Volquartsen Rimfire Rifles

[CptCurl]

Does anybody have experience with the Volquartsen rimfire rifles built on the Ruger 10/22 type action?

I have been thinking of one in .22LR or .17HMR but don't know whether to jump.

Any experience, observations, or other advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Curl

 

[iwanna]

They are expensive. That's all I know. Lots of nice .22's out there for over a thousand. You can buy a Kimber for that kind of money. I bought a Sako Quad 4 used with all 4 barrels and metal case for around 1500.00. I just sold a Sako M78 for about half that.



Bottom line: it's a Ruger 10/22. You might consider building your own 10/22. I know it wouldn't stack up to the Volquartsen, but far less costly. (I have a 10/22 shark stock I'd be happy to part with to get you started.)

I'd be shopping for a nice used Cooper.

 

[Bastogne71]

It was my intention to build a 10/22 "custom" rifle. Starting with a standard Ruger, I was going to replace the barrel, stock, trigger group, & other parts and have an accurate rifle with everything I wanted on it. Before I got started on the project, I saw a Volquartsen Superlite at a gunshow. It was everything I wanted but with a factory guarantee and no assembly required. The best part was it much less expensive than buying all the parts.
With Wolf ME it averages (not one or two lucky groups) just under half inch groups at 50 yards. The only change I've made was to replace the safety with a left handed version. I love mine and strongly recommend one if you want an accurate well made 22 semiautomatic rifle.

 

[CptCurl]

It was my intention to build a 10/22 "custom" rifle. Starting with a standard Ruger, I was going to replace the barrel, stock, trigger group, & other parts and have an accurate rifle with everything I wanted on it. Before I got started on the project, I saw a Volquartsen Superlite at a gunshow. It was everything I wanted but with a factory guarantee and no assembly required. The best part was it much less expensive than buying all the parts.
With Wolf ME it averages (not one or two lucky groups) just under half inch groups at 50 yards. The only change I've made was to replace the safety with a left handed version. I love mine and strongly recommend one if you want an accurate well made 22 semiautomatic rifle.

My thoughts have centered on the stainless steel full weight model. You bought the superlight. Did you consider the heavier model? If so, how did you make your decision? For me, usually I shoot better with a little more weight.

Thanks,
Curl

 

[CptCurl]

They are expensive. That's all I know. Lots of nice .22's out there for over a thousand. You can buy a Kimber for that kind of money. I bought a Sako Quad 4 used with all 4 barrels and metal case for around 1500.00. I just sold a Sako M78 for about half that.



Bottom line: it's a Ruger 10/22. You might consider building your own 10/22. I know it wouldn't stack up to the Volquartsen, but far less costly. (I have a 10/22 shark stock I'd be happy to part with to get you started.)

I'd be shopping for a nice used Cooper.

I've had the same thoughts too. Maybe that's why I'm still on the fence. I have several top-drawer bolt action .22s, so shopping for another is not my goal.

As for the Volquartsen, I am leaning toward the .17HMR. I have had a hankering for that caliber but never scratched the itch.

Maybe I'm just wanting to do something a bit wilder. My first .22 rifle was a 10/22 way back in the late '60s.

Probably I need somebody to talk me out of this notion. Sitting here with snow on the ground and temperature in the teens can lead to bad behavior!

 

[Bastogne71]

CptCurl,

I got the SL because I wanted a lightweight walk in the woods squirrel rifle that was accurate enough that if the squirrel escaped, I couldn't blame the rifle or ammo.

The next time you're down in Roanoke, we can try mine out. Well, we will have to wait for the spring melt though.

 

[CptCurl]

Bastogne71,

How do you like the balance of yours? What optic are you using?

Thanks for the invite. Likewise, my door has a welcome mat for when you come to Low Moor.

Curl

 

[stealth01]

Cptcurl,
VQ makes a nice expensive rifle that is very accurate. You can also do a search on Tony Kidd who makes 10/22 custom rifles and parts. Using Tony's parts, you can modify an existing 10/22 rifle (trigger group, receiver, bolt, barrel, ETC) to your hearts content. I purchased one of his custom rifles and I built a second rifle based on a Magnum Research receiver and stock that began its life as a Mach II rifle... until it blew up in my face. That rifle sports a Kidd trigger group, bolt and 20" heavy barrel and it shoots like a laser!! BTW, there is no better 10/22 trigger than a Kidd! Once you try one you will understand!!

 

[Frank237]

A Volquartsen is hardly comparable to a Ruger 10/.22 .

Think more Wilson combat or Ed Brown in a 1911 compared to a box stock Springfield or Remington 1911.

I've got a ten year old Volquartsen .22 LR that is probably now approaching 15K rds down the barrel. They are FAR more accurate than you would imagine, as they come with a premium grade barrel carefully chambered and rifled.

The triggers are very well done, light and crisp. They use the well designed and reliable Ruger magazine.

The frame is not aluminum but steel. The action is properly fitted to a laminated stock. Glass stocks are available as well.

Mine gets used each Summer ridding my fields and those of a few friends, from our pesky little ground squirrels. We have them by the THOUSANDS. One can shoot hundreds of rds in an hour. And a thousand rd day is not uncommon.

I've also got an old Kimber M-82 bolt action. Both wear Leupold 3.5-10 X 50 AO scopes.

The Kimber is equally accurate but much slower to operate. The Volquartsens are absolute killing machines on the gophers. If it's within 60-70 yds it's done.

If your longing for a very accurate, well made .22 tough to go wrong with the Volquartsens. That said....Few things as rewarding as a nice Cooper or Kimber bolt gun too. Real wood and steel quality.

FN in MT

 

[ken158]

I have a VQ in 17HMR thumbhole lightweight and it shoots amazing. It has been to Wyoming twice and killed many prairie dogs out to 200 yards with a few over 250 yards. Shot a few coyotes with it and many squirrels and groundhogs. Fun and reliable.

 

[35Rem]

I see where they have a 17 WSM coming out...

 

[H Richard]

I built up my own on a standard action back in the 90's. With a heavy .920" barrel and did my own trigger job and custom laminated stock I finished myself. It will shoot into 3/8" at 50 meters. I doubt if I have over $275 in it, but many hours of work.