new 10/22 owner, where to start?

[Alan]

just picked up my first 10/22, and i already get why people love these things. shoots great right out of the box, but what really sold me is how customizable it is.

i’m trying not to go overboard right away, but i’d like to slowly make it my own. curious what upgrades or small mods you’ve done that made the biggest difference — or just made it more fun to shoot.

what’s worth doing first?

 

[Shotgunangler]

Putting a fixed 3 power Simmons scope and a sling on it were my first Modifications. Learning how to shoot using the sling to steady the rifle, and being able to see the target better threw the scope gave me the biggest gains in accuracy for the dollar of any of the mod's I've made to mine.

 

[PapaGeorgio]

just picked up my first 10/22, and i already get why people love these things. shoots great right out of the box, but what really sold me is how customizable it is.

i'm trying not to go overboard right away, but i'd like to slowly make it my own. curious what upgrades or small mods you've done that made the biggest difference — or just made it more fun to shoot.

what's worth doing first?

All i’be done is add a 3-9 scope. With all the low power scopes now, a 1-4 or 1-6 is the way I would go. I’ve had my 10-22 for 32 years now. Damn I’m getting old. Anyway, I truly think it’s the best 22 ever made (at least dollar for dollar)

 

[Mike A.]

I bought my 10/22 from Wally World & it shoots like a Wally World gun.
I dropped a volquartsen trigger sear in it now it breaks under a Pound.
Next I need a new Barrel, not because I can, because this barrel will not shoot anything.
Groups over 1" @ 50 yards even with Eley Tenex not my kind of .22.

I have a nice wood green laminate stock for a heavy barrel waiting for that new barrel.

Yes I need a new barrel, yet I do not want to hump a 10# 10/22 squirrel hunting in Pisgah Forest.
My Remington 511-X Scoremaster will group CCI STD vel 40 gr RN in a 3/8" group @ 50 yards.
I do believe my Ruger 10/22 should do that good at least.

If your 10/22 shoots well now, just drop a replacement sear in & enjoy a crisp light trigger pull.

 

[RoMaC21]

just picked up my first 10/22, and i already get why people love these things. shoots great right out of the box, but what really sold me is how customizable it is.

i’m trying not to go overboard right away, but i’d like to slowly make it my own. curious what upgrades or small mods you’ve done that made the biggest difference — or just made it more fun to shoot.

what’s worth doing first?

Volquartsen, Tandemkross have some good options. Better mag release, bolt hold open if you don’t have it, different barrel or stock, larger mags.

 

[PapaGeorgio]

Upgrade the trigger, then mount whatever optic you have around the house (within reason). After that, and depending on how it shoots, your philosophy of use will present itself. If it’s a great shooter, maybe get a good scope with holdovers specifically for a 22. If it lacks accuracy, upgrade the barrel, or put a red dot on it and shoot steel like a cowboy. In other words let it evolve naturally, before long, it will tell you what it needs.

 

[Phantom]

First I would shoot it alot to see what you like and don't like. Start with trigger upgrade, then sighting systems, either red dot or scope, and a sling. After that spare mags and ammo. Shoot it some more and enjoy. If you want to go all out, check out the offerings from TacSol, Tandemkross, Volquartsen, and Kidd.

 

[Wheelgun_Man]

These suggestions are based on my experience with my two Ruger 10/22’s.

Trigger and sights. Start here.

I don’t know what your intended use for the rifle is: plinking, hunting, or precision. I recommend upgrading your trigger and sights/optics, then testing your rifle with a goodly amount (500 rounds or so) of your preferred ammo. Many stock 10/22s are plenty accurate out of the box. But if yours is not up to your expectations, a barrel swap is always an option. I've never done that, so I'll defer to previous comments for advice in that arena.

TRIGGER

There are lots of triggers out there. Ranging from 75 or 80 bucks on upwards towards 300.

I chose not to break the bank and went with the Ruger BX trigger. I’m happy with it and don’t feel like I “settled” at all.

Mine dropped the pull weight from 5-6 lbs to 2.5-3 lbs . It's a factory drop-in that's improved my accuracy. I ordered mine on eBay for around $80. You can also find them at Midway for $77 plus shipping, tax, etc. 10 min drop-in; no tools beyond a punch.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1016234618?pid=534496

While you’re in there with the trigger, add an auto-bolt release. It’s another piece that drops in to the trigger group you’re installing. You can currently get a two-pack (because 10/22’s are like potato chips, don’t ‘cha know?) on eBay for 13 bucks. Well worth it. No futzing with that little lever at the trigger guard every time you want to drop the bolt closed. Just a tug on the charging handle and you’re back at work.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=10/22+auto+bolt+release&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p4550459.m570.l1311&_odkw=bx+trigger

SIGHT UPGRADES

I’m 67. The factory sights are a non-starter for my old “experienced” eyes.

Iron Sights:

I was setting my gun up to take the Appleseed course and a brand of iron sights from Tech Sights were highly recommended. After using them for years, I recommend them as well.

Get the TSR 200 model. Again, eBay is your friend.

https://tinyurl.com/tsr200

Optics:

The world is truly your oyster here. Don’t go $50 scope, but no need to go $500 either, IMHO.

I am happy with my Burris Droptine 3-9 x 40. $125-130 on Amazon.

https://tinyurl.com/Burris-Droptine

Also, depending on your intended use, nothing wrong with a fixed 4x scope. I currently run a 4x Nikon Rimfire (sadly out of production now) on my 10/22. I swap it out sometime for the Burris, depending on my mood/needs.

I haven’t shopped for a fixed power in years, so you’ll need to do your homework on this one. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea.

Hope this has helped some. Welcome to the rabbit-hole!

 

[IN10SS]

This thread was a timely find. My son and I picked up 10/22’s for Christmas. His is a light weight version with a Magpul stock and stainless threaded barrel. Mine is a target model with a 20” barrel and a hogue chassis. Adding a scope to it but I think my son is putting a red dot on his with a 3x zoom we had in the parts bin. Reading above, I just ordered the auto bolt release linked above. Thanks!