Best Ruger 10/22 Receiver

One of Sturm, Ruger & Co.’s best-known rifles is the Ruger 10/22. You can use this .22 LR chambered weapon for anything, from plinking to small game hunting to an SHTF survival weapon, it’s a reliable rifle.

While the Ruger 10/22 is a superb weapon out of the box, there will always be times when you wish to update your rifle’s components, including the receiver.

The receiver is the casing that allows the 10/22 to function correctly. It contains the trigger assembly, bolt, hammer, charging rod, and bore breach. Luckily, we have a list of the best Ruger 10/22 receivers that you may want to check out.

You can enhance your accuracy almost instantly by using precision receivers. They have a robust quality assurance procedure in place yet nonetheless mass manufacture these firearms. As a result, their tolerances may not be as tight as you’d want.

Top Pick	BRN-22 Stripped Receiver by Brownells	Fully customizable Specialized hard-coat protective finish Proprietary barrel- V-block system for unparalleled accuracy FFL license required	$109 Shop NowClick to read my review
Best Budget Buy	Ruger 10/22 Receiver Parts Kit less Trigger	Very affordable Manufactured with original Ruger parts Proven track record For dependability and durability No trigger assembly included	$48 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Volquartsen 10/22 Receiver Tactical Solutions X-Ring 10/22 Takedown Receiver	Made of durabe materials Easy to install Comfortable to use Expensive	$448 Shop NowClick to read my review

Why Upgrade Your 10/22 Ruger Receiver?

Sturm, Ruger & Co. has been around since 1949. Over the years, they’ve perfected their product lineup, creating some of the most sought-after and trusted guns and rifles for all types of occasions (i.e. hunting, targeting, self-defense).

And while they’ve done a great job of creating some of the most accurate and well-performing guns, they still “mass produce” their guns. As such, there are some times when the gun you have might not perform as well as another gun produced on the same assembly line. It still performs well, just not the best that it can.

One of the most critical parts of your 10/22 rifle from Ruger is the receiver. This is where everything “basically” sits. And there are plenty of aftermarket receivers to choose from…

Starting out, most receiver upgrades fall into one of two categories:

1. Aesthetic
2. Function

While some will do it purely for aesthetic reasons (i.e. unique look, design), the majority of gun owners upgrade their receivers to improve function and performance.

For instance, the ability to add a rail for customizable accessories like scope rings, red dots, or holographic sights. Most aftermarket 10/22 receivers have Picatinny rails and universal rails to accommodate a plethora of rail-mounted accessories.

Other reasons why you might consider upgrading your Ruger 10/22 receiver include larger charging handles which can help in competition shooting and left/right-side orientation where you might need to have the rounds eject on the opposite side of the rifle (perfect for lefties).

Overall, the reason(s) to upgrade your Ruger 10/22 receiver comes down to your own personal style and preference. However, I’ve done my best to put personal preferences aside and show you the three best receivers you can buy for your Ruger 10/22. Next up, we’ll discuss the factors you need to look at when trying to find the best receiver for your rifle.

Buyer’s Guide To Finding The Best Ruger 10/22 Receivers

These are the most important factors to consider when looking for a new receiver for your Ruger 10/22 rifle.

Materials

The material build of the receiver determines its quality. Made from a soft, corrosive material, the receiver will not last long – though it may look quite unique. Hand-rubbed outers can look amazing, but be very susceptible to corrosion very quickly. Most receivers are built from steel or aluminum, though some manufacturers use other metals and/or synthetics too.

The material type will directly affect the cost. Materials such as steel tend to be cheaper, though receivers made with steel tend to be heavier. Aluminum is a more costly material, but tends to be lighter and more easily damaged.

Since the type of material affects the way the receiver is built, this will factor into the cost as well. Steel is forged, aluminum is shaped – some are even built using CNC and 3D modeling. Your material choice will affect your cost and your durability factors, so choose wisely.

Finish

The finish on your receiver can impact the look of your 10/22 dramatically. Some receivers come with a bland/minimal finish like stainless steel while others have a specialized finish like rubbed bronze. Some manufacturers add finishes to improve performance and durability from elements like water, dirt, and air (i.e. corrosion).

