reliably. Scott reveals the company recommends very little lubrication on their firearms due to their DLC coating and hardened internal parts, as excess oil can attract residue and cause malfunctions. The tone is highly conversational and anecdotal, blending business insights with personal stories about family, customer service, and shared experiences in the shooting sports community. This episode is ideal for firearms enthusiasts interested in rimfire customization, the history of a niche manufacturing company, or strategies for introducing new shooters to the hobby. Listeners solely interested in budget firearms or high-caliber long-range shooting might find less relevance here.

As heard by us

A clear rimfire conversation about getting started, gun feel, and why some shooters pay for the upgrade.

The episode keeps its focus on rimfire and makes a plain case for why it can be the easier way in for kids and new shooters. Scott Volquartsen comes across as the second-generation owner, and the discussion stays on what his firearms add beyond a standard Ruger 10/22, especially…

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Why you'd press play

Want a straight talk on rimfire from Scott Volquartsen and the gear around it?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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