Old 10/22 versus new 10/22

[Waterfowler]

Any real difference in them??

 

[t-star]

you need to define "old" - the "old " ones had steel parts, or metal parts, some are plastic- trigger pulls were more refined( 4 pounds or less compared to whatever they use now- i haven't bought one in ages) and some of the parts feel like pot metal

 

[Waterfowler]

Is there a way to tell age by markings or S/N on the guns?

 

[Dr.Lector]

http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory/RI-10-22.html

 

[Dr.Lector]

This is only a personal opinion:

In my experience, the worst 10/22's were like this:
Barrels were absolute crap in 1988-2005/6 production,
receivers were sloppy always up to 2004-2005
(but material-wise, all cast receivers have good aluminum),
bolts were sh!tty after very early 70's,
aluminum trigger group housings were lower quality after 85-88,
regular stocks were always like pressed sawdust.
Mags were always great.

Regardless of what you read on internet,
the new plastic TG housing is the best option (for now) if
you want to do a quality custom-built TG.

 

[Beard]

also someone correct me if i am wrong the newer ones have a tab for magazine release where the older ones are flat. also as tstar said the newer ones have more plastic. couldn't tell you about accuracy differences? can anyone chime in ?