10/22 Upgrade - Cheap and Easy (with pics)

[Roswell]

Read all instructions before working on your gun. Do so at your own risk. I am not responsible for anything you do, EVER

NOTE: Sorry for the crappy image quality of my iPhone

Now that that junk is out of the way.   I began with a Ruger 10/22 on a black synthetic stock with a stainless steel barrel. Here are the Specs for those interested.  I made some simple upgrades; a scope, a bipod and a 25 round banana clip. It makes an already accurate rifle into a true small game harvesting machine.

 



This is what I started with.

 



Here it is pictured with the upgrades still in the box.

 

Upgrades Include:

1) Bushnell .22 Rimfire 4x32 Riflescope Matte Multi-X Reticle which is usually $43 at Opticsplanet, but was (and is at the time of me writing this) on sale for 30% off, also here is a coupon for an additional 5% off your entire order there. So, it came to $25. Thanks Goatdog for finding this one. If it is good enough for Goat then I guess I can live with it  

 

2) BARSKA Universal Barrel Mount Bipod which usually costs $60, but was (and is at the time of me writing this) on sale for $30 which means it qualifies for free shipping.  UTG also makes one for much cheaper, although it is built from aluminum rather than steel. I am sure it is durable and I know it is light but I would rather have the steel. The UTG also uses spring loaded clamps on it whereas the Barska is locked on with the allen wrench it comes with. Besides the other wouldn't qualify for free shipping so the price is pretty close. In addition, the Barska came with 2 sets of screws for various barrels. This will be very useful if I decide to move it to a mosin or something. Be warned, it may scratch the barrel a little if you are taking it on and off. I don't buy guns to resell them though so, I am ok with that.

 

3) Butler Creek 10/22 25-Round Magazine Cabela's has it for $20, but you might could find it for half that online. I have actually had major issues with this clip. It has never fed properly. However, I am planning on sending it back to the manufacturer. I am sure they will replace it. (if not get ready for a nasty review)

So, that is $75

tools needed:

two small screw drivers ( a flathead and a phillips) - You can use the screwdrivers from an eyeglass repair kit

possibly a pair of needle nose pliers (unnecessary if your screwdriver has a good handle, but it helps big time if using an eyeglass screwdriver)

 

On to the Project!

 

This may be easier with a gun rest, but I didn't have one and did fine. Also, while I have some serious experience with guns, especially .22s I am no gunsmith and I found this project to be very easy.

 

Since I didn't have a gunrest I decided that it would be best to put the bipod on first and that would give me a more stable platform to install the scope on. The bipod came with directions, an allen wrench and 2 sets of screws (one long set and one short one). Obviously, read the directions first, but it was very easy to install. I used the small screws, but kept the large ones as the bipod can be put on a mosin or even a shotgun for some slug action. I put it on, left it a little loose, looked down the sights to make sure I had it straight and then tightened down the screws.


Here it is fitted with the bipod

Next, it was time for the scope. This is a multi stage process. First came the rail. I believe the 10/22 comes with one of two different styles of rails in the package. Mine came with the weaver style rail. The installation of the rail is covered in the directions that came with the rifle. The hardest part of the whole thing is trying to remove the 4 screws on top of the action (make sure the gun is EMPTY). You will need a very sturdy screwdriver ( I used pliers to turn the screwdriver-not on the gun). The screws in the gun from the factory are tough! After you get those 4 screws out, position the rail in place, then screw it down with the screws that came with it.


Here is the rail and screws I forgot to put in the picture earlier, doh!

here are a couple pictures of the gun with the rail on it




The scope comes with its own directions, scope rings, lens cloth and a lens cover. I loosely slipped the rings onto the rail. Then I put the scope in the rings and loosely tightened the rings to it. I then positioned the gun in my shoulder and moved the scope back and forth. You want the crosshairs to be straight. You also want to make sure the scope is as far forward as possible while still providing you with the clearest view and the largest eye relief to allow for the largest field of view. Then when you have that just right tighten it all down. Not too tight that stuff breaks!


