Ruger 10/22 Mods

Since its debut in 1964, the Ruger 10/22 has sold in the millions. It is no surprise that we’ve bought into the hype with such a great gun. In fact, we’ve published over half a dozen articles about the Ruger 10/22 to date. It is also no surprise that there are a lot of owners out there upgrading their 10/22 resulting in a wide range of modification and accessory alternatives available.

I’ll take you through a few of the popular options available in the main categories of upgrades and modifications you can do. Everything from stocks to receivers and triggers.

We’ll cover:

A Quick Background on the Ruger 10/22

In case you are new to this great gun, the Ruger 10/22 was first introduced in 1964. It featured a hardwood stock, a blued barrel, and a 10-shot rotary magazine. Its style was like the M1 carbine, and that alone endeared the Ruger 10/22 to many shooters. The Ruger 10/22 is a high-quality rimfire rifle. Since its introduction, it has carved a name for itself among classic civilian rifles. To date, there are a total of 58 model variations of the Ruger 10/22. That’s a whole lot of options. Prices vary, too, from a little less than four hundred to a bit over a thousand dollars.

A Few Tips on Ruger 10/22 Mods

Before we start with our suggestions, I would like to give some friendly reminders. There are a lot of choices for your Ruger 10/22 mods. There are five factors I like to focus on to make sure you get your money’s worth.

The Best Ruger 10/22 Mods for 2022

Best 10/22 Stocks

Maybe you’re not a fan of how the factory stock looks on your Ruger 10/22. Or, you’re looking for a stock that will better fit your body and shooting style. By changing your stock, you increase the stability, comfort, and control of your firing. Additionally, there are stocks that offer added features like pockets for your magazines.

Tactical Solutions, LLC Ruger 10/22 Stock Thumbhole

This stock gives your Ruger 10/22 a rustic, old-fashioned feel. It also looks beautiful. Made with pure wood, it has a defined wood ring laminate design. You have three color options: basic wood, forest green, and crimson wood. Some wood stocks have issues with metal rifles, but Tactical Solutions has none.

West One Products, LLC Ruger 10/22 USGI Stock M1

Do you want to make your Ruger 10/22 look like an M1? This stock from West One Products will do that for you. Another wooden stock, this one is easy to attach and involves real M1 stock parts. The downside to this is that this stock limits your other upgrade options.

ProMag Ruger 10/22 Archangel Stock Adjustable

Now, we go from old-fashioned to modern. ProMag’s Archangel is a high-impact polymer stock in a desert tan color palette. This stock gives your Ruger 10/22 plenty of features: Picatinny rail, bayonet lug, and a six-position adjustable buttstock. There are cooling vents along the handguard to prevent overheating. There are 15 inches of rail space, giving you plenty of opportunities for attachments.

Need a guide to help you in deciding? We have a separate buying guide for the best Ruger 10/22 stocks.

Best 10/22 Receivers

As you know, a receiver contains the trigger assembly, bolt, hammer, charging rod, and bore breach. It is the housing that allows your Ruger 10/22 to operate properly. You upgrade your receiver to change the look or improve your rifle’s performance. Some receivers have Picatinny rails, opening you to a plethora of rail-mounted accessories. Today we’re sharing our best three 10/22 receivers.

BRN-22 Stripped Receiver by Brownells

Brownells is a well-known, trusted brand. This stripped receiver from them is good – it’s affordable and works well with the Ruger 10/22. As the name suggests, it is stripped of extra features. It may sound like a negative, but this lets you build your receiver the way you want to. Its highly machinable aluminum material makes it easy to craft specialized parts. With this receiver, it’s all about future-proofing.

Ruger 10/22 Receiver Parts Kit less Trigger

Who else will know the 10/22 best except for Ruger themselves? Their trigger-less receiver kit is built for performance. It all works well while remaining affordable. Because it comes without a trigger, you still have the option to buy and customize the trigger. If you want to improve function without changing how your rifle looks, this is your best bet.

Tactical Solutions X-Ring 10/22 Takedown Receiver

Want a receiver that looks good, works well and weighs almost nothing? This Tactical Solutions receiver just might be the one for you. You have several finish options: Black, Gunmetal gray, O.D. Green, Quicksand, and Silver. The X-Ring weighs 16 ounces only, yet it doesn’t sacrifice function or durability. The X-Ring will definitely change the way your Ruger 10/22 looks and performs.

