10/22 - most expensive .22 rifle for the everyman?

[ruggedruger]

Seeing as almost the whole rifle can be built from aftermarket parts (I think the whole rifle can be), I wonder how much the average 'upgrader' spends on the 10/22. I'd like to do some stuff to mine, but a bull barrel would require a different stock, etc. I may do the trigger job stuff sometime, but will probably look out for a used target model, or an almost giveway WalMart carbine to do anything else to...unless my financial situation changes for the positive down the road sometime!

And by how much he spends on upgrades, that could include $$$ spent over the lifetime/ownership of the gun!

I'm not necessarily asking what you spent on it, personally, but rough guesses.

 

[Snake45]

My "rough guess" is that the vast majority of 10/22 owners leave them unmolested other than maybe mounting a scope, and possibly a sling. But then most 10/22 owners probably aren't posting on "enthusiast" forums such as this one.

 

[greener]

I think the answer is "how big is your bank account?"

 

[jimd441]

I fall into the group that Snake described and suspect that he is right in that although there are those who perform significant modifications, most owners do no more than add a scope and/or a sling. It all comes down to what you want out of your 10-22(s).

Jim

 

[BlkHawk73]

I've got 17 or so 10/22's here currently. A couple are completely as-shipped. Others far from it. Dollars into them start at $175 while most have $500 or so into each of them. I guess the hardest hit to the wallet on any one did around $900-1000 damage.

 

[JFB]

I've had my first 1022 since 1980 ($150 ?). Just spent $35 for a trigger job (Not counting the cases of ammo, bottles of breakfree, boxes of cleaning patches and an outers cleaning rod).

 

[SteveRuger]

I purchased one backin 97 or so with the Ruger name already engraved in the Fajen thumb hole stock @ that time they were very pricey with less than 500 made, then I got crazy & dumped a whole bunch of $$$ into it & I love it to this day but I don't think how much I have into it! But it shoots very very far in very tight groups. Hey you only live once! J/S

 

[Ladobe]

My last one I bought in 2000, stainless, ended up with $600+ in parts. Volquartsen target guts, Whiteface Mountain match barrel, laminated thumbhole stock. I never used it, was just a safe queen. I sold it for $520 and shipped it about 10 days ago. I had only fired maybe 20-30 test rounds in it total, never even bothered to mount a scope on it. Was my 6th and last 10/22. Back then a friend was building them for something like $1200-$1800 and selling lots of them. Used to have pictures of a bunch of those he built, easily riveled any Chief AJ built. The 10/22's are not my cup of tea, I went back to the High Standard/JCH Model 31 I got new in 1959 if I ever wanted to shoot a 22RF auto again. Didn't happen, the 77/22 switch barrel gets the first call... also not shot though because of the six 17RF's I had.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I've changed almost everything on mine but don't have more than about $120 more than I paid for it new because I did all of the work myself and bought the stuff cheap. It might not look like an alien 10/22 like some people want but it doesn't look run of the mill and works way better than new. A scope is probably not near the top of mods for one of these.

• · 2011 Ruger 10/22 carbine OEM receiver and tapered 18.5” blued barrel
  · Polished by me OEM bolt, extractor and spring
  · KIDD bolt return rod and spring (choice of three strengths)
  · KIDD dual layer bolt buffer pin
  · KIDD ¼” extended charging handle in stainless with Viton grip polished by me
  · OEM hardwood stock from unknown but recent year stripped and refinished by me in ebony with six coats of polyurethane
  · Raven Eye .001” oversize stainless trigger group to receiver pins and Allen take down screw
  · Wolff Custom reduced power sear and trigger return springs, extra power hammer spring
  · TriggerShims stainless shim kit from Michigan Outdoors
  · Hornet Products magazine release and ejector pivot pins in stainless at .001” oversize
  · Hornet Products disconnector, hammer, and trigger pivot pins in stainless at .001” oversize
  · Vintage eBay stainless barrel band sanded and polished to chrome look by me
  · 2007 trigger housing in cast aluminum with gray powder coat stripped from the waste down, hand sanded, then polished to chrome look by me
  · North Woods Outpost satin stainless extended magazine release sanded and polished to chrome look by me
  · New, unfired 2008 complete metal trigger group in black for internals (hammer differs from polymer groups and gray guard bought with no guts)
  · Hawk Tech Arms automatic bolt release

 

[ruggedruger]

Guzzler, nice work. I might perform some of those types of mods myself. I don't shoot enough yet to start tinkering with it. I have the deluxe sporter and it's handsome in its own right. I think mine has a birch stock. What is this? What do you mean 'finished in ebony' - the color of the stain? I don't recall such a stain.

 

[Uncle Howie]

My "rough guess" is that the vast majority of 10/22 owners leave them unmolested other than maybe mounting a scope, and possibly a sling. But then most 10/22 owners probably aren't posting on "enthusiast" forums such as this one.

