Building a custom Ruger 10/22

[David LaPell]

Back in 1995 I bought my first .22 rifle which was a Ruger 10/22. I had it for awhile, shot a few squirrels, even a couple of beavers that were causing problems at my grandfather's pond. But something about the way the Ruger 10/22 was never quite fit with me so I sold it and didn't buy another one again until Ruger came out with the 10/22 takedown. I had that for even less time, something about that gun didn't fit either, and maybe had the Magpul stock been out then, I would have kept it. Then I had a 10/22 carbine, shot it for awhile but like the others, something didn't fit me.

So I was looking at getting another .22 rifle, either a Ruger American rimfire but I really wanted to give the 10/22 another chance. But this time I really wanted to do something different, so I researched different barrels, stocks, etc. and finally decided on what I wanted to do.

This started as a standard 10/22 carbine I picked up a month ago. I've swapped out the barrel with a Shaw bull barrel and added a Hogue stock. I've got an extended mag release on the way and a longer charging handle which I wasn't going to get but the scope turrets kind of get in the way. The scope is a Simmons Whitetail classic 4x, where I am the longest shot on anything, let alone a squirrel is probably going to be 60-70 yards tops. I've got a Caldwell bi-pod coming for it too. Today I broke in the barrel, which was with CCI Standard velocity ammo.

Per Shaw's instructions, I fired 30 rounds in 5 round strings, cleaning the barrel every five rounds, and then 70 rounds in ten round strings, cleaning every ten rounds. In between strings I also adjusted the scope, but today wasn't as much about accuracy as breaking in the barrel. I will play around with group size later when I shoot it again.

The one thing I can say is, I really love this rifle. It fits me, it has the weight I think a .22 rifle should have, the 10/22 always felt too light to me, but this gun finally feels like a .22 rifle should.

[kbm6893]

Originally Posted by David LaPell

Back in 1995 I bought my first .22 rifle which was a Ruger 10/22. I had it for awhile, shot a few squirrels, even a couple of beavers that were causing problems at my grandfather's pond. But something about the way the Ruger 10/22 was never quite fit with me so I sold it and didn't buy another one again until Ruger came out with the 10/22 takedown. I had that for even less time, something about that gun didn't fit either, and maybe had the Magpul stock been out then, I would have kept it. Then I had a 10/22 carbine, shot it for awhile but like the others, something didn't fit me.

So I was looking at getting another .22 rifle, either a Ruger American rimfire but I really wanted to give the 10/22 another chance. But this time I really wanted to do something different, so I researched different barrels, stocks, etc. and finally decided on what I wanted to do.

This started as a standard 10/22 carbine I picked up a month ago. I've swapped out the barrel with a Shaw bull barrel and added a Hogue stock. I've got an extended mag release on the way and a longer charging handle which I wasn't going to get but the scope turrets kind of get in the way. The scope is a Simmons Whitetail classic 4x, where I am the longest shot on anything, let alone a squirrel is probably going to be 60-70 yards tops. I've got a Caldwell bi-pod coming for it too. Today I broke in the barrel, which was with CCI Standard velocity ammo.

Per Shaw's instructions, I fired 30 rounds in 5 round strings, cleaning the barrel every five rounds, and then 70 rounds in ten round strings, cleaning every ten rounds. In between strings I also adjusted the scope, but today wasn't as much about accuracy as breaking in the barrel. I will play around with group size later when I shoot it again.

The one thing I can say is, I really love this rifle. It fits me, it has the weight I think a .22 rifle should have, the 10/22 always felt too light to me, but this gun finally feels like a .22 rifle should.

Sweet! I’ve had my 10/22 for nearly 20 years and I’ve changed out a few of the internals. I have it in a Tapco collapsible stock but I’ve moved away from the tactical look and plan to put a bull barrel and a Hogue stock on mine. How was it changing out the barrel? Any issues?

[David LaPell]

Originally Posted by kbm6893

Sweet! I’ve had my 10/22 for nearly 20 years and I’ve changed out a few of the internals. I have it in a Tapco collapsible stock but I’ve moved away from the tactical look and plan to put a bull barrel and a Hogue stock on mine. How was it changing out the barrel? Any issues?

Pulling the old barrel out was harder than putting the new one in. The old barrel was really jammed in there, and it took a bit of gentle work to get it out. The Shaw barrel dropped in so much easier. I did change out the barrel block with a new stainless one as well. The new barrel was put on in less than two minutes.

[Drm50]

Guess what, I’ve had 10/22 since they first came out in 1960s. I bought my first one at Ohio Gun Collector show when it was in Vets Auditorium in Columbus for around $40. A little more than their auto pistol at $37.50.
This was carbine with barrel band. Later I bought each new model as they came out. The bottom line of this rambling is the older 10/22s did what all these after market barrels do. This is with the exception of the full heavy target conversions. The Bean Counters ruined the 10/22. If I was going to fluff up a 10/22 I would look for a older model with metal lower housing.
A stock extender and trigger/ hammer kit in old model gun $50 will work wonders on them. I have done dozens of 10/22s for customers and I have found that the newer models do not have barrels as good as originals.

