Ruger 10-22 problem

PeterJ · Apr 24, 2026

Pulled my 10-22 out of storage since last summer when it was sighted in at 25 yds. Frist shot, I couldn't hit a 2" target. Next, I aimed about a foot high and hit the bottom RH corner of the target. Could not get the scope zeroed. Found a Sig red dot I had laying around and put it on and had it zeroed in after about 4 shots. Stuck another mag in and little by little, hits drifted off till I was at least a foot off center. What ? I got to thinking, I had put an aftermarket barrel on last year to get threads for a can, so I tried putting the old barrel back on with the iron sights. Shoots fine now. Every heard of a barrel doing what I experienced ?

TJm15.38 · Apr 24, 2026

The 10/22 has been subjected to a plethora of aftermarket parts and accessories over the years. Honestly, most of it is not necessary. I have owned my 10/22 in standard configuration with a hardwood stock and no modifications since 1981. It is equipped with a Nikon Prostaff fixed 4X rimfire scope and shoots one-inch groups with the right ammo at 50 yards; tough to beat for a sporting rifle. My much newer Ruger American Rimfire has a better trigger, but only beats the 10/22 barely. Sometimes it's best to leave them as they came from the factory.

Empe · Apr 24, 2026

It sounds like the barrel bolts may have loosened causing the barrel to shift slightly as it it was shot and warmed up ....possibly ?

gdogs · Apr 24, 2026

Definitely sounds like an issue with the barrel. Since it was shooting ok before, I would guess that the v-block had loosened up, or wasn't making complete contact between the barrel and receiver.

target tech · Apr 26, 2026

I have one 10/22 that I put a Volquartsen carbon fiber barrel on back in 2000 or so. Back then, I had to heat the receiver up with a hair dryer quite a bit, and work fast when I swapped the tubes. The old and new were in real tight, even without the v block and bolts. From what I understand, the newer guns aren’t that way anymore. I think they are more of a slip fit.

gwpercle · Apr 27, 2026

The shifting zero with two different sights seems to point to the new barrel mounting set up ... it's not holding steady , shifting around ... Check Mounting Bolts and seat .
I would think about returning that barrel if it wont bolt up solidly !
Gary

PeterJ · Apr 30, 2026

The barrel does go in without any heat or trouble, but it seems to fit solidly in the V-block. Perhaps something is heating up and loosening up when things heat up.

Eric300 · Apr 30, 2026

Make sure the V-Block is fitting properly to the barrel and receiver lug. Put a dab on BLUE Loc-Tite on the V-Block screws. Tighten each screw evenly on both sides alternating back and forth between the two. Torque to 15 to 20 In/Lbs. If you don't have a gunsmith torque driver just snug both screws. You don't need to go caveman on them, just tightly snug. You didn't specify what type of barrel you put on but if it's an all-steel .920 barrel make sure you're not getting any barrel droop. If you see any droop, you might consider getting a Gunsmither V-block

Ruger 10-22 problem

PeterJ

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TJm15.38

Empe

gdogs

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target tech

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gwpercle

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PeterJ

US Veteran

Eric300

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