Gunsmith Screwdriver
Modifying the Ruger 10/22
Modifying the Ruger 10/22 Rifle
The Ruger 10/22 rifle has a myriad of aftermarket components. The reason for this is the design is very simple for the lay person to disassemble and reassemble. This article will explain modifications that can be done and what the benefits are, as well as some of the caveats, if applicable.
Probably one of the simplest to do and, therefore, the most often done is upgrading the stock. The most common Ruger 10/22 comes with a basic stock. Removal is simple and requires removal of one take-down screw and the barrel band, both requiring a basic flat-head screwdriver. Where it’ll work just fine, there are so many other cool stock out there that you’ll ask yourself, “Why would I want a plain-jane stock?” In addition to a dizzying array of colors, patterns, etc., there are stocks made of lighter, heavier, synthetic or wood-based materials. Depending on your shooting requirements, the factory stock just may not work for you. In addition, features like thumbhole stocks make your shooting experience much more enjoyable.
Another easy modification is to add some kind of optics. A regular optical scope is a very nice addition to aid with target accuracy or hit game from a further distance. There are some newer optics like barrel red-dots and even holographic red dots that not only aid in long-distance aiming, but can make your traditional 10/22 look futuristic. There’s always something to be said about ‘coolness factor.’ The 10/22 comes with a weaver-style rail to mount a nice optic, so all you need to do is figure out what you need.
Another modification that is popular is to replace the standard magazine release. It is typically a small button that you have to press up to release the rotary magazine. This requires two hands in relatively the same place, and larger hands have a great deal of difficulty doing this. There are ‘extended’ magazine releases in every type, color, flavor and length. If you look around you’re sure to find something functional and good-looking as well. Once the stock is removed you only need to push a pin in one direction to remove the factory magazine release and feed the new magazine release in its place. Often times, this pin does not need to be completely removed, simplifying the installation.
A slightly more complex part replacement is the Bolt Release. The standard bolt release not only requires you to push it in a certain direction to lock the bolt in the open position, but in order to release the bolt to the closed/forward position, you must press the bolt release in another direction. This is a bit cumbersome and frustrating and leads to spending too much time manipulating the firearm instead of just having fun shooting. The 10/22 is a semi-auto with a spring-loaded bolt, why can’t you just pull back on the bolt handle and have it throw forward? You can! What is called an ‘auto-bolt release’ will allow you to do just that. The modification still requires you to lock the bolt back by pushing up on the rocker-type switch for the Bolt Release.
While there are some very good home-brew gunsmiths, there are many that cannot do trigger jobs. Don’t worry, though, there are many aftermarket manufacturers that have thought of that and make ‘drop-in’ trigger kits for the nasty 7.5lb-8lb factory trigger pull. These kits will drop your trigger pull down to whatever the poundage you ordered. The most popular for most target shooters is about 2.5lb. Usually this can be done by the average shooter by carefully following instructions, but a gunsmith may be involved if it looks over your head. These kits usually entail replacing the trigger, sear, sear spring, hammer and the trigger reset spring. Usually nothing but taking it to the range and breaking it in is necessary. Some do have an overtravel screw trigger adjustment. That will need to be set before the trip to the range.
In addition to niceties like an extended bolt handle, for better purchase when pulling it back, titanium firing pin, for better lock time, a high-end extractor, to help with stubborn cartridge extraction, one other thing that some consider a necessity is a target or match barrel. Most that upgrade their stock get one that can support a .920″ barrel. These are bull-barrels that provide better accuracy and, with certain features like vertical compensators, can reduce recoil allowing the shooter to improve reacquisition of the target. Barrel replacement usually isn’t too hard, although the older models can be stubborn to remove. Upgrade of the barrel requires removing the stock and then removing the barrel block (held in place with two hex-head screws), twisting the barrel out and reinserting and correctly aligning the new one. Typically the new target or match barrels will require a break-in time so don’t expect jam-free shooting sessions for a while.
As you can see, there are a bunch of things you can do to your Ruger 10/22 to improve shootability and ‘coolness factor’. Visiting the major online firearms resellers will only show you how many options you have to choose from, not what you can actually do. The most difficult part will be figuring out your end goal. Either way, there will be many like it, but this 10/22 will be yours.
About the Author
Having been into shooting for over 30 years, shooting has never been more fun and exciting with the technology today. Modifying all guns has been both exciting and challenging, but not as fun as getting newbies interested in shooting. The 10/22 has always been the gun of choice for the new person to start with, from child to adult, because the fit and purpose can be changed as the individual changes. Visit: http://www.funreviews.net for more info.
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