Got a Ruger 10/22 and want to make it shoot (and look) better?
Since it’s one of the most popular rifles out there…there’s so many options and ways to get overwhelmed.
But don’t worry, we’ll guide you through all the best upgrades from stocks to internals, optics, and even cosmetic.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to modify your 10/22 to meet your exact needs and budget.
Table of Contents
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The 10/22
My first gun (and favorite rimfire rifle)…after I shot it the first time…I knew I was hooked.
It’s gone through a couple iterations as my needs and tastes have changed.
Here was the first mod. Go easy on my rattlecan paint job!
Almost all my friends have one and we’ve all got the modding bug…so we know what works and what doesn’t.
There are a LOT of different models of the 10/22 on the market, to find the one that is right for you, take a look at the 6 Best 10/22 Models!
Without further ado…all the best upgrades you can do to your Ruger 10/22.
Best 10/22 Stocks
The biggie in determining the overall feel and look of your rifle. I used the standard synthetic one for a couple outings before I wanted to go with something different.
But here are some that build upon the standard look, while others take it to more tactical, competitive, and even bullpup configurations.
1. Tapco Intrafuse Stock
This one leans toward the tactical look and is AR-15-esque with the pistol grip and adjustable buttstock. I like how it enables the use of Picatinny rails and a regular + angled buttstock.
Plus it’s easy on the bank account at $80. Make sure you choose the correct one based on your barrel: Regular, Bull Barrel, or Takedown.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
2. Hogue Overmolded
Another favorite of people who want to keep it simple. The over-molded stock feels great in the hand with just the right amount of rubberized grip.
Even more affordable ($60) at than the Intrafuse above…the Hogue comes in Regular and Takedown varieties.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
3. Tactical Solutions
The Tactical Solutions Stock is the go-to for precision shooting with its thumbhole stock. A lot pricier ($200) but worth every penny. Only for bull barrels though!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
4. Hightower
This super-cool bullpup stock comes to you from High Tower Armory ($270). Expensive but now you get a sweet .22LR P90 clone.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
5. Magpul
My previous personal favorite, Magpul’s X-22 Hunter ($120) has a great grip angle and overall feel. It comes with adjustable inserts to match your length of pull. Plus multiple sling mounting options. And finally…it will fit regular or bullpup barrels.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
6. FAB Defense
And what’s my current favorite stock? It’s the R10/22 M4 Foldable Stock ($160) from the Israeli company FAB Defense. It folds down so you meet the 26″ overall length laws for CA with the stock barrel. Please be sure to check your local laws for length.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
There’s plenty of rails up front, the stock collapses and extends, and some spacers to fit both bull and normal barrels.
I figure if it’s good enough for the IDF’s less lethal weapon of choice, it’s good enough for me to plink and sometimes shoot Steel Challenge.
Stay tuned for a more in-depth review as I run it more.
7. Boyds Gun Stocks
Great stocks if you’re looking for a more classic wooden style, one of best is the AT-One and AT-One Thumbhole.
With a huge selection of awesome colors and styles, it’s going to be easy to find one that matches exactly what you’re looking for. I like the AT-One since it is adjustable and rock solid.
Best 10/22 Triggers
If you want better accuracy…you better change the stock trigger.
Having a trigger with a lower pull weight…plus one that breaks like a glass rod is almost guaranteed to up your precision game.
We hands-on review four of the most popular triggers out there in Best 10/22 Triggers…but here are our favorite two.
1. Ruger BX Trigger
Straight from the source.
The BX Trigger ($75) is Ruger’s upgraded trigger. Normally I’m pretty *meh* about factory upgraded triggers…but the BX is great. It lives up to its 2.5-3.0 lb trigger pull (mine is 2 lb 4 oz).
The break is clean and has minimal over-travel.
It’s what I have in my upgraded 10/22 since it’s the best bang-for-the-buck in my opinion.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
What’s your take on the best (and one of the easiest) upgrades you can do to your 10/22?
2. Volquartsen
If you’ve been reading up on 10/22 upgrades…Volquartsen has to have come up.
They make some great stuff that’s worth the high price tag if you’re looking at the best. If you are…here is their upgraded trigger ($225).
Light trigger pull, glass rod break, and adjustable for minimal overtravel.
Plus it comes with auto bolt release and an extended magazine release (two other upgrades we recommend).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best 10/22 Sights & Scopes
The sights that come stock on a 10/22 are ok for plinking…but what about when you want to get serious with groups/precision or speed?
