Ruger 10/22 Sequence of Upgrades
- Thread starter Altreac
- Start date
Hey Altreac~read, and re-read this post...becuase this thread is a perfect storm of 10/22 love. It's at once...both refreshing to know you can upgrade everything...but a reminder that the platform leaves allot to be desired right out of the gate. I joke (a fair bit) that Marlin's are more accurate semis, and I gleefully shoot my 795 with accuracy and consistency my 10/22 only dreamed of when I had it...but I'm still drawn to threads like these. I actually GET the appeal of customizing something to your needs, but am bewildered at the amount of money people spend upgrading 10/22s. Clearly, I'm in the minority..so we'll leave it at that.
What I wanted to say was that I think you ARE approaching the "upgrade" idea with the right level of balance and enthusiasm...wanting to see how the stock gun does/doesn't meet your expectations, etc. I think this is a smart way to go. However, if ultimate accuracy is your goal..perhaps (as pavmentsurfer has suggested) you might want to consider a bolt action as a platform. Semis are fun guns for sure, but you'll arrive at a more accurate shooting experience (for less money) if you start with a bolt action.
Just throwing it out there..
Fun watching the brass fly with a 10/22~no doubt. If bullet placement is priority #1, get some trigger time with even a decent bolt-action before you dump too much $ into a stock 10/22.Hey Altreac~read, and re-read this post...becuase this thread is a perfect storm of 10/22 love. It's at once...both refreshing to know you can upgrade everything...but a reminder that the platform leaves allot to be desired right out of the gate. I joke (a fair bit) that Marlin's are more accurate semis, and I gleefully shoot my 795 with accuracy and consistency my 10/22 only dreamed of when I had it...but I'm still drawn to threads like these. I actually GET the appeal of customizing something to your needs, but am bewildered at the amount of money people spend upgrading 10/22s. Clearly, I'm in the minority..so we'll leave it at that.
What I wanted to say was that I think you ARE approaching the "upgrade" idea with the right level of balance and enthusiasm...wanting to see how the stock gun does/doesn't meet your expectations, etc. I think this is a smart way to go. However, if ultimate accuracy is your goal..perhaps (as pavmentsurfer has suggested) you might want to consider a bolt action as a platform. Semis are fun guns for sure, but you'll arrive at a more accurate shooting experience (for less money) if you start with a bolt action.
Just throwing it out there..
What bewilders me is the amount of money people out into their cars to tune them up or the amount of money people out into alcohol only to flush it. No doubt you can drop a lot of money into most anything. However some endeavors are a better investment than others. Of the ones listed above I would invest in the rifle.
Tdc
I don't disagree one bit Tdc. For new shooters though, CGN's rimfire forum is completely over-saturated with custom 10/22 talk...and I think it's really misleading. I'd actually commented that the OP has the right idea... Buy it, shoot the heck out of it, then have a good frame of reference for upgrades. My point was...there are good guns out there that don't need upgrades to shoot well, and that there was life before 10/22 aftermarket parts.
I feel like I'm advocating for people who've been made to think only modern toys are worth anything. lol Misguided I guess...I don't disagree one bit Tdc. For new shooters though, CGN's rimfire forum is completely over-saturated with custom 10/22 talk...and I think it's really misleading. I'd actually commented that the OP has the right idea... Buy it, shoot the heck out of it, then have a good frame of reference for upgrades. My point was...there are good guns out there that don't need upgrades to shoot well, and that there was life before 10/22 aftermarket parts.
You're right. There is no need to upgrade a ruger as they run just fine out of the box. Sadly most who offer advice and most who seek it have failed to take into account the intended use/role. Nothing wrong with tricked rifles for precision bench work but if that isn't the role then its poor advice. I agree that the op has it right. Start simple and work from there.
Tdc
Well,I'm definatly glad I'm not annoying anyone! Thanks for that.
It seems that way for sure, but I thought the actual receiver needed to stay the same. Maybe nothing inside of it, or around it...but the receiver itself was a piece you can't buy?
Believe me, even now, I'm reading and re-reading this thread. I'll most certainly purchase a bolt action eventually. But for my first piece, I want something that I can really make mine. I understand that the bolt actions are the more accurate. But part of this will be for fun as well. I can learn a lot of the basics (I believe) with a Semi. And I hope by the time I've learned a bunch with the 10/22, I'll get promoted and be able to afford more rifles!