There it is with the scope on it.





Then just throw in a banana clip it is ready to rock! All for only $75!

[Roswell]

TIPS:

You can buy clear scope rings that allow you to use your iron sights if you need to which is pretty awesome. I may upgrade

You may also want to put a small drop of blue Loctite in each screw hole to hold everything extra tight.

I am more than likely getting a sling, probably just a nylon rig so I don't have to install any swivels.

[RipTombstone]

Another Tip: If you would add a set of sling swivels, of which the front one fits in the barrel band, you can use a Harris bipod or equivalent, and have full adjustability of the legs, etc. Some even swivel (if you need that).

+1 on the see thru scope mounts and the high cap mags. I have a pair of 30 rounders that I have had since I was in jr. high. I bought them at Walmart if that tells you how long ago that was. I love them rabbit hunting, as I dont have to mess with reloading and taking off my gloves.

RipT

[joeinwv]

Great writeup - nice mods that are typical first adds to a 10/22.

All of my long guns get a sling. For the average, offhand field positions a sling offers more stability than just about anything else.

I do not use see-through rings. Typically, they are too tall for a good repeatable cheek weld and do not offer the speed of iron sites.

I have a Bushnell scope and have been very happy - great cost / value products. I used the Ruger base, which is okay and Weaver rings, which I will likely replace.

I recommend using factory Ruger mags - most reliable option I have used. Can be carried in speedloader pouches.

For the 10/22 - the newer already include the extended mag release. I also recommend getting or modifying the bolt release to allow you to pull it back to release. Finally, I like to install a bolt buffer. This is a plastic rod that replaces the steel rod in the back of the action. Reduces steel on steel contact and quiets the cyclic noise of the weapon.

I also like to do a little trigger work, I can recommend the VQ bolt handle and recoil rod, and either mod or buy an auto bolt release. Yours look to be the newer version, which has the extended mag release - otherwise, this is a needed add-on. I have the B&C polymer version.

[thenoocher]

Roswell,

Great post +1.  Isn't it amazing what another $75 will do to a 10/22! 

[Sister Wolf]

I am not responsible for anything you do, EVER

Extremist!  Libertarian!  Freedom lover!  CAPITALIST!  

Seriously, that's a fantastic quote that needs to be remembered. It's the only warning that any product should ever come with.  "Warning: We are not responsible for anything you do, EVER.  That is all."

Edit:  Oh, cool gun.  (what?)

[Roswell]

Another Tip: If you would add a set of sling swivels, of which the front one fits in the barrel band, you can use a Harris bipod or equivalent, and have full adjustability of the legs, etc. Some even swivel (if you need that).

+1 on the see thru scope mounts and the high cap mags. I have a pair of 30 rounders that I have had since I was in jr. high. I bought them at Walmart if that tells you how long ago that was. I love them rabbit hunting, as I dont have to mess with reloading and taking off my gloves.

RipT

Actually, the bipod I installed has extend-able and retractable legs.

I thought about adding swivels and I may. However, I wanted all the mods in this to be easily reversible so as not to hurt the resale. I don't plain on reselling it, but I just wanted to show people that they can really improve an already accurate rifle without having to drill or do any other physical work to the rifle. True, I could get swivels that just mount to the band of the barrel, but I don't want to drill for a swivel in the back and I don't think I can anyway because the stock is synthetic. So, I just one see the point in spending $20 for one swivel. I am just going to get a nylon sling or better yet , make one out of paracord.

Great writeup - nice mods that are typical first adds to a 10/22.

All of my long guns get a sling. For the average, offhand field positions a sling offers more stability than just about anything else.

I do not use see-through rings. Typically, they are too tall for a good repeatable cheek weld and do not offer the speed of iron sites.