1. Techsights
What I first installed on my 10/22. The GI style Techsights ($75) allow much more precise shots and also windage adjustment. Plus you don’t need to install third-party scope mounts.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
2. Red Dot
If you want to get the fastest sight acquisition…you’ve got to go red dot. I cover a variety of red dot sights for the AR-15 in this Ultimate Guide which will work great with the 10/22.
My vote goes to the Holosun ($140) for the AR-15 and general robustness. Plus it enables you to mount it low on the rail (next section).
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
But you can’t go wrong with the TRS-25 ($70) for the best economy red dot. Remember…the .22LR has almost no recoil so you don’t need the most robust things out there.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
3. Simmons Scope
Planning to reach out and touch something? Get yourself an affordable and super highly-rated rimfire scope like the Simmons 3-9x ($40). Be sure your mount will work with the provided dove-tail attachments.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Looking for more magnified options? Check out our new Best 10/22 Scopes article.
Best 10/22 Accessories
1. Rails
Make sure whatever optic you go with…you get the right rails to go along with it.
The three biggies are…Picatinny, Weaver, & Dovetail.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
2. Titanium Takedown Knob
This titanium takedown knob ($25) saves you a LOT of time since you can use hand power to enable a quick takedown.
Like how Volquartsen holds the ground for big upgrades…Tandemkross rocks for the accessories.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Just make sure you’re using the correct models for it. It holds on my Magpul stock but isn’t super tight.
3. Extended Mag Release
If you’re taking your time plinking at the range…you probably won’t need this. But if you want some speedier reloads…especially during competitions…I’d take a look at getting an Extended Mag Release ($45).
I love it since you can either push OR pull to release the mag.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
If you only need it one direction, you can check out this one.
4. Charging Handle
I also like having an extended charging handle ($25). Again…makes it much easier to manipulate the bolt during competitions. Plus it looks super cool being skeletonized.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
And if you’re a lefty…or share your rifle with a lefty. This combo charging handle + Picatinny scope base ($80) might be for you.
I have it installed and my left-handed buddy raved about it. It’s a little more difficult to pull than having the extended charging handle…but much easier than having to change hands or going underneath.
5. Muzzle Brake
Since the recoil is so minimal…there’s not a true need for a muzzle brake ($35) when compared to larger calibers. But it still helps with rapid firing and engagement of multiple targets.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
I don’t have one installed since my barrel is unthreaded…but I’ve tried my buddy’s and it does help when you’re double-tapping.
Best 10/22 Internal Upgrades
These are the internal upgrades that will add some much-needed capabilities to your 10/22. It’s kind of odd that these weren’t added from the factory in the first place…especially given how much they help!
1. Bolt Release
So the 10/22 bolt release…it’s pretty annoying, especially for newbies. The Guardian Bolt Release ($10) affordably solves this problem. Now all you have to do is pull the bolt back when it is locked…and it will spring forward upon release.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
2. Extended Extractor
Sometimes your 10/22 fails to extract correctly and you jam up? Getting an extended extractor ($10) will fix it right now.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
3. Bolt Tune Up Kit (Extractor + Firing Pin)
This Volquartsen tune up kit ($34) adds the extended extractor plus firing pin which will help improve ignitions if you aren’t using the best rimfire ammo.
Because of the way rimfire ammo’s primer is all around the bottom…sometimes you need a better geometry firing pin…which you’ll get right here.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best 10/22 Barrels
When you’re dead serious about making your 10/22 the most accurate rifle it can be…you upgrade the barrel. I personally haven’t reached this point yet…but the most accurate 10/22’s I’ve seen have…
E.R. Shaw
Heavy contour barrels ($100) that are available in stainless steel, 18″, and even fluted varieties.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Volquartsen Carbon Fiber
Daaang, these carbon fiber barrels ($270) are ultralight with match chambers and some already have built-in compensators.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best 10/22 Magazine Upgrades
The 10-rounders are fine…but 25-rounders are a lot more fun!
Triple Mag Coupler
If you can’t buy higher capacity mags…but still want to rock and roll. The Triple Mag Coupler ($10) is the answer. This “coupled” with a Tandemkross extended mag release and you’re GTG.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
There’s also a Tandemkross double clear version ($10) too.
25 Rounders
The go-to is Butler Creek’s 25-Round ($15) for extended capacity and extended fun.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Best 10/22 Ammo
I cover a lot in my Best .22LR Ammo article, but I’ve found my 10/22 to be a little finicky with ammo…especially before I did some of the upgrades I listed above.
But…CCI varieties have always been the best.
Conclusion
So there you have it…all the best Ruger 10/22 upgrades to make yours the best it can be. This versatile and venerable firearm can be modified to an extreme degree, and is a great choice for those who want to tinker and toy with a new gun or get into some light-to-moderate gunsmithing.