I really do want to get a bolt, but I think the Semi will be my best option for a first rifle.
I drive a Toyota Echo. LOL I put enough cash into it to maintain it. At least with a properly cared for rifle, I'll be able to have it, if not forever, at least long enough to hand it down to someone in the future.
Glad to know that you folks think that I'm on the right course. It's what I'm intending to do. I'm know I have a LOT to learn. But It will be fun.
FYI, I took and passed my CFSC today. So, stage 1, complete!
Ok. So I know what my budget is now (whenever I end up getting my CFSC report to apply for my PAL...) for my Beginners rifle kit. No matter how long it takes to get my PAL, I'll have this cash set aside for it.
This is generic internet pricing, so I'm sure I'll be able to do a bit better in real life with some searching. Prices are rounded if some of my numbers don't exactly add up perfectly.
Firearm + Optics: $700 before tax
Ruger 10/22 new $250
Scope - Budget $400 (Looking at a 3-9x40 Leupold VX-2, VERY open to suggestions here)
Scope Mounting $50
Ammo: $90 for ammo (dummy + real)
Cleaning: $175 (keeping in mind I will eventually get more firearms, I know I'm already pre-addicted to shooting)
Otis Elite Cleaning Kit $140 (I know. Excessive for a Ruger 10/22, but I'm of the mindset that I should never have to get another cleaning kit no matter what I get)
.22 Bore Snake (still debating this, dunno if I'll need it with the Otis kit as well...but they are convenient)
Copper Solvent
Security $165
Stack On 8 Gun Cabinet $149.99 (if I can't find one on sale for 99.99)
Combination Trigger Lock $15ish
Total is around $1200 with tax factored in, priced off the internet at Bass Pro and Canadian Tire.
Sound reasonable?
I still would like recommendations for the scope, although I figure the Leupold VX-2 for $300 should probably do me.
Anything I've failed to consider for a complete starter kit? I've kept it open ended with items like the cleaning kit and safe for future expansion. I can afford this stuff on a end of tour claim that I'm getting, otherwise I'd really just be dreaming! I'm a private with a mortgage! LOL
This is generic internet pricing, so I'm sure I'll be able to do a bit better in real life with some searching. Prices are rounded if some of my numbers don't exactly add up perfectly.
Firearm + Optics: $700 before tax
Ruger 10/22 new $250
Scope - Budget $400 (Looking at a 3-9x40 Leupold VX-2, VERY open to suggestions here)
Scope Mounting $50
Ammo: $90 for ammo (dummy + real)
Cleaning: $175 (keeping in mind I will eventually get more firearms, I know I'm already pre-addicted to shooting)
Otis Elite Cleaning Kit $140 (I know. Excessive for a Ruger 10/22, but I'm of the mindset that I should never have to get another cleaning kit no matter what I get)
.22 Bore Snake (still debating this, dunno if I'll need it with the Otis kit as well...but they are convenient)
Copper Solvent
Security $165
Stack On 8 Gun Cabinet $149.99 (if I can't find one on sale for 99.99)
Combination Trigger Lock $15ish
Total is around $1200 with tax factored in, priced off the internet at Bass Pro and Canadian Tire.
Sound reasonable?
I still would like recommendations for the scope, although I figure the Leupold VX-2 for $300 should probably do me.
Anything I've failed to consider for a complete starter kit? I've kept it open ended with items like the cleaning kit and safe for future expansion. I can afford this stuff on a end of tour claim that I'm getting, otherwise I'd really just be dreaming! I'm a private with a mortgage! LOL
Just my personal perspective.... I've been looking to get into .22s for a bit now, so I've done some looking around and research online, etc. The one thing that has always struck me is that 10/22s aren't the most accurate out of the box, and they aren't cheap, assuming you want to tweak them out. You wouldn't be happier just diving into a rifle that's got more to offer out of the box and just focus on your shooting; saving the 10/22 & upgrades for after your first rank promotion? I'm sure you've considered it, but you do seem pretty set on a 10/22.