In some circles, there’s a belief that treated finishes can affect the effectiveness, accuracy, and overall performance of your rifle. They claim that the reaction between the chemicals and the metals decreases its strength. This is a conspiracy theory at best. So, just be aware that some purists hold this close to their vest like a proven fact (it has not been proven).

If you prefer a unique look, finding the perfect finish is important. If not, look for a receiver that matches your current look or the look of another rifle that you really like. Never settle for a finish that you aren’t totally sold on.

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Reliability

There’s nothing worse than buying an aftermarket product that works for a few days, weeks, or months and then breaks. In general, aftermarket products are expected to perform better and last longer than their OEM counterparts.

For reliability, you want to look at how often the receiver jams, how fast it fires, and if it affects the accuracy of your rifle. As for design, this is not noticeable so you’ll have to use reviews and reports from others to help with this. The brand you choose can directly impact this as a new company may not have worked out all the kinks yet.

No matter how good a receiver “looks”, don’t buy it if the reviews and reports claim a lot of problems and failures – you’re just asking for problems. If you want a rifle that performs, use top-tier, name-brand receivers with positive reviews (more than negative).

Extras

Some of the receivers you can choose from include extra features that aren’t exactly part of the receiver itself, but it can add extra value and make it easier for you to pick one over the other. With that in mind, some of the extras include:

• Picatinny Rails used for sights, scopes, and other accessories.
• Multiple sight mounts for a more universal fit.
• Recoil buffer to reduce recoil impact.
• Cleaning rod access holes.
• Attached barrel.

And more!

While these extras may not be your first priority, they can be the difference between a receiver that is good for your needs and one that is great! Think about what you need right now and what you might want in the future. If the receiver you like can handle all of your needs now and in the future, then that’s the one you want. Otherwise, you’ll end up forking over more cash later and having a spare receiver that you’ll never use.

Price

And finally, you have to consider the price. There’s a meme running around the internet right now that says…

“Teach a child to shoot and he’ll never end up a drug addict … because he won’t be able to afford drugs“.

While it is comical, you’ve probably already experienced this in some form. Gun and rifle accessories are expensive. Making sure you pick the right accessories the first time can help offset some of those costs.

And while you might like it for a little while, you may find that it doesn’t meet all of your needs. Again, your cost will be affected by the material, the brand, the marketing, the durability, the warranty, the extras, and other factors.

Now, we don’t recommend buying the cheapest option (unless it is the best), nor do we suggest buying the most expensive option (unless it is the best; it fits your needs). What we recommend is doing your research (why you are here) and finding the best option for you (again, why you are here).

Ultimately, the best option for you is still going to cost you money. Just make sure it works for your needs and your budget.

The 3 Best Ruger 10/22 Receivers

Now, it’s time to dig into the best of the best. Here are the best Ruger 10/22 receivers we found:

BRN-22 Stripped Receiver by Brownells

Brownells is a high-quality, proven brand with plenty of expertise in the gun and rifle industry. Over the years, they’ve perfected their production process and they outperform other companies in an apples-to-apples comparison. For those looking for a high-quality, 10/22 receiver, the search is over.

This stripped-down receiver is an affordable option that works seamlessly with your Ruger 10/22 Rifle. While it may not have all the extras some of the other receivers have, it gives you the ability to build everything just like you want. Now, if you want a more one-stop option, this is not it – this is more for the aficionado that wants the best from every component.

Built from 6061 aluminum, this receiver is hard to beat – and it looks good! While aluminum is soft, it is highly machinable, making it easy to craft specialized parts faster with better precision. Plus, it provides an additional level of corrosion resistance, perfect for use in any environment. And, Brownells goes a step further with a specialized hard-coat protective finish to give you just a “bit more”.

Another notable feature is the cleaning rod hole at the rear of the receiver. Some receivers don’t have this feature, meaning you clean your bore and chamber improperly; the proper way if from the back.

And the feature we like the best is the mounting holes and specialized mounting rail for future-proof upgrades. Since you already love your Ruger, it would make sense that the mounting holes would line up perfectly – right? If that’s not enough, the Picatinny rail makes it possible to add on a plethora of upgrades that you wouldn’t have the option of otherwise.

