Ruger 10/22 TAPCO Review: Intrafuse Rifle Stock

The Ruger 10/22 rifle is an absolute American classic; one of the most well constructed and best selling rifles of all time. Over the years, this rifle has grown in popularity among young and experienced shooters alike, and with this exposure came the inevitable development of a separate accessories market. Countless gun parts manufacturers produce items specifically for the 10/22, but no category is more popular among shooters than custom stocks. Thanks to advancements in technology, Ruger owners currently have a huge number of options when it comes to customizing the look and feel of their gun. While there are various styles for sale out there, 10/22 enthusiasts who seek to get more out of their rifle from a "tactical" stand-point need to look no further than TAPCO for a low priced, quality customization option.

TAPCO is an American company that specializes in the manufacturing of "tactical" gun accessories. They sell everything from gun slings to custom magazines, and offer great "bang for your buck" as far as quality is concerned.

One of their top selling products for the 10/22 is an aftermarket stock known as the "Intrafuse Rifle System". This replacement gun housing comes in three colors; black, olive drab and a desert color called "dark earth". The butt end resembles that of an adjustable M4, while the fore-end is equipped with both top and bottom Picatinny rails. These rails offer virtually unlimited options for mounting lasers, lights, fore grips and optics. With a price tag of just over $100, this stock definitely beats out its competition as far as cost in concerned.

While this product offers the shooter with solid construction and minimal necessary assembly (you will need a hex key to secure the butt end and a ratchet with extension to properly attach the pistol grip), it does have one major downside.

Until recently, TAPCO only made the "Intrafuse" to fit the standard factory barrel. Given the demand for a stock that would fit the heavier and thicker bull barrels so popular among 10/22 owners, the company decided to design an improved version of the "Intrafuse" that included all of the previously mentioned features, as well as side rails. The addition of side rails was great, as they allow for more elaborate customization. It only made sense that TAPCO make this change to all of the "Intrafuse" stocks, but the older "standard" model is yet to have been redesigned (it still only contains top and bottom rails).

Design flaw or not, it should be noted that you can add this accessory by drilling and attaching stand-alone rails into the sides of the traditional stock's fore grip. Be aware though that this might compromise the stock's structure and also void any available warranty.

Aside from this small design flaw, both the standard and heavy barrel "Intrafuse Rifle Systems" are great options for anyone wanting to spice up the look and feel of their 10/22. TAPCO also produces a few accessories (slings and fore-grips mostly) to go along with the color schemes of their stocks, but I find them to be a bit overpriced when compared with similar products on other sites.