I have a Bushnell scope and have been very happy - great cost / value products. I used the Ruger base, which is okay and Weaver rings, which I will likely replace.

I recommend using factory Ruger mags - most reliable option I have used. Can be carried in speedloader pouches.

For the 10/22 - the newer already include the extended mag release. I also recommend getting or modifying the bolt release to allow you to pull it back to release. Finally, I like to install a bolt buffer. This is a plastic rod that replaces the steel rod in the back of the action. Reduces steel on steel contact and quiets the cyclic noise of the weapon.

I also like to do a little trigger work, I can recommend the VQ bolt handle and recoil rod, and either mod or buy an auto bolt release. Yours look to be the newer version, which has the extended mag release - otherwise, this is a needed add-on. I have the B&C polymer version.

Thanks Joe.

Yes, it is new so it came with the extended mag release. I'll think about the other mods. I just wanted to show some stuff that could be done without really altering the factory settings.

Roswell,

Great post +1.  Isn't it amazing what another $75 will do to a 10/22! 

Thanks buddy

Extremist!  Libertarian!  Freedom lover!  CAPITALIST! 

Seriously, that's a fantastic quote that needs to be remembered. It's the only warning that any product should ever come with.  "Warning: We are not responsible for anything you do, EVER.  That is all."

Edit:  Oh, cool gun.  (what?)

Thanks SW  I agree that is the only warning anyone should ever want or need.

what is the what about?

[phargolf]

So COOL! I truly love the ruger 10/22, even more than my sks's

[joeinwv]

That's the great part of the 10/22 - almost everything is a drop in part, so it is very easy to get back to stock.

I have a bag of parts around here somewhere, and even if you do some trigger work - you can buy the hammer, sear, etc for minimal cost online.

I really recommend the recoil buffer - all you do is drive out the rear metal pin and insert the plastic replacement, about 10 seconds work. Even if you are not worried about the metal to metal contact of the stock part, it makes the gun even quieter. From the bolt you only hear a ka-chud, ka-chud, ka-chud.

Again, good post.

[beagle]

check out www.rimfirecentral.com

read, watch video links, study the "10/22 action" forum, and then do a trigger job yourself (almost free!!)

you will be amazed at the before and after feel!!!

[Patriot:Ex Machina]

Bump for good info.

[ncjeeper]

I have the exact gun and need to do some of those neat upgrades.

[boboroshi]

Nice stuff! I have a military style set of iron sights to put on mine, but these mods look great as well. Decisions decisions! I'll probably scope my bolt action .22 first.

[Roswell]

Thanks for the bump Pat and the kind words from you all.

I definitely recommend these mods.  I did them all in about a half hour... total and that was only because I was watching tv.  I like being able to mod it fast like that. So, in the field and the scope breaks. bam! I can get it off in under 2 minutes.  And the bi-pod can easily be transferred to pretty much any of my long guns in under ten minutes (total - getting it off one gun and on another).  Not only were the mods cheap, but they were also versatile. 

I've also since added a paracord sling I braided as well. Cheap. Easy. And the possible uses are endless.  I'll take pics when I can.

[templar223]

I see you have that bipod hooked onto the barrel.

You're probably going to find your POI is going to jump around depending on whether or not you're using the bipod and how much weight you're putting on it.

You should never attach things like that to your barrel directly.  It kinda messes with the accuracy.

Besides, with a good sling and some (Appleseed) knowledge, you'll be a better shooter than using that bipod anyway.

John

[Maryetta]

Yours is really cool! Can I share mine too?

This is my toy    the basic (no trigger work or anything) Ruger 10/22 with a Boyds Gunstock SS Evolution
Ambidextrous Thumbhole Stock with a Bushnell Circle X Banner scope.
http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/Replacement-Stocks-for-the-Ruger-10-22-s/40.htm - I got the stock on sale for 84.00
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=BH&prodID=BH713944AP&prodTitle=Bushnell%20Banner%203-9x40%20Riflescope%20Circle-X%20Reticle%20RealTree%20AP - while this is a camo scope and mine is black (out of stock??) I bought the scope at Natchez for $65.00.
This is my Appleseed toy when it's loaded with round points, and hunting rifle when I put the cci segmenting hollow points in it...  