[Ivan the Butcher]

I bought the Deluxe model in 1973 with 3 spare mags and 2 bricks of Winchester Wildcat ammo for my old single shot and $40! (The SS was unmarked as to brand and the dealer though it was an Australian Winchester, but I had $15 in it, so total dollars cost was 55.) I was and still am happy with that deal!

Ivan

[ajgunner]

Originally Posted by Drm50

Guess what, I’ve had 10/22 since they first came out in 1960s. I bought my first one at Ohio Gun Collector show when it was in Vets Auditorium in Columbus for around $40. A little more than their auto pistol at $37.50.
This was carbine with barrel band. Later I bought each new model as they came out. The bottom line of this rambling is the older 10/22s did what all these after market barrels do. This is with the exception of the full heavy target conversions. The Bean Counters ruined the 10/22. If I was going to fluff up a 10/22 I would look for a older model with metal lower housing.
A stock extender and trigger/ hammer kit in old model gun $50 will work wonders on them. I have done dozens of 10/22s for customers and I have found that the newer models do not have barrels as good as originals.

I have been using the term "classic" for the 10-22's that are pre-plastic parts. One day I hope the term catches on and it makes all of mine worth a bit more on the open market. Just hoping that the younger guys will someday figure out that steel, wood, and aluminum is actually superior to the new plastic stuff. Everyone please feel free to start using the term "classic" whenever you describe any of the pre-plastic 10-22.

No plastic parts on any of these "Classic" 10-22's.


The one on the bottom is my first, and still the first one I grab. Other than a bit of polishing on the trigger parts, it is pretty much stock including the barrel. Bought in the late 70's for $79.

[kbm6893]

Originally Posted by David LaPell

Pulling the old barrel out was harder than putting the new one in. The old barrel was really jammed in there, and it took a bit of gentle work to get it out. The Shaw barrel dropped in so much easier. I did change out the barrel block with a new stainless one as well. The new barrel was put on in less than two minutes.

I remember taking the barrel off years ago for a good clean. I remember it coming out so easily. I also remember just making sure extractor fit into the notch and it was right back on.

[Alton]

My biggest complaint on a stock 10/22 was the gun didn't fit me. The I found this one with a 20" heavy barrel. At 25 yards 10 rounds in the same hole with CCI Standard Ammo.

[SJK2]

Originally Posted by ajgunner

I have been using the term "classic" for the 10-22's that are pre-plastic parts. One day I hope it catches on and it makes all of mine worth a bit more on the open market. Just hoping that the younger guys will someday figure out that steel, wood, and aluminum is actually superior to the new plastic stuff. Everyone please feel free to start using the term "classic" whenever you describe any of the pre-plastic 10-22.

No plastic parts on any of these "Classic" 10-22's.


The one on the bottom is my first and still the first one I grab. Other than a bit of polishing on the trigger parts, it is pretty much stock including the barrel. Bought in the late 70's for $79.

Whose stock is that on the "one on the bottom", yours pic.???

[Eric300]

Nice job OP! It really looks good. 10-22's out-of-the box aren't much to brag about. The great thing about them is there is sooooo much aftermarket stuff out there to really make them shoot well. Sure, when it's all said and done you might have $1000.00+/- into it, but, it sure makes it more fun to shoot.

Magpul X-22 stock
Volquartsen TG-2000 Trigger Group
Volquartsen Competition Bolt Group
Green Mountain 16" Blue Fluted Barrel (hand lapped/free floated)
Adjustable V-Block
Polished Receiver (Internal)
Nylon Bolt Buffer
TacSol Rail
Mueller APV 4.5-14 x 40 AO Scope
Burris -Rings

[ajgunner]

The bottom one is an old/early Fajen. I have an old thumb/wrist injury and the thumb hole stocks change my grip angle a bit to make it more comfortable. When you shoot sage rats from dawn to dusk it makes a huge difference. For those not familiar with sage rats, this link will help you understand. It will also explain why a guy needs multiple guns---one starts acting up you just grab a replacement. Gun cleaning is best done after the rats go to bed.

YouTube

[LCC]

If the only rifle you owned was a 10/22, you'd be ok...this one from 1967.

[H Richard]

"Grin", most everyone I know has a 10-22, and most don't look anything like they did when leaving the factory. Sorry I don't have pictures of mine presently, but needless to say, only the action is actually original Ruger. The barrel is bedded and the action is floated. Heavy barrel, action job, extended mag release, custom laminated stock, scope. From the bench it will group under a half inch at 50 yards.