Did you find anything on this list useful? Is there anything that might find a home on your 10/22? Anything I missed? Let me hear about it in the comments below.
67 Leave a Reply
Can a 10/22 WMR version of the Takedown be built in the aftermarket:
1) from the ground up
2) as an upgrade to a Ruger 10/22 LR Takedown?
3) as an upgrade to a Ruger 10/22 WMR Takedown?
No discussion of 10/22 upgrades should not include Kidd Innovative Designs
where can i get 10/22 rifle with up grades
Check out the Volquartsen website.
Re: Magazines
Always go with Ruger factory mags as your first choice for reliability and durability. 25-round mags are available in 2-packs for about $40, so there's no need to go with a cheaper knockoff. The 15-round Ruger BX-15 mags are actually the sweet spot in terms of reliability and ergonomics, in my opinion.
If you can't get 10+ round mags in your state, a duo-coupler like the one from Alangator is your best choice. That tri-coupler is really clumsy to handle, carry, and store; the duo couplers are much better as they fit into pockets more easily and don't add unnecessary bulk.
You should do a billet trigger and Margo upgrade on that bx trigger (don't forget the palishing job) got mine down to 1 3/4lb and also the trigger overtravell limiter.
When can we expect the in-depth review of the Fab Defense R10/22 M4 Foldable Stock?
R10/22 M4 Foldable Stock ($160) is CA legal for the 10/22? Before I buy it I want to make sure
I'm curious to know what the OAL is with an 18" barrel, the author says it is legal with the stock barrel, but most aftermarket barrels are either 18" or 20" and not the stock 18.5"
Is it just barely legal with the 18.5 or would an 18" be ok?
My 10/22 bought new in Ireland ,really nice rifle,very accurate but quality of fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired ,major gap between end of stock and butt plate ,does anyone make a nice brass buttplate for these rifles ?? Would buy immediately if they do ,Plastic buttplate is underformed ,a realshame .
John J Hogan
One of the Best or maybe the best written and visual explanations of Parts that I have ever read. I will buy the 10/22 with some up grades this summer and buy parts over the next year(2021). I will spend $500 in extra parts 2021 and $500 more in 2022.
You should get a raise, no a big raise. Elwood Smith in Arkansas 501-681 3705 Age 73
The other scopes that allowed for parallax adjustment down to 25 yards or less were: (1) Simmons 22 Mag Rimfire Rifle Scope 3-9x 32mm Adjustable Objective; and (2) Weaver Classic Rimfire RV9 Rifle Scope 3-9x 32mm Adjustable Objective. Both are out of production. If you see the Weaver on Ebay, buy it!
I would give a shout-out to Stocky's Stocks. They are a hybrid manufacturer/vendor (they also sell Boyd's stocks among others) and have an excellent selection. For those of us who are older and participate in Appleseed, I recommend the Leupold VX-Freedom EFR 3-9x33 scope. The Tech Sights are great but I cannot see the front sight well enough to consistently shoot 1" groups at 25 yards. At one event (using Tech Sights) I managed to shoot excellent groups on my neighbor's target. The Leupold is a little spendy but is the only currently-manufactured scope I know of that allows parallax adjustment down to 10 yards, something that is important at Appleseed. Most scopes come with a set 50-yard parallax which is no good for Appleseed. I was not able to find the parallax setting for the Simmons scope above. Just to confuse buyers, Leupold insists on calling parallax adjustment "Extended Focal Range." For triggers, barrels, and internal upgrades, I'd choose anything from Tony Kidd. For magazines, I like the Ruger factory 10-round CLEAR magazines that fit flush with the stock. Helps me count rounds if needed. The extended 25-round magazines are a waste of time unless you are just plinking. For serious target work they get in the way. For ammo, I bought several cases of Federal Gold Medal Match after the last .22 LR ammo shortage and it has performed well. I also keep several boxes of Eley, Lapua, RWS, Wolf, and SK in the stash but am not a serious benchrest guy. The Federal is "good enough" and shoots better than I do.
Some of the accessories cost more than the gun! I've got several 10/22s. To me, the most useful upgrades are: 1.) Red dot; 2.) Extended mag release; 3.) Bolt release; and, 4.) Sling. HOWEVER, as we all know, it is hard to stop there. I usually add a firing pin, extractor, sear, and bolt buffer. Already spent enough for another gun!
Thanks for all the info. I'm making a list for my NEW 10/22.
You have totally missed cool guy guns.com. KIDD equipment is as good as or better than most for 10/22’s!