"What Snake45 said." :P

The stock "el cheapo" 10/22 can perform mighty well with a moderately-priced scope. I have a bucket of "twice fired" pistol brass that I shot at 25 yards with CCI Blazer ammo, out of a scoped 10/22 off sandbags. Some are punched right through the center of the brass, but most are shot to one edge or the other. Either way, plenty good enough for small game hunting or plinking.

If the modification bug bites you, perhaps start with improving the trigger. Mount a decent scope, and go shoot a few bricks! You might be surprised what you and your rifle can do with that setup.

You can do some mods on the cheap, buying used parts on the forums, hogging out a factory stock to use a bull barrel, etc.

I guess my point is this: if you want to drop a lot of $$$, it's easy to do so. There are probably also a lot of great shooters with stock 10/22 rifles. Think farm kids and ranchers, shooting vermin. I'm betting most of them can hold their own, even with a stock 10/22.

Good luck!

Edit: If you are serious about a top-flight 10/22, you might be well-served by one of the aftermarket (perhaps machined from a stainless billet?) receivers. It's the basis for the rifle.

You can hang a $500 barrel $200 trigger group, and a $1,000 scope on a stock receiver... but at some point there's a "weak link" in the system.

You probably want to chart out a total dollar amount to spend, then purchase various components of comparable quality, so that you end up with a "balanced" rifle.

 

[AKDRSS]

I consider a Ruger 10-22 a "truck gun". Designed to be a beater from the get go. Low cost and reasonable accuracy if you are lucky. Other than a scope I would not put a dime into any of them.

 

[Frank in GA.]

Owning several 10-22's the least I've got in one is the one that's stock bought used. My favorite one and one I shoot the most has more in accessories than the gun cost new and the only stock part on it is the receiver. Guess I would have done better buying an aftermarket receiver and adding everything onto it but, looking back I never really expected to change out that many parts. Of course I am very happy with what I've got so no complaining here.

 

[wgaboy]

Got a problem with add-ons? Tell me one other gun/car/boat/whatever--that you can soup up from the comfort of your home for a few 100's up? or just leave as is? Mine for some defense purposes has a laser sight and low power light over a 2x7 scope (used Redfield now), with 25 round factory mag. Someone asked me...isnt a .22 a little small for defense? well if I reach for my 12 gauge--take your choice --slug, 00 buck or steel 4's -- but there's got to be something sinister about a little red dot on your chest, and after the first 3 rounds, the three more, followed by 3 more, and on and on... with a single round left if needed to finish you off.
I can also know reasonably well where those hits will be, and largely avoid jeopardizing the lives of other family members or the neighbors.
Yes I'll pick the shotgun first, but because of its overwhelming firepower, like the big fat 0.7" inch barrel and the 10 extra rounds at the side.

 

[Bob G]

Check these out; no new stock needed.
https://www.volquartsen.com/products/541-stainless-muzzleweighted-barrel

 

[Bob G]

Got a problem with add-ons? Tell me one other gun/car/boat/whatever--that you can soup up from the comfort of your home for a few 100's up? or just leave as is? Mine for some defense purposes has a laser sight and low power light over a 2x7 scope (used Redfield now), with 25 round factory mag. Someone asked me...isnt a .22 a little small for defense? well if I reach for my 12 gauge--take your choice --slug, 00 buck or steel 4's -- but there's got to be something sinister about a little red dot on your chest, and after the first 3 rounds, the three more, followed by 3 more, and on and on... with a single round left if needed to finish you off.
I can also know reasonably well where those hits will be, and largely avoid jeopardizing the lives of other family members or the neighbors.
Yes I'll pick the shotgun first, but because of its overwhelming firepower, like the big fat 0.7" inch barrel and the 10 extra rounds at the side.

10/22 not a good choice for defense? Tell that to the 1500 lb bull I dropped with one shot the other day.

 

[AKDRSS]

One of the biggest bears ever shot in Alaska was killed by an older native lady with a .22. One shot into the ear canal dropped it.
But this is no case for saying the .22 is a good bear (or defense) round. There are many, many calibers that are better for the job.

 

[GasGuzzler]

What do you mean 'finished in ebony' - the color of the stain?

Back on topic and yes sir, color name of the stain. I kept my original and bought a very similar unused take off stock from eBay and stripped it to "white" wood before using two colors of stain (dark walnut followed by ebony) in several coats then some poly. I did another from new stock for a family member and his would take a slightly different course. Mine has polished metal parts, his all black.....so I used a weathered grey first color to mute the reds then the ebony followed by poly. It's like mine with no gold. The last I did was a real walnut basket case I bought off eBay to resell. Had about 40 hours in it and grossed about $50. It was a win for the winning bidder.

 

[Quattroclick]

On my $300 LVT I spent about $150 on a weaver 2-7 scope and rings. On my $125 10/22 carbine, I spent about $60 for a 4x32AO Bushnell sportview scope, rings and base. On the carbine I spent about another $2.00 for cleaning supplies and dremel polishing supplies for a cleaning and trigger job. I may put some nice open sights on the carbine, or just wait for another walnut gun to come along cheap. No other upgrades planned, except maybe another $2.00 trigger job on the LVT.

