10/22 Questions

[rather be hunting]

Guys:

I am a newbe 10/22 owner. Bought a stainless synthetic, a 25 round clip and a clip loader and all is well.
Two questions:

- should I use the Ruger aluminum scope mount rail or an after market steel rail.
I have Millet scope mounts and am concerned the aluminum rail might be a bit soft.

- have anyone had experience with the Butler Creek "Packer Stock System"?
This is a two piece stock that uses the forearm to clamp the barrel to the receiver with a cam lock similar to some single shot shot guns. I am looking for a system to make the smallest package for the 10/22 for back packing.

Thanx

Rather Be Hunting

 

[(Ronin)]

The factory rail is a weaver rail,so mounting most picatinny optics is out unless you get the VQ mount.The factory rail will be fine if you're going with scope rings,the aluminum is not that soft.

You could go with a short barrel and a full stock,or a folder stock and the factory length barrel.

 

[CanFire]

The VQ picatinny mount also allows more flexibility in where you mount your scope rings. The only time I ran into a situation where that would have been handy is when I was trying to share a scope between two rifles and one already had a picatinny mount. The weaver mount comes free with the gun and it works well so you might as well use it until you have to switch to something else.

 

[cyclone]

- have anyone had experience with the Butler Creek "Packer Stock System"?
This is a two piece stock that uses the forearm to clamp the barrel to the receiver with a cam lock similar to some single shot shot guns. I am looking for a system to make the smallest package for the 10/22 for back packing.

Well, I wasn't aware it was still made; did you find a good source? I did find the old 2001 review for it from Charles E. Petty:

Butler Creek's Packer Stock takes full advantage of the popular Ruger 10/22. The Packer permits the quick removal of the barrel, making the two-part package only 21 inches long and easily placed into a backpack or suitcase. The stock will accept the original barrel or one of Butler Creek's new Ultra-Lite carbon fiber barrels.

The patent-pending Packer Stock design utilizes a "Cam-Lock" system that operates by simply folding the forend down. This releases the barrel for easy removal. This also allows the barrel to be cleaned from the breech end; the receiver is also easier to clean. No modification to the gun is needed; it's just a simple stock change. The Cam-Lock replaces the v-block barrel lock using the original screws.

I'd love to know where folks stow the barrel, though...