You showed no walnut stocks! What about an upgraded cut checkered walnut sporter stock? Steel trigger and trigger housing? Steel receiver? Rifles should be walnut and steel! No plastic or aluminum. I have no idea why Ruger didn’t build them that way from the start?
The Victor Titan and the Oryx stock needs to be included in the stock review section.
Proof Carbon fiber barrel,
Hunter X-22 Stock
KIDD Trigger
KIDD bolt/Charging handle
KIDD Receiver
Vortex 4-16 Scope
I think I GTG
Thank you for saving me so much time!
Glad we could help!
Can the Ruger 10-22 Takedown be upgraded to a magnum rimfire?
Not that I've heard of, but that would be cool.
i bought the ram line folding stock for my 10/22 a long time ago. i have not seen one better but i have seen a lot of stupid looking stocks that are on the market today. i am so glad i bought it and would never sell it.
I would give a solid shout out to Kidd Innovation Design. Both of my 10/22's have the trigger groups and other Kidd upgrades. On one of them the only thing original is the receiver. I also like the tactical solutions barrel with hogue forend.
I've been looking for what I've seen in the past that attaches to the barrel that makes it appear as a heat dispenser.
Hey Carl, could you clarify your comment? I cannot figure out what you mean. Are you referring to a chassis system?
The first mod you're going to want to add is the bolt release (Speed Beez or Volquartsen). Then, replace the buffer pin, those break a lot (Kidd or TufferBuffer). Trueshot sights have adjustable sights and integrated rail. Ditch those turrible factory sights. Then get some of those Butler Creek Steel Lips magazines that lock together. Get some speed loaders too (Butler Creek or Champion). The best takedown I've seen is the one from agparms.com. That is schooper schweet (not available in blue states).
Why don't you get a $1.30 nylon 1/4 inch bolt. Cut to fit. Make sure you have just shaft and no threads. They last a long time. Take your original bolt release plate and file out the one hole to match the after market release plates. A little work and save $25. 00.
I plan to get a 10/22 and from the start upgrade the trigger, tune up kit, and stock. should you just get a base 10/22? i do want a threaded barrel to suppress. For sights i will run a dot, or a dot scope. Thanks for any info on this.
Start with the base. You're eventually going to be replacing just about everything. 10/22 upgrades are ongoing projects. Look for the 10/22s with the birdcage flash suppressor (like model 11112) because they come with the threaded barrel. In every gun store, you're going to find a modded out 10/22, but you're going to want to customize it yourself.
I'm new here and just saw this.... so essentially if I was going to start upgrades from the beginning, the most basic, bare bones 10/22 is ideal? Would starting with just a reciever be better?
That's what I'm doing since I'm building a 90/22 kit. A 10/22 is not as daunting as i thought, more like a Paintball marker in complexity. You need a receiver, charge handle assy, bolt assy, trigger group, hardware kit, barrel, stock kit...firing pin. extractor, v block, bolt buffer, etc and often part of the other assemblies. If you plan on upgrading a number of those then its probably cheaper to buy and build rather than end up with a huge box of stock parts.
I was surprised to not see any Kidd products listed. I have a few things from Kidd and they all are topnotch.
Well will see went with the Kidd trigger . And ordered a vloquartsen tigger as well will let you know which one is better. Something is telling me though they are going to be very similar. I did go with the single stag Kidd one though either way should be be all around .. thanks
I would like to see some form of cantilever sight mount for the takedown model
I just read this and my 10/22 had constant fte I took the advise here and installed the tandem cross extractor problem solved instantly. Great advise here
Thanks Tin, glad we could help out!
You should check out some of the mighty fine chassis systems not made of plastic! PMACA has an all aluminum chassis that’s by far the best I’ve ever used! Also there’s a lot of great triggers out there for way less than the High End Volterson or however it’s spelled? Kidd manufacturing makes great barrels! I’m looking a a left side charging upper for less than $200! I build my 10/22’s and if interested I can share with you my 30 years experience of building and modding these rifles. 10/22 is my favorite rifle still in production. But, I build on a budget! Which, I’d be happy to throw some information your way so people know it’s not just all high end products that work or are available. Thanks man! Good read!
Charlie, if you wouldn’t mind, I would love to hear more about your experience with the 10/22. I would like to do a build and, being new to the rifle, am not sure where to start.
I would love some info also. My son is 8 and is just getting started target shooting with a ruger 10/22. I am thinking about doing a custom build for him but I would like to keep it fairly lightweight. I have just started research 10/22 mods. Thanks in advance.