[Patriot:Ex Machina]

That is a beautiful 10/22, Maryetta!
That's a darn good price on that stock too.

[Greywolf27]

One of these days i will get around to adding a 10/22 to my collection.  For the time being, my only 22 LR is a Rem model 34 that was my grandfather's.

I have to say though, the 10/22 my brother has put together will take off the nozzle from a spray paint can at 70 yds... repeatedly... ask me how I know

You two have some awesome pieces!!!

absolutely ridiculous what you can do to one of these. 

[Maryetta]

That is a beautiful 10/22, Maryetta!
That's a darn good price on that stock too.

Thanks!  I considered the bull barrel as we shoot so much at an Appleseed, but I couldn't take the added weight due to my physical restrictions (I have MS) so it kept the stock barrel.  I have added the swivels for the sling and use the plain canvas sling as that gives me the stabilization for a shot from any position.  Just 'cause though, I may be looking for a better color than od green...  although... there is some of that green in the stock... so maybe not, I've really not decided.

[Bradbn4]

This was my first kit rifle - the heavy barrel is, well heavy.  The next version of this rifle I will build will use an ultra light weight barrel by Whistle Pig or a Kidd (http://coolguyguns.com/).  The ruger 10/22 platform is easy to work on. 

 -

The only non-tweaked parts on that rifle are the pins to hold the receiver and trigger together which were made by Ruger.

The only other parts in the rifle made by Ruger is the trigger - and that was tuned by Clark Custom guns.

It too me over a year to afford the parts, bit by bit - It does shoot quite well considering what a new stock Ruger 10/22 shoots like.

Once I find a good rifle scope that gives me the a good quality optics I will replace the 50 dollar red dot. 

What I would like to build would be a 17 hmr version of the above rifle.  The price of the 17 hmr ammo is on price of the 22 mag. 

[Roswell]

I see you have that bipod hooked onto the barrel.

You're probably going to find your POI is going to jump around depending on whether or not you're using the bipod and how much weight you're putting on it.

You should never attach things like that to your barrel directly.  It kinda messes with the accuracy.

Besides, with a good sling and some (Appleseed) knowledge, you'll be a better shooter than using that bipod anyway.

John

I hooked the bi-pod onto the barrel because I didn't want to do any drilling.  While it looks temporary I actually leave the bi-pod on the gun permanently.  I only use it for some prone plinking.  I do agree though that if I was going back and forth between using it and not using it then I would definitely zero it in each time I switched.  I use a laser boresighter and try to sight it in as often as I can just in case the optics got bumped.  I know leaving the bipod on makes it less versatile, but I have other .22s

I have since put a paracord sling on that I fashioned as well.

I haven't been to Appleseed (yet, I definitely want to go) however, I did used to teach rifle shooting at Boy Scout camp and consider myself a pretty good shot with a .22

[joeinwv]

...

Once I find a good rifle scope that gives me the a good quality optics I will replace the 50 dollar red dot. 

...

Check out the Mueller APV - very nice for the money. If that is too big / heavy, I would look at a Bushnell 3200 fixed 10x.

[Bradbn4]

Check out the Mueller APV - very nice for the money. If that is too big / heavy, I would look at a Bushnell 3200 fixed 10x.

Thanks, I had seen them before when I first did this Ruger 10/22 build.  I have now saved the book mark from the manufacture so when the budget allows I can but a long distant scope on this rifle.

http://www.muelleroptics.com/products/scopes

The  Mueller scopes seems to be very good from for money (reference rim fire center) a worth while addition.