Overall
Instead of packing this receiver with unneeded extras, this receiver comes stripped down. This gives you the chance to build your receiver just like you want, choosing the internal parts you want without having to sacrifice price or performance. It comes built with super-tight tolerances to outperform the competition and provide unrivaled accuracy. The specialized mounting rail designed to work with Picatinny components makes this a future-proof investment that you can’t skip over.

Ruger 10/22 Receiver Parts Kit less Trigger

While other companies make high-quality aftermarket parts for the Ruger 10/22, we think Ruger might be the best option out there. They know their guns inside and out, with a level of detail no one else can (or will). As such, this receiver kit without a trigger is absolutely perfect for those looking to make an upgrade.

Ruger did not build this receiver for aesthetics, but for performance. All the parts inside are Ruger-manufactured and they work well without breaking the bank. Of course, this kit comes without a trigger, giving you a “little” control over the final output of your rifle/receiver combo. Putting this together is simple as you only need a hex key, punch, and the kit.

Almost everything you need is included, except for the trigger; the parts list includes:

• Bolt Assembly
• Charging Handle and Spring
• Bolt Stop pin
• 2 Receiver Cross Pins

Don’t get stuck with aftermarket parts that might or might not work – stick with the brand that’s proven itself for over 50 years.

Overall
For those looking to stay with the Ruger brand, this is a great stripped receiver option. It’s affordable, fully customizable, and built using Ruger OEM components. While you can build a super-tactical, unique, one-off rifle from other aftermarket parts, there’s something to be said about sticking with the original.

This receiver keeps the original aesthetics of your 10/22 Ruger Rifle while allowing you to change or rebuild your 10/22 without changing the well-known look from Ruger. This receiver is perfect for rebuilds, restorations, or as a backup to your current working receiver (as a backup).

Volquartsen 10/22 Receiver Tactical Solutions X-Ring 10/22 Takedown Receiver

The Volquartsen 10/22 receiver is CNC machined from billets of tough 416 stainless steel. It can also fit older model Ruger 10/22 rifle parts, making the receiver extremely versatile. It’s an advantage because the cross pins and barrel assembly holes are precisely positioned to fit nicely. It comes with a full-length Weaver-style base for mounting optical sights.

Volquartsen is known throughout the firearms industry for producing high-quality products, and this receiver is no exception. Another nice feature is that this receiver is made in the United States. It also has the ability to absorb felt recoil. This heavier metal will undoubtedly increase weapon weight with a very acceptable 1lb 2oz. Which I can say is not that heavy compared to other receivers that are extremely uncomfortable to use, especially if used for an extended period of time.

The receiver’s synthetic recoil buffer reduces recoil and makes the action quieter. The receiver also has a new tapered cone bushing installation system, which prevents downward canting, which is common with 10/22 barrel installations. You can use this receiver with any 10/22 barrel, resulting in a tight fit between the action and the barrel.  

Another thing to keep in mind is that Volquartsen is a complete receiver, so you must have a Federal Firearms License or order it from a dealer who has an FFL license. There is also a multi-use rail at the top of the receiver for attaching those necessary accessories, which is another nice feature.

Overall

This is an excellent receiver that will be useful in a variety of applications. If you are a hunter or a casual target shooter, you will most likely use this frequently. It’s a solid unit that will be a significant upgrade over the old, unreliable steel mill defaults. The Voloquartsen’s quality and longevity are undeniable. That is why this type of receiver is worth a try.

Wrap Up

While the 10/22 Ruger is a well-built gun, there are some upgrades such as the receiver that can improve your accuracy and make it a more enjoyable gun. The BRN-22 Stripped Receiver is our Top pick because it has a lot of features and isn’t too expensive. And you can’t go wrong with our Best budget buy the Ruger 10/22 Receiver Parts Kit Less Trigger, which comes at a very reasonable price.

The three receivers we listed above fared the best when compared to other receivers, giving a great return on your investment and performing the best overall.

You might also like to read:

• Best Ruger 10/22 Scopes Reviewed
• Ruger 10/22 Mods
• Best Ruger 10/22 Charging Handles
• Best Ruger 10/22 chassis