Youbetcha. I get it for sure. I can buy a more accurate rifle for out of the box performance. But I want to play with it over time and improve it as I get better. My goal is to get something to grow with me. I'm sure even a stock 10/22 will out shoot me to start off with. But once I realize I need to upgrade something because I have improved to the point that I "need" that upgrade to better my shot is something that I'm looking for as well. I feel that it's just a part of getting into the sport. It will help me learn. I'll shoot the poop out of the rifle until I can't improve my groupings. Then I'll upgrade it a bit. And rinse and repeat until I just don't want to spend any more money on it, and switch to a different rifle that suits my hopefully new and improved abilities. And for the sequence of upgrades. I don't think there's anything out there more available than the 10/22.
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Well, got the rifle and scope now. Scope's all mounted, still need to zero it in. It's a black synthetic Ruger 10/22 with a Leupold VX-2 3-9x40 in matte black on it. Looks awesome. Got a few boxes of rounds, and this coming weekend I'll get to take it all out for the first time, get it broken in a bit, zero the scope and shoot a poop-ton of rounds. Can't wait. Got a Weaver rail and rings for now. All I could get in Kingston on short notice. I think I may upgrade the rings as soon as I can though. They seem ok, but I'm sure there are better and I want to take care of that scope. I know rimfire doesn't kick that much, so I'm not too worried for 1 or 2 outings, but I want better rings.
Upgrades to commence in a couple thousand rounds I think, but I still gotta shoot it unmodified first.
Can't wait!
Not the greatest photo. But it's what I got for now. Already got the rifle out once. Put 400 some through it. Loved it. Now to find somewhere to seriously get some practice in.
Upgrades to commence in a couple thousand rounds I think, but I still gotta shoot it unmodified first.
Can't wait!
Not the greatest photo. But it's what I got for now. Already got the rifle out once. Put 400 some through it. Loved it. Now to find somewhere to seriously get some practice in.
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Figure I'll refresh my thread here now that I've put put a few rounds downrange through my 10/22.
I've probably put around 4000 rounds down range through my little Ruger, and thoroughly enjoy shooting it!
I've shot boxes of Federal 525 bulk packs 36 grain, Federal 40 grains (the non-bulk ones), Remington Subsonics, Remington Golden bullets, Winchester Wildcats and CCI Mini-Mags.
So far, I've found with the 40 Grain non-bulk Federals and CCI Mini-Mags, I have no issues whatsoever. The Subsoncis cycled fine, but I've only shot a couple boxes of 50 of them. I like the Mini-Mags, but they're rather hard to find these days (along with all .22lr unfortunately as I'm sure you all know). I only shot 1 box of the Wildcats, but didn't really care for them so much and a single bulk pack of the Golden Bullets.
Really, I've only had issues with bulk ammo. With the Golden bullets, some FTEs. With the Federals, I get FTEs and the occasional dud.
Now, I'm not sure with the duds, if it's a matter of too light a hammer strike, or if they are just in fact duds. The FTFs only happen every 200-300 rounds, so it's not a huge deal, but with the bulk ammo I get FTEs at a rate of 1 or 2 every 50-100 rounds. Which is too much for my liking.
The only thing I've done to it since the above pic was toss in a new buffer. (And stopped using that mag from the pic above, it doesn't cycle rounds very well, but I have 3 Ruger 10 round mags that work great so it doesn't matter). I've really wanted to get an idea of what I need to do versus what I "think" I should do. And I think at this point, I do know what I want.
I do know that I don't plan on doing anything too crazy too it anymore, it works well enough as is for the most part. I can hit half inch groups with bulk ammo at 50 meters on the bench, which I'm happy with. I'm not quite so tight off-hand, but I'm, as far as I'm concerned, still just learning.
I plan on eventually getting a nicer bolt action .22lr rifle to further my target shooting skills.
I've also migrated the VX-2 scope to my .308 Tikka T3 Lite Stainless that I got on the EE here (thanks for the awesome EE experience meatstick308!). It's factory free floated, glass bedded and honestly...it shoots like a laser. (I've only had it to 100m so far, but I group up well enough so far, lots of learning to be done, but, if you can see by the "frequency" of my posts, I'm willing to do). I got the Tikka out hunting for the first time this season, and all the target practice certainly paid off!