For the folks that want to replace their old Ruger 10/22 plastic trigger groups with something better, you can buy the parts from http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/RugerOEMtrigger.html and do your own trigger job, or let them do the work for you.

[County Ass Clown]

OK, glad I found this.  I am looking at getting a 10-22 setup and needed some advice.  Here are some links to Cabellas for the items that I wish to upgrade to.  I was wondering, is there a specific base model 10-22 that I should purchase to begin these upgrades or does every model have the same basic receiver?  I am pretty handy so should I attempt these upgrade myself or ask a pro to help?

Stock:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fproduct%2FKeystone-Sporting-Arms-Revolution-Extreme-1022174-Thumbhole-Stock%2F741641.uts%3FNtk%3DAllProducts%26searchPath%3D%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%253Fform_state%253DsearchForm%2526N%253D0%2526fsch%253Dtrue%2526Ntk%253DAllProducts%2526Ntt%253D229771%2526x%253D0%2526y%253D0%2526WTz_l%253DHeader%25253BSearch-All%252BProducts%26Ntt%3D229771%26WTz_l%3DHeader%3BSearch-All%2BProducts&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOInMjvgNlmu21A7JipiQge9t6NA


Barrel:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fproduct%2FTactical-Solutions-1022-Barrels%2F741608.uts%3FNtk%3DAllProducts%26searchPath%3D%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%253Fform_state%253DsearchForm%2526N%253D0%2526fsch%253Dtrue%2526Ntk%253DAllProducts%2526Ntt%253D227908%2526x%253D0%2526y%253D0%2526WTz_l%253DHeader%25253BSearch-All%252BProducts%26Ntt%3D227908%26WTz_l%3DHeader%3BSearch-All%2BProducts&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG0oxM284Q0V14RA8z1NJIEixpFcA

Compensator:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fproduct%2FTactical-Solutions-1022-Picatinny-Scope-Rail-and-Compensator%2F741607.uts%3FNtk%3DAllProducts%26searchPath%3D%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%253Fform_state%253DsearchForm%2526N%253D0%2526fsch%253Dtrue%2526Ntk%253DAllProducts%2526Ntt%253D227907%2526x%253D0%2526y%253D0%2526WTz_l%253DHeader%25253BSearch-All%252BProducts%26Ntt%3D227907%26WTz_l%3DHeader%3BSearch-All%2BProducts&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFfcIdpQ15dzlNi4h1ziY2-RQ9phA

Picatinny:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fproduct%2FTactical-Solutions-1022-Picatinny-Scope-Rail-and-Compensator%2F741607.uts%3FNtk%3DAllProducts%26searchPath%3D%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%253Fform_state%253DsearchForm%2526N%253D0%2526fsch%253Dtrue%2526Ntk%253DAllProducts%2526Ntt%253D227907%2526x%253D0%2526y%253D0%2526WTz_l%253DHeader%25253BSearch-All%252BProducts%26Ntt%3D227907%26WTz_l%3DHeader%3BSearch-All%2BProducts&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFfcIdpQ15dzlNi4h1ziY2-RQ9phA

[Smurf Hunter]

Here are my must have 10/22 mods regardless of the mission:

1) auto bolt release - you can do yourself with a dremel, or buy an $8 part
2) extended mag release - fit this to your purpose.  I don't like the biggest ones for field use, as they can snag
3) stick with rotary 10 round mags.  You can lay prone and they won't get knocked loose if you bump into a tree limb

For everything but a match/bench gun:

1) sling swivels
2) polish the bolt surfaces
3) polish the inside of the receiver

Nice to have, but wouldn't do it one every 10/22:

1) drill a hole in the rear of the receiver to align with the barrel - allows a cleaning rod.  Edge case considering bore snakes, but would ease in inspections or resolving a squib load
2) trigger upgrade/job
3) over sized charging handle
4) gun smithing to leave the bolt open when mag empties - there is a fancy way to achieve this without using specialized mags
5) threaded barrel for tacticool add-ons

In general I'm not a fan of any modification that reduces reliability, unless I have a dedicated "match" gun that never sees the bush.  Likewise adding a few pounds in weight to a 10/22 seems counter intuitive, but I won't judge if you insist on a 40mm variable scope, bull barrel and bi-pod - even though a .22lr won't do much beyond 150 yards .