You can get more information on these and Ruger 10/22 receivers in our buying guide.

Best 10/22 Triggers

Next up on our comprehensive Ruger 10/22 mods buying guide: triggers. Ruger is not exactly renowned for stellar triggers, so chances are the trigger on your 10/22 can be improved. Below are some of my favorites. You can also take a deeper dive into 10/22 triggers in our Best Ruger 10/22 Triggers.

Ruger 10/22 BX Trigger

If you still want to stick with Ruger parts, the BX Trigger is the way to go. Compared to the 6-pound factory 10/22 trigger, this has a pull weight of 2 ½-3 pounds. You’d definitely notice an improvement with that much difference in pull weight. It’s a drop-in trigger, so installation is simple and will not need a gunsmith or lots of special tools.

The BX Trigger is made of polymer. It’s not as durable as metal (or as sleek), but it is well-made. This trigger will fit all 10/22 variants, and also the Ruger 22 Charger Pistol. Since this trigger is pre-installed in some limited editions of the 10/22, you know it’s a pretty solid choice.

Timney 10/22 Drop-In Trigger Assembly

Timney has been making high-quality, match-grade triggers for decades. Their drop-in trigger for 10/22 is no exception. For one, the trigger parts are not machined. Each component is handmade and tested to exact specifications. Each part is also heat-treated for durability. Entirely American-made, this trigger uses 6061-T6 billet aluminum.

Other than being durable, this trigger weighs two pounds only. That’s a huge drop from the factory trigger’s six-pound weight. Additionally, this is a complete trigger assembly so it’s incredibly easy to install. Extra features are the trigger guard, improved magazine release button, and an improved bolt hold-open feature.

So, what’s the catch? This trigger is so expensive it almost costs the same as your 10/22. Now if you got that kind of cash it this is one smooth trigger.

Volquartsen Ruger 10/22 Trigger Guard 2000

Here’s another high-quality option, from Volquartsen. This complete trigger assembly comes with an adjustable trigger, trigger guard, bolt hold open, and magazine release. The whole trigger is stainless steel, so it’s durable and resistant to rust and corrosion.

All internal components are precision-cut by EDM, with a +/-0.0002” tolerance. You can set your desired weight in the trigger pull, allowing for a lighter and crisper trigger. All in all, it’s a great 10/22 mod if you can afford the hefty price tag.

If you want to learn how to install your trigger, check out our separate guide on 10/22 triggers.

Ruger 10/22 Barrels

Another Ruger 10/22 mod that directly affects accuracy and performance is the barrel. The factory barrel is good enough, but take a look at our list if you want something a little bit better.

Beyer Barrels Ruger 10/22 Ultralight Target Barrel

This barrel is designed to enhance performance during target practice or competition. It is well-made, built to be as lightweight as possible without sacrificing durability. Make no mistake, it is heavier than the factory barrel on your 10/22. But, it is significantly lighter compared to other 10/22 bull barrels.

Its 7075 aluminum construction is more durable than plenty of other 10/22 barrel options. Beyer also claims that this barrel body can dissipate heat faster than steel. The outer has a Cerakote coating, adding extra durability and rust resistance. The barrel has a twist rate of 1:16, ideal for any .22 rifle. Most good quality 10/22 barrels are expensive, and this is no exception, but it is the cheapest barrel on our list.

Tactical Solutions SB-X Ruger 10/22 Barrel

Maybe you’re interested in adding a suppressor or another muzzle device to your 10/22. To easily do so, you need a barrel that is threaded at the end. This SB-X Barrel from Tactical Solutions is perfect for this job. As a plus, the barrel is short enough that the suppressor and barrel combo will not add significant length to your rifle.

To be exact, the length measure is 12.5 inches long, vs the standard 16+ inches. Internal threads extending beyond the barrel allow the insertion of a rimfire suppressor. The twist rate for this barrel is also 1:16. One thing to note is that this barrel has no iron sight.

Volquartsen Ruger 10/22 Barrel

Will you spend money on a brand that makes some of the finest rimfire barrels in the world? This Volquartsen barrel has a taper honed, match chamber, and bore. It allows for the best possible accuracy out of your 10/22. Made from space ace carbon steel, it is one of the most rigid ones out there.

