Best Aftermarket 10/22 Receivers

The Ruger 10/22 has been enormously popular since it was released over 50 years ago.

Due to that popularity (and probably also contributing to it), the 10/22 has one of the most impressive markets for third-party accessories and upgrades.

Like the Glock and AR platforms, you can even build a 10/22 entirely out of third-party parts, were you so inclined.

Now we’ve talked about the best upgrades that you can make to your Ruger 10/22 in the past, but one thing we didn’t discuss was receivers.

Sure, the OEM Ruger receiver gets the job done, but if you’re looking to take your 10/22 to the next level...or are doing the build yourself, these are our favorites.

Best 10/22 Receivers

1. Brownells BRN-22

Introduced in 2018, the Brownells BRN-22 receiver proves that Brownells is an old pro when it comes to creating high-quality gun parts.

Best Budget Receiver

Brownells BRN-22

$80

at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

$80 at Brownells

The BRN-22 receiver comes in a variety of configurations, so it’s the receiver on this list that should work for most people.

To start, you can choose between a stripped receiver and a barreled receiver.  

The BRN-22R model is machined with an integrated Picatinny rail, which is ideal for upgrades.

Brownells BRN-22R

$115

at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

$115 at Brownells

If you opted for the stripped version, your decision-making ends there, but if you went with the barreled option, you must consider your barrel options.

Brownells offers their barreled receivers with either 10-inch or 16-inch barrel lengths. The 10-inch is only available with a sporter-type barrel. But if you go with the 16-inch, you can choose between sporter and heavy barrel styles.

Whichever barrel you go with, it will have 1/2-28 TPI threads for attaching your preferred muzzle accessory.

Just a heads up: the barrel doesn’t come installed, so you’ll have to do that yourself. Brownells doesn’t provide a thread protector, so you should probably pick one up too.

All of the BRN-22 configurations are machined from 6061 aluminum with a matte black hard coat anodized (barrels have a matte black oxide finish) and have a pre-drilled rear cleaning rod access hole.

On top of all that, these receivers are super affordable, making them a great option if you’re doing a low-budget build.

What's your take on the BRN-22? Rate it below!

2. Volquartsen Superlite Receiver

Volquartsen is one of my favorite brands for 10/22 upgrades, and their 10/22 Superlite receiver is just one more excellent piece they offer.

Unlike any of the BRN-22 configurations, this receiver is complete but has no barrel.

It does, however, utilize Volquartsen’s tapered cone bushing installation system. This helps impede barrel canting, which can often occur with 10/22 barrels and allows the receiver to be used with any 10/22 barrel.

Editor's Pick

Volquartsen Superlite 10/22 Receiver

$329

at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

$329 at Brownells

The Volquartsen Superlite receiver is made of CNC machined high-grade 416 stainless steel and has an installed, but not integrated, Weaver-style rail. It also features a synthetic recoil buffer, which minimizes recoil and quiets the action.

While it certainly looks similar to the OEM receiver, you’ll definitely be able to feel the difference – and so will your wallet.  

It’s a high-end receiver at a high-end budget, though perhaps not as high-end as the next receiver on our list...

3. Faxon Firearms 10/22 Receiver Kit

We're big fans of Faxon around here, mainly because they offer quality parts for a variety of firearms.

So, it's no surprise they made our list with the 10/22 Receiver Kit. This kit is an easy means to upgrade your 10/22. We like easy!

One of the things we really like about the Faxon 10/22 kit is that it works with all Ruger OEM non-takedown parts, Faxon rimfire barrels, and most aftermarket chassis. Compatibility is a nice bonus, and Faxon definitely has that.

The receiver is a 6061-T6 aluminum design with a chromoly steel v-block.

And it comes with Faxon's Lifetime Guarantee, so you know you're covered in the event something goes wrong.

Best Budget Railed Receiver

Faxon Firearms 10/22 Receiver Kit

$185

at Faxon Firearms

Prices accurate at time of writing

$185 at Faxon Firearms

Brownells (see price)

4. Tactical Solutions X-Ring Receiver

If you’ve done much upgrading, building, or modding of guns before, then you’re probably already familiar with Tactical Solutions.  

If you’re not, Tactical Solutions has an excellent reputation for creating lightweight yet high-quality firearms, accessories, and upgrades, especially barrels.

With that level of expertise, it’s no surprise that their X-Ring 10/22 Receiver is a favorite among Ruger 10/22 fans.

Unlike the other receivers we’ve discussed so far, the X-Ring 10/22 Receiver is machined from billet aluminum to reduce weight while maintaining durability. Altogether, the receiver, along with its included heat-treated stainless steel bolt, weighs just one pound.

It has a dual spring guide rod system that makes the bolt mechanism more flexible, reduces recoil, and allows rounds to cycle more smoothly.

The receiver comes in both standard and takedown versions, the latter of which can be a bit difficult to come by. Both have integrated Picatinny rails, perfect for adding your optic of choice.

It’s also available in silver, gunmetal gray, black, O.D. green, and quicksand, so it has the right look for any 10/22 style, whether simple and classic, modern and tactical, or somewhere in between.

While fantastic, the X-Ring 10/22 Receiver costs quite a bit more than just buying a brand new 10/22, so if you’re on a budget, this probably isn’t the best option for you.

Best High-End Receiver

Tactical Solutions 10/22 X-Ring Receiver

$483

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$483 at GrabAGun

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

5. Tactical Innovations Elite22 Receivers

If a receiver from Volquartsen or Tactical Solutions isn’t quite within your budget, take a look at the Elite22 line of receivers from Tactical Innovations.

The standard Elite22 receiver is made of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade billet aluminum and is available totally stripped or with a match-grade bolt assembly.

It has an integrated mil-spec Picatinny rail and rear cleaning rod access.

The receiver has an anodized finish available in matte black or other bright colors to suit any aesthetic, including silver, gold, red, blue, and purple.

The bolt assembly, should you choose to get it with your receiver, is available in polished stainless steel, matte stainless steel, and black nitride finishes.

Tactical Innovations Elite22

$179

at Tactical Innovations

Prices accurate at time of writing

$179 at Tactical Innovations

Final Thoughts

All of these receivers in all of their configurations are great, especially for the price, so no matter which one you go with, you’re sure to be pleased.

But don’t forget that completed receivers must be shipped to an FFL. And many manufacturers even ship stripped receivers to FFLs rather than dealing with state and local legislation on the subject.

Working on an awesome 10/22 build or upgrade project? Know of another great aftermarket 10/22 receiver that didn’t make my list? And check out the rest of our Best 10/22 Upgrades...from stocks to sights and more.