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Historic Mexican Firearm Brand Debuts Rimfire for American Market

Author: | Publish Date: May 05, 2025 | Fact checked by: Marko Lalovic

Mendoza Firearms Brings Vintage Design with Modern Twist to US Shooters

After more than a century of firearm manufacturing in Mexico, Mendoza is expanding its footprint into the United States market with the introduction of the RM-22 rimfire series. This carefully crafted .22 caliber rifle combines traditional elements with contemporary features, offering American enthusiasts a fresh option in the rimfire category.

Heritage of Excellence

Mendoza's gunmaking tradition dates back to 1911, establishing the company as one of Mexico's most enduring firearms manufacturers. Throughout its distinguished history spanning over 110 years, the company has developed expertise producing rifles, pistols, and airguns that have served generations of shooters.

A Nod to Classic Design

Return of the Tube Magazine

The RM-22 series embraces a design element that dominated .22 rifles throughout much of the 20th century—the tube magazine. While detachable box magazines have become nearly ubiquitous in modern rimfire rifles, Mendoza's new offering revives the underbarrel tube design reminiscent of beloved classics like the Savage/Springfield 87 "birdcage" models, the Winchester 190, and perhaps most notably, the iconic Marlin Model 60. The RM-22's tube magazine provides a generous 17-round capacity.

Distinctive Action Design

Unlike many contemporary .22 semi-automatics that follow the Ruger 10/22 action pattern, the RM-22 features a blowback action inspired by Swiss engineering. The action design draws from Hammerli's blowback system, reflecting an established relationship between the two companies—Mendoza currently manufactures airguns that are marketed under the Hammerli brand.

Model Variations

Three Distinct Configurations

Mendoza is introducing the RM-22 to American shooters in three different variants, each tailored to specific preferences while maintaining core functionality:

RM-22 1000

  • Features traditional open sights
  • Classic configuration for iron sight enthusiasts

RM-22 3000

  • Includes both open sights and Picatinny rail for optics mounting
  • Distinctive thumbhole stock design for enhanced ergonomics
  • Ideal for shooters preferring a more tactical grip profile

RM-22 6000

  • Combines open sights with Picatinny rail
  • Features elegant Monte Carlo-style stock
  • Optimized for comfort during extended shooting sessions

Stock Options

All three variants in the RM-22 lineup will reportedly be available with either traditional wood or modern synthetic stocks, allowing customers to choose between classic aesthetics or contemporary durability.

Availability and Pricing

While Mendoza has confirmed the RM-22 series will be arriving in the United States market this year, the manufacturer has not yet announced official pricing information for any of the variants.

Specifications .22 LR Rifle
CALIBER .22 LR
OPERATION SYSTEM Semi-automatic by simple blowback
TUBULAR MAGAZINE 17 Rounds
TOTAL LENGTH 40.95"
HEIGHT 7.48"
WIDTH 1.77"
BARREL LENGTH 21.26"
ACCURACY AT 54.7 YARDS 1.4"
TRIGGER PULL 2.55 lbs.
SAFETY Manual
BUTTSTOCK Wood-German beech
BUTTPAD Rubber
MECHANISM FINISH Anodized
Aleksa Miladinovic

Aleksa Miladinovic is a passionate technology enthusiast born and raised in Serbia, whose interest in defense technology was sparked by his country's rich firearms manufacturing heritage. His journey began when attending a Partner defense exhibition in Belgrade, where he was captivated by the innovative engineering and precision mechanics behind modern defense systems. With Serbia being a significant producer of military equipment in the region, Aleksa has developed a deep appreciation for the technical advancements and engineering excellence that the firearms industry represents.