I replaced the scope with a CHEAP 3-9x40, which I am begining to regret. I can't get the point of aim down low enough, so that is one question I have. It's hitting about 3.5" high at 25 meters, but I've bottomed out the verticle adjustment. Considering I can't afford another nice scope right now, and the VX-2's home is on the Tikka now, where I think it belongs, what can I do to bring my scope's point of aim down? I've heard someone talking about adding a shim? Where would I find one/how to install that, just to tide myself over until I can get another decent scope (no timeline pending).
I know now that I need a new extractor for sure. I get stovepipes with enough frequency (every time I've been to the range) that I really should upgrade my extractor. What extractors are worth it, and where can I find them to buy one?
I definitely enjoy shooting my 10/22, and I've also been teaching my wife to shoot a bit as well with it. She's definitely taken to .22lr, and isn't a terrible shot at 25 meters. Both she and I get frustrated by having to do stoppage drills for failures to eject, so that's where I'm at.
Since my last post, I've moved from Ontario to Nova Scotia, so I have a bit easier access to range time now, with the public range system, and gun clubs that don't have multi-year long waiting lists (I never did get into the range in Kingston, ON that was trying for). Here, I've checked out a few ranges, and I can gain membership to my choice of range without worrying about waiting lists.
So, to reiterate my questions:
-What extractor upgrades are worth installing, and where to find them?
-What can I do to get my scope on target without outright buying a new scope?
I think I'd also like to say, that the best advice I took from this thread...what to SHOOT, SHOOT and SHOOT some more BEFORE doing anything to the rifle.
Secondly, that folks listed the extractor as the first upgrade that should be done...I'd say I understand "intrinsically" why that would be. Thanks everyone!
I've probably put around 4000 rounds down range through my little Ruger, and thoroughly enjoy shooting it!
I've shot boxes of Federal 525 bulk packs 36 grain, Federal 40 grains (the non-bulk ones), Remington Subsonics, Remington Golden bullets, Winchester Wildcats and CCI Mini-Mags.
So far, I've found with the 40 Grain non-bulk Federals and CCI Mini-Mags, I have no issues whatsoever. The Subsoncis cycled fine, but I've only shot a couple boxes of 50 of them. I like the Mini-Mags, but they're rather hard to find these days (along with all .22lr unfortunately as I'm sure you all know). I only shot 1 box of the Wildcats, but didn't really care for them so much and a single bulk pack of the Golden Bullets.
Really, I've only had issues with bulk ammo. With the Golden bullets, some FTEs. With the Federals, I get FTEs and the occasional dud.
Now, I'm not sure with the duds, if it's a matter of too light a hammer strike, or if they are just in fact duds. The FTFs only happen every 200-300 rounds, so it's not a huge deal, but with the bulk ammo I get FTEs at a rate of 1 or 2 every 50-100 rounds. Which is too much for my liking.
The only thing I've done to it since the above pic was toss in a new buffer. (And stopped using that mag from the pic above, it doesn't cycle rounds very well, but I have 3 Ruger 10 round mags that work great so it doesn't matter). I've really wanted to get an idea of what I need to do versus what I "think" I should do. And I think at this point, I do know what I want.
I do know that I don't plan on doing anything too crazy too it anymore, it works well enough as is for the most part. I can hit half inch groups with bulk ammo at 50 meters on the bench, which I'm happy with. I'm not quite so tight off-hand, but I'm, as far as I'm concerned, still just learning.
I plan on eventually getting a nicer bolt action .22lr rifle to further my target shooting skills.
I've also migrated the VX-2 scope to my .308 Tikka T3 Lite Stainless that I got on the EE here (thanks for the awesome EE experience meatstick308!). It's factory free floated, glass bedded and honestly...it shoots like a laser. (I've only had it to 100m so far, but I group up well enough so far, lots of learning to be done, but, if you can see by the "frequency" of my posts, I'm willing to do). I got the Tikka out hunting for the first time this season, and all the target practice certainly paid off!
I replaced the scope with a CHEAP 3-9x40, which I am begining to regret. I can't get the point of aim down low enough, so that is one question I have. It's hitting about 3.5" high at 25 meters, but I've bottomed out the verticle adjustment. Considering I can't afford another nice scope right now, and the VX-2's home is on the Tikka now, where I think it belongs, what can I do to bring my scope's point of aim down? I've heard someone talking about adding a shim? Where would I find one/how to install that, just to tide myself over until I can get another decent scope (no timeline pending).