The barrel top is threaded for a cantilever scope mount. There is a version that comes with a compensator. This will greatly reduce recoil, allowing faster follow-up shots. With this barrel’s black-and-silver finish, the aesthetic of your 10/22 is sure to improve. Currently, this barrel is available in the standard 16-in length and another in 18.5 inches.

Don’t forget to take a look at our 10/22 barrels buying guide to further help you decide which is right for you.

Ruger 10/22 Scopes

Here’s one Ruger 10/22 mod that is rightly very popular: scopes. Trading your factory sights for a good scope is probably the quickest way to get more hits on distant targets. As always, if the below is not enough options for you take a look at our full review of the best Ruger 10/22 scopes.

NCStar Tactical Compact 4×30 Scope

This is my best bet if you have the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. The Takedown is so easy to store that your scope needs to be compact, too. Still, I wouldn’t want to sacrifice power just for that. The NCStar 4×30 scope fulfills both requirements, making it a good investment in my book.

For most rimfire rifles, a fixed 4x scope is more than enough. The 30mm objective lens is also generous in a huge sight picture and light transmission. If that’s not enough for you, its affordable price tag might seal the deal. Fair warning, though – don’t bet on it in extreme conditions.

Bushnell AR Optics Drop Zone-22 Rimfire Scope

Bushnell’s Drop Zone-22 is a professional-quality scope priced for a working person. This is a remarkable scope, carefully calibrated reticle, fast-focus eyepiece, side parallax focus, crystal clear optics, and much more. Add the affordable price tag into the mix, and this seems like an even better pick. In the rimfire world, this scope is rare. For one, it has an aircraft-grade aluminum body. It has a nitrogen-purged tube, too, and is built like a more expensive centerfire scope. As a 10/22 scope, it is ideal for a lot of situations like hunting, target shooting, or competition.

Unlike our first two, the Bushnell is more expensive. Some people aren’t a fan of spending $100 for a scope on a rifle that costs $250. They have a point, but it makes the shooting experience so much better.

Simmons 22 Mag Riflescope

The Simmons 22 Mag Riflescope is neither too expensive nor too cheap. It’s a good scope on a budget, perfect for casual use. This scope is built similarly to centerfire scopes, but for .22 shooters. The Simmons 22 Mag is a high-quality optic with mounting rings. It is priced just a little bit more than the NCStar. Both the 3-9x magnification and 32mm objective lens are good enough for your 10/22. If you’re looking for a good bargain, this Simmons riflescope might be it.

As an entry-level 10/22 scope, don’t expect too much of it. It is great for casual use, so don’t use this for rugged situations. If you’re the type who only takes out their rifle on nice days, this will work for you. Otherwise, you’d better invest in higher-quality optics like Bushnell’s.

Need more scope advice for your Ruger 10/22? Do check out our separate buying guide on Ruger 10/22 scopes!

Best 10/22 Chassis

For those who might wonder what is a chassis? It’s the part of your gun that holds the feeding mechanism in place. Replacing your Ruger 10/22’s chassis can improve accuracy and durability. Granted, your Ruger 10/22 is probably solid enough that its factory chassis works great. Yet, the point of your Ruger 10/22 mods is to make it even better. If you want to go that extra mile, here are our suggestions.

Nordic Components Ruger 10/22 Chassis

This is a high-quality CNC-machined chassis that uses T6 aluminum. Unlike other options in the market, the Nordic Components chassis can fit most 10/22 models. The design allows it to handle heavy-duty barrels that measure a little less than an inch in diameter. As a plus, it comes with a Weaver rail for adding your sights or scopes.

Midwest Industries Ruger 10/22 Chassis M-Lok

If you have a fixed barrel Ruger 10/22, you could go with the M-Lok Chassis from Midwest Industries. It’s available in two lengths, 8-inches, and 13-inches. It is fairly durable, with a body made from 6061 aluminum. It has a blackened hard-coat anodized finish for rust and corrosion resistance. As the name suggests, it comes with M-Lok slots for customization options. There are eight of these slots along the sides, with a 5-slot polymer M-Lok rail. This chassis also comes with two QD sling sockets. And oh, did I mention that this is 100% American-made?