[MacReady]

I have since put a paracord sling on that I fashioned as well.

Can you post pics and instructions (or a link) on how you made the paracord sling.   I have a 10/22 in desert digital and I plan on adding a paracord sling.  Pics to follow.

[Roswell]

Can you post pics and instructions (or a link) on how you made the paracord sling.   I have a 10/22 in desert digital and I plan on adding a paracord sling.  Pics to follow.

Sure. I'll get pics when I can.  I basically took 9 strands of paracord, each 8 feet long.  I braided them so there were three sets of three. Then I took those and braided them together. Then I just tied it onto the gun. I might have done a different style sling if I had installed swivels. However, I want to do all the mods without and drilling at all.  If I wanted to I could return my 10/22 to factory in under 5 minutes with a small phillips screwdriver.

[Smurf Hunter]

I noticed a local gun shop in my area sells the original 10/22 wood stocks for $10.  They are leftover from aftermarket replacements the shop does.  If you are paranoid about drilling, or floating a barrel, etc. that's cheap insurance.   Honestly, tapping in swivel studs is not difficult or scary.  The wood isn't hard like in a custom hunting rifle that costs thousands.

Also, they had stock barrels for $25.  I wouldn't recommend removing your barrel from receiver unless you know what you're doing, but for machinist types who want to attempt turning some threads or other tricks, might be a good route to take.

[Bradbn4]

author=County Ass Clown link
OK, glad I found this.  I am looking at getting a 10-22 setup and needed some advice.  Here are some links to Cabellas for the items that I wish to upgrade to.  I was wondering, is there a specific base model 10-22 that I should purchase to begin these upgrades or does every model have the same basic receiver?  I am pretty handy so should I attempt these upgrade myself or ask a pro to help?

Stock:
Fajen style - I like the one I have - not much tweaking to get it to fit.  I picked up a boyds
http://www.boydsgunstocks.com/  The referenced on on your link looks to be a close match to their hardware.  It does look nice but I think Boyds can be a bunch cheaper.

Barrel:
Tactical-Solutions-1022-Barrels is a good barrel - should get some good accuracy.  Go to rim fire central and hit some of their sponsors.  You might be able to find a better price on this barrel. I do like http://coolguyguns.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=55 for the price on a light weight barrel.  But that barrel might cost the same amount as a discounted new in the box Ruger 10/22.


Compensator / Picatinny:
Picatinny can be very useful, not sure how much jump you expect off a 22 for the Compensator.  However I would consider it just because it does look nice.

Not much real hard work was required to build my Ruger 10/22. I ended up doing  bit of fitting to the stock due to the non-oem receiver I used.  Also a bit of sanding was required on the barrel to get a tight but serviceable fit.   You might want to get a torque wrench when putting on the barrel back on the receiver.

Best website to know more about your 10/22 and check out on reviews - - rim fire central - some how to take apart your file - -


http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251893




The "true" Ruger 10/22 use the basic same receiver - and the core parts about the same.  You might get some differences in their higher end versions of the 10/22, but I would expect that to be in the barrel and maybe trigger assembly.

The target model might give you an upgrade on the trigger / barrel combo encase you want to keep it - or figure out that you did not need to upgrade more than the stock.   Most of the stocks are based on the bull barrel design to give it that "perfect" look.

[County Ass Clown]

@ Bradbn4

Thanks, I like the links that you provided.  I think that I will seek out a high end version and see what is included then maybe upgrade from there.

Thanks Again
The Councilman :-)