Hello. I am new here and just saw this. Haha I know those is an.old post, but if you're still dishing out tips, I'd sure love to pick your brain. This will be my first build, and I'd be exaggerating if I said I knew anything at all, but what I want in the end. Haha
Great article, very informative. I just bought a the ruger 10/22 + hard case + scope kit (first gun time gun owner) and found this to be very useful. Thank you!
I'm interested in trying the rimfire steel challenge. What kind of red dot would you recommend? The Bushnell TRS-25 seems like a great product, but I am not sure it's suitable for that purpose. Or perhaps I am wrong? People recommend C-More, but those can be more than the rifle itself. Alternatively, do you know of any fiber optics sight that would work?
TRS-25 would be a great optic for it. Simple, cheap, reliable. It's a super budget red dot but it works great. I've kept one on my Winchester SXP shotgun for a while now and it has had zero issues even with 12g slug recoil. I'm sure it could handle .22 LR for years and years.
You’re totally wrong! The bushnell TRS-25 is the best entry level Reddot available. I’ve used it on .308, which I’d have to say it didn’t handle it well. 3 shots and lost zero. But with 5.56/223 and .22lr it’s perfect for! I had one on my MPX 9mm and it ran flawlessly, I’ve never had it loose zero except when I use it with a cartridge it’s not rated for. Love the Bushnell TRS-25! I’ve got lots of Reddots, it’s the Only true Reddot I still use. I’ve moved back to magnified glass and Prisim Scopes from Vortex. Primary Arms has a very nice low end model that I’d say is 2nd on my list. I’m seeing it drop into the sub $100. range! Hope this helps.
Cheers
Have you used the 10/22 Takedown? If so what stock do you like for that,
Also have you used any of the internally suppressed barrels?
PMACA has an awesome one! There’s some really cool chassis’s available! The Archangel takedown pistol is just sick!! And I don’t know if you should know this because it does render your guns illegal! But you can take the barrels off the take down rifle and put the pistols barrel on it and Vice a versa!! To make an SBR out of the rifle and the pistol won’t be illegal it’s just a long barreled pistol! But the SBR will need a tax stamp! Or just don’t let anyone see it! Hahahahahahahahaha!!!
What is the muzzle on the first 10/22 it looks like a m1 grand muzzle but I cant find it any where.
Its the Ruger 10/22 TDT 11112
https://ruger.com/products/1022Takedown/specSheets/11112.html
KIDD Bolt Buffer. $5.95.
Polymer rear receiver pin. Reduces bolt battering on recoil.
Just bought a 10/22 TD. Did not realize so many accessories. Great article.
Thanks, Bob!
The Ruger BX-25 magazines seem to be a huge hit with online reviewers. Probably worth mentioning as an alternative to the Butler Creek mags. They come as a single 25 or as a jungle style 50 rounder--and they're factory!
Thanks Matt, you're right!
they did not mention a sling or case for it. I know slings are not tactical or Rambo but it is a basic thing to have with any rifle or shotgun.
Does anyone know if the Nomad mod kit works for the take down model??
Sorry, but I vehemently disagree with your recommendation of Butler Creek extended mags. I've tried two Hot Lips 25ers and they both jammed or failed to feed every 2nd or 3rd round with all types of ammo that I tried (7 different varieties) and lubing them with graphite. In my experience they were absolute garbage. We gave up trying in order to protect the firing pin. The factory 50rd mag, however, gave smooth running with only 1 fff in 400 rounds of Remington Thunderbolt.
Great article! Thank you. So, just a little confused still, lol. If im just playing around with friends at the house. I want a cool looking, accurate 10/22. What mechanical upgrades do i actually need? It looks like you provided all upgrades. Im sure i dont need everything listed. Thanks so much. I have a 10/22 carbine btw.
There are sooooo many models. Which do you recommend? Any thoughts on Standard vs. Takedown for starters?
Help, I want to start customizing now and willl have endless decisions to make. But now, trying to decide on the basic to get.
I went with a standard one with a bull barrel and the synthetic stock...but you really can't go wrong with any! Just make sure if you get the takedown it might affect which stocks you can upgrade to.
Why no mention of the Promag Archangel stocks? I am using two different models on two of my 10/22's and love them - fitment - looks etc...
Also Feddersen barrels are a great quality upgrade for a bull barrel. I love the 10/22 and have a blast modifying the 3 I have.
Great cheap upgrade is a Brimstone trigger job. Mail your current trigger in for a Tier 1, 2, or 3 upgrade. They do amazing work.
You are right Eric, the Magpul stock is the best. Even works for my 9-year old because you can adjust it.
Great article! I had no idea you could upgrade a 10/22 like that. It will be a good project for my son and I. Well done! Thanks!
You're so welcome!