 

[mattsbox99]

My favorite 10/22 has a DSP walnut stock and a Tac Sol lightweight threaded barrel with Power Custom guts. Not a lot of work and I didn't break the bank with it, its a lot of fun to shoot and packs well on the ATV when out shooting gophers. It looks good with or without the can on it too.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Mine has a FREE 4X20 on it. Can't complain.....yet.

 

[Kevin]

I only have two 10/22's one is stock with an inexpensive scope and the other only has the Ruger 10/22 receiver. All the other parts are aftermarket, mostly Kidd except the stock. It was about 900.

The nice part about modifying a 10/22 is that it doesn't have to be done at once. A couple parts now and then and it can still be shot in between.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Here is one I built up. I found closeouts on the parts at Midway USA several years back so I don`t have over $200 in the upgrades excluding the scope.

Fajen English walnut stock with Neidner checkered steel grip cap ,butt plate and two screw swivels. SS sporter wt. match grade barrel and Volquartsen target hammer.
As accurate as any bull barrel on a 10-22 (and I have owned several).
They are fun but CAN be a money pit!!

 

[DDubya]

I have two heavily modified 10/22s and one pretty much stock Takedown 10/22. They're like legos for adults. I enjoy making them 'mine' through mods.

 

[pistol pete]

I have 3 10/22's. One has a heavy bbl, laminated stock, 4-12 Simmons scope, Volquartsen hammer, modified bolt release. It is a real tack driver. #2 has an old walnut carbine stock, TRS25 red dot, Trigger job per info off Rimfire Central, modified bolt release. #3, Standard carbine with the birch or whatever it is stock, mods just like #2 except it has Williams peep sight on it. Both std carbines are plenty accurate to shoot the CMP .22 sporter match with. All 3 are fun rifles, the sporter match is fun, try it if you get a chance.

 

[GhosT]

ruggedruger,

A fun thread.

Bought my stainless 10/22 in the mid 80's.
A fancy model,from Walmart of all places.{ Laminated,length of the barrel stock}

As I had fired other stock 10/22's, I knew from the factory,accurate and feeding reliable.
A few squirrels went into the pot.

A few years later....
I customized it,TWICE.

Replaced the stock with a HOGUE model ,"RUBBER" model made to accept abuse.
Replaced the trigger group assembly with one that....
Both cost more than the gun,and the trigger pull is so light, so crisp....
I can't let anybody else shoot it...unsafe in unskilled hands...but I love it! lol

THAT SAID......

EVEN if my 10/22 was in factory stock condition,I would still want it!

I HAVE HAD COUNTLESS ARGUMENTS OVER DECADES......
I still say the 10/22 is THE SEMI-AUTO RIMFIRE TO OWN.

Keep it factory fresh,or customize the hell out of it ,
STILL MY FAVORITE .22 rimfire rifle! :D :D :D :D :D :D

 

[Huhwhat?]

I bought my wife one of the Davidson's rifles with the purple laminate stock (anniversary gift). Other than putting a scope on it, we've done nothing to it.

 

[Wysiwyg101]

Right before I purchased my Ruger 10/22 I watched a youtube video where the guy talked about over spray issues inside the receiver and what he did to correct that. So, when I got mine and stripped it down I did notice quite a bit of over spray inside right where the bolt travels. So, I did what he did and got some 1000 grit sandpaper and went to town sanding everything I could see. Once I got it cleared to my satisfaction I did a thorough cleaning and then I used some Flitz to polish up the area and also on the bolt. That smoothed out the operation measurably.

I plan on getting the charging handle kit and the bolt buffer rod from Kidd to augment this one, but I think that's about it. Mine has a real nice Birchwood stock that looks pretty dang good and this from a guy that isn't really into actual wood stocks. If I get another 10/22 tho I'm going to go into mod heaven with it..lol.

Wys

Oh, I did get a couple of BX-25 mags. I wish I had been able to get a few more before the craze hit and before any potential ban on high cap mags. Oh well.

 

[kicker1_solo]

I'd like to do some stuff to mine, but a bull barrel would require a different stock, etc.

You can modify your factory stock to fit a bull barrel. I have a custom made carbon barrel on mine and took a piece of sand paper wrapped around a wood dowel and sanded out the stock until it fit.

I then turned this gun into my girlfriend's gun by changing out the stock.

There would be about $650 into this gun, but I got the barrel super cheap because my brother in law is the barrel maker. ($300 usually)

My other one has close to $800 into it, it has all sorts of internal goodies.

 

[Goldstar225]

I've had my 10/22 for about 25 years. It came with the four color laminated stock. I mounted a Burris 3X9 compact scope, a sling, Volquarson hammer and a slightly extended mag release on it. Everything else is stock. It's my primary squirrel gun