I know now that I need a new extractor for sure. I get stovepipes with enough frequency (every time I've been to the range) that I really should upgrade my extractor. What extractors are worth it, and where can I find them to buy one?
I definitely enjoy shooting my 10/22, and I've also been teaching my wife to shoot a bit as well with it. She's definitely taken to .22lr, and isn't a terrible shot at 25 meters. Both she and I get frustrated by having to do stoppage drills for failures to eject, so that's where I'm at.
Since my last post, I've moved from Ontario to Nova Scotia, so I have a bit easier access to range time now, with the public range system, and gun clubs that don't have multi-year long waiting lists (I never did get into the range in Kingston, ON that was trying for). Here, I've checked out a few ranges, and I can gain membership to my choice of range without worrying about waiting lists.
So, to reiterate my questions:
-What extractor upgrades are worth installing, and where to find them?
-What can I do to get my scope on target without outright buying a new scope?
I think I'd also like to say, that the best advice I took from this thread...what to SHOOT, SHOOT and SHOOT some more BEFORE doing anything to the rifle.
Secondly, that folks listed the extractor as the first upgrade that should be done...I'd say I understand "intrinsically" why that would be. Thanks everyone!
just buy a new bolt from a company like dlask with their firing pin and extractor. it will improve accuracy because its a much better bolt face, the new ejector will solve ejection issues. and also underrated is a cross pinned firing pin. you will have a lot more reliable primer strikes.
I've gone through the whole 10/22 upgrade thing, starts with a stock basic model dropped into a Hogue stock, did a trigger job, buffer upgrade, and shot it a bunch, and thought it was decent.
Upgraded to a Dlask setup shot is a bunch and was better bus still left some to be desired. Unfortunately sold it off. Later got the 10/22 bug again (partly to have something for others to shoot while at range), and picked up a 10/22 stainless target model. at the same time picked up a few boxes of higher end 22lr ammo (Eley team, RWS Professional)
Key to having a moderately accurate 10/22 is to not feed it crap. Did a back to back comparison, a bone stock 10/22 carbine without any trigger work etc outshot my 10/22 target when ammo was factored in, shot the stock with Eley practice, fed the 10/22 Target model federal bulk and it fell way behind in accuracy.
Upgraded to a Dlask setup shot is a bunch and was better bus still left some to be desired. Unfortunately sold it off. Later got the 10/22 bug again (partly to have something for others to shoot while at range), and picked up a 10/22 stainless target model. at the same time picked up a few boxes of higher end 22lr ammo (Eley team, RWS Professional)
Key to having a moderately accurate 10/22 is to not feed it crap. Did a back to back comparison, a bone stock 10/22 carbine without any trigger work etc outshot my 10/22 target when ammo was factored in, shot the stock with Eley practice, fed the 10/22 Target model federal bulk and it fell way behind in accuracy.
too true. i dont feed mine anything lower than CCI SV or federal champion SV. its all subsonic (1050-1080 fps), 40gr., round nose, full lead rounds. i also have a brick (a bit less) of eley match as well. i cant bring myself to get EPS or tenex stuff. if you care about accuracy dont ever feed it bulk.
I'll have to look into some better ammo, just to see.
I've definitely noticed that it's not all created the same.
As for a Dlask bolt, I'll take a look, but I'm guessing it's probably out of my price range for the time being.
I did see a Volquartsen bolt tune up kit at Brownell's. Anyone know if that ships to Canada? I emailed them, but nothing back yet.
I might just hold off until I can justify to myself replacing the entire bolt.
I do enjoy my 10/22. It's my first rifle and I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. I'll just slowly upgrade it over time and have it grow with me.
Edit: looking at Dlask's site... It may not be out of my price range...
I've definitely noticed that it's not all created the same.
As for a Dlask bolt, I'll take a look, but I'm guessing it's probably out of my price range for the time being.
I did see a Volquartsen bolt tune up kit at Brownell's. Anyone know if that ships to Canada? I emailed them, but nothing back yet.
I might just hold off until I can justify to myself replacing the entire bolt.
I do enjoy my 10/22. It's my first rifle and I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. I'll just slowly upgrade it over time and have it grow with me.
Edit: looking at Dlask's site... It may not be out of my price range...
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