Midwest Industries Ruger 10/22 Takedown Chassis

Midwest Industries also has a chassis version for the Ruger 10/22 Takedown. It’s easy to install and weighs just 14 ounces. It is also threaded at the end to accept AR-15 or M4 buffer tubes. Like our previous chassis, this one is also made from 6061 aluminum. The blackened hard coat anodized finish provides corrosion resistance. You get two anti-rotation QD sling sockets with this chassis. Also 100% American-made Remember I talked about warranty as a sign of quality. This one comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty.

Again, we have a separate in-depth guide for choosing the best Ruger 10/22 Chassis.

Best 10/22 Accessories

If you don’t want to do a full-on modification you can always improve your shooting experience with a well-chosen accessory or two. Or, do as I do, both. Here are some of my top picks.

GGD Smooth Ruger 1022 10-22 Extended Charging Handle in Steel

Swapping out your Ruger 10/22’s charging handle is a simple task. In fact, we even have installation instructions for your 10/22 charging handle. Our recommendation is this one you can find on Gun Gear Depot. The combination of CNC-machined aluminum, anodized black rod, and precision spring make it durable. It is also quite strong. This charging handle is precisely built to be a perfect drop-in replacement for your 10/22. The fit will make it easy for you to swap this in. It’s also easy to grip, thanks to its extended finger grip. All in all, it’s a good option if you want to replace your factory charging handle.

TandemKross Game Changer Compensator for .22LR

A muzzle brake or compensator helps reduce recoil and muzzle rise by redirecting propellant gases. In doing so, it increases firing accuracy for subsequent shots. This compensator from TandemKross is no exception. With T6061 aluminum for its material, it’s not surprising that this is durable. Most muzzle brakes have vents all over, but this one has directed vent ports on the top and sides. For the .22 LR cartridge, this gives the right amount of offset. It’s designed specifically for the .22 LR and is a great Ruger 10/22 mod.

Bastion Extended Mag Release for Ruger 10/22

Are you fumbling with the factory magazine release? If so, this Ruger 10/22 mod is for you. Bastion’s extended mag release fits all Ruger 10/22 triggers. It is made from T-6 anodized aluminum, so you know that it’s durable. You don’t need modifications to install it on your 10/22. It should only take a few minutes to install. If you need a mag release that works well and installs quickly, try this offering from Bastion.

Best 10/22 Magazines

Most gun owners prefer to have extra magazines for their firearms to maximize shooting time. If you’re one of us, take a look at these recommendations.

Ruger 10/22 .22 LR Black Polymer Magazine 25-Round

Your Ruger 10/22 comes with the standard 10-round magazine. If you feel like you need more rounds per mag, a 25-round magazine is a good option. Fortunately, Ruger sells them for your 10/22. Because they are also Ruger-made, you don’t have to worry about the fit for your rifle. This magazine is a well-priced and durable option if you want an extended magazine for your 10/22.

Ruger 10/22 Magazine 5-Round

If you live in a state with restrictions on magazine capacity, you might want to get a 5-round mag instead. After all, having extra magazines handy is always a good thing in my book. Ruger sells 5-round mag versions for their 10/22. It is durable, made from molded hard polymer. The feed lips are stainless steel with high-grade tempered spring steel as well. The high-quality materials are used to ensure reliable feeding and long service life.

ProMag Ruger 10/22 .22 LR Drum Magazine 55-Round

You don’t often hear about drum magazines as they are illegal in several states and pretty bulky add-ons. But, having 55 rounds at your disposal before you got to reload is pretty neat. Pro Mag’s drum magazines are also American-made and made of durable polymer. If you haven’t tried a drum magazine, this might be the time to do so. Just make sure that you’re not breaking any state restrictions on magazine capacity.

Conclusion

Wow, that was a long article. Thank you for making it this far. We’ve covered a lot of ground, from stocks and barrels to accessories. Whether these take your fancy, or you want to look at other options, I highly recommend modifying your 10/22. Do you have a favorite Ruger 10/22 mods? If so, let me know in the comments below.

A few more 10/22 articles you might enjoy

• Ruger 10/22 Takedown Review: “One To Go, Please!”
• Best Ruger 10/22 Charging Handles
• Ruger 22 Charger: More Handy Than A 10/22?