[David LaPell]

Originally Posted by ajgunner

The bottom one is an old/early Fajen. I have an old thumb/wrist injury and the thumb hole stocks change my grip angle a bit to make it more comfortable. When you shoot sage rats from dawn to dusk it makes a huge difference. For those not familiar with sage rats, this link will help you understand. It will also explain why a guy needs multiple guns---one starts acting up you just grab a replacement. Gun cleaning is best done after the rats go to bed.

sage rats galore 2015 - YouTube

The way those rats are sailing through the air, that's definitely not a .22 LR, something with a lot more oomph than that. Last time I saw fur flying like that it was a .204 Ruger or a .220 Swift.

[ajgunner]

Originally Posted by David LaPell

The way those rats are sailing through the air, that's definitely not a .22 LR, something with a lot more oomph than that. Last time I saw fur flying like that it was a .204 Ruger or a .220 Swift.

Lots of them do actually fly like that even with just a 22lr. Sometime it is just from taking the dirt out from under them and they make a hasty retreat. Most shots with anything bigger than 22, totally obliterates them---nothing to fly but pieces. When we get on a field that is that infested, when things slow down by mid day we will switch over to either longer range 204 or 223, or shoot only doubles and better. Doubles are more common than you would think, triples are once in a while. I have personally witnessed 5 killed with just a single 22lr shot. I just don't have the patience to line that many up when I can keep piling up the singles.


These are babies, but as soon as the come above ground they are eating the farms alfalfa so become open game. Pretty much explains how easy it is to shoot doubles or better.

[BigBill]

Chicken catchatore.? In tomato gravy it all tastes good.

[Gunhacker]

I bought my 10-22 in 1976... it stayed stock up until I caught the customizing bug over at Rimfire Central a few years ago.

Lots of good information there on improving the 10-22, one of which is adding a lug to the rear of the receiver, that fits into an inletted slot in the rear of the stock.

It really helps with the extra weight of a free float bull barrel hanging off of the front of the receiver by anchoring it (the receiver) to stock.

[steelslaver]

Originally Posted by BigBill

Chicken catchatore.? In tomato gravy it all tastes good.

If you went up to a fresh killed pasture poodle and saw the number of fleas that were abandoning ship you wouldn't even joke about eating one.

[Eric300]

Originally Posted by steelslaver

If you went up to a fresh killed pasture poodle and saw the number of fleas that were abandoning ship you wouldn't even joke about eating one.

Say yer prayers ya flea bitten varmint!

[boykinlp]

Originally Posted by ajgunner

I have been using the term "classic" for the 10-22's that are pre-plastic parts. Just hoping that the younger guys will someday figure out that steel, wood, and aluminum is actually superior to the new plastic stuff.

What year did the 10-22 start coming with plastic parts? Thanks.
Larry

[Eric300]

Originally Posted by boykinlp

What year did the 10-22 start coming with plastic parts? Thanks.
Larry

I'm thinking right around 2008ish. Mostly the trigger group and the barrel band (on the models that have a barrel band).

[boykinlp]

I bet farmers are fit to be tied with the varmits!
Larry

[D Brown]

I've had a bunch over the years, but currently just these three.

Ruger 10-22's
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All have MAGPUL stocks and Shaw barrels.

[Igiveup]

Here in south central Oregon (east side) we call those sage rats "squeaks". They are devastating to an alfalfa field, and multiply fast.

[Jebus35745]

Dave you built a nice gun. I wasn’t looking to build a 10/22 but stumbled on one with internal Volquartsen parts, a midway barrel and Boyd stock. It was priced cheap so it’s in the safe. The barrel seemed too heavy for carrying around the woods, about 3 lbs. Ordered a Volquartsen tension barrel with the aluminum sleeve and will install today hopefully. The Midway barrel is very accurate and will be for sale soon. Fun gun so far, hope.22 ammo comes back cause this gun eats it fast. Enjoy your gun, Larry

[Borderboss]

Lots of nice rifles here. I really like shooting 10/22s. I do have a stock one, but my fave is still this one that I bought in roughly 1990 from Kay Clark at a match we were both shooting. The action is great and the Clark Custom barrel is a real tack driver out to 100 yards, which is as far as I've shot it. At the same match I bought the stock from Mike Turner because it fits great and it was purty too. The scope is a Burris 6-24 Rimfire scope, so it's great for dialing in little targets far away.

[jag1954]

I just picked up my Ruger 10/22 carbine w/Viridian EON 3-9x40 Scope today at the LGS. Lots of good input here. Looking forward to some plinking and varmint hunting with it.

[Fishinfool]

OP - If you haven't touched the trigger yet, I would take a look at the Ruger factory "BX" replacement trigger. They run about $60, and are easy to install. I put one on my 10/22 International, and it made a big difference for the better.

Larry

[ajgunner]

Originally Posted by Igiveup

Here in south central Oregon (east side) we call those sage rats "squeaks". They are devastating to an alfalfa field, and multiply fast.

Kevin
Please let me know if you or any farmers you know, need any help with population control.
I would be happy to bring a friend or 2 and can put a serious dent in them in just a day or 2 of shooting.