Three Common Ruger 10/22 Rifle Modifications

The Ruger 10/22 is not only a blast to shoot, it is arguably the single most customizable gun in existence. If you have ever browsed through a gun buyers guide, you will find that there are so many .22 LR rifles out there that it can become a bit overwhelming when trying to make a decision. While companies such as Marlin Firearms and Savage Arms produce a quality plinking gun, nothing compares to the reliability of the 10/22. Ruger's timeless design has only recently fallen out of favor, as many 10/22 owners are choosing to make significant modifications to their weapon. This huge demand for new accessories has caused the growth of an entire market dedicated just to 10/22 enthusiasts.

The 10/22 is an auto-loading (semi-automatic) rifle that is made to hold ten small .22LR rounds per magazine. While many gun owners see the 10/22 as a starter rifle, there are many experienced shooters who would argue that it is just the opposite. With a few minor modifications, a 10/22 rifle can be turned into a tournament grade target shooter, nocturnal varmint hunter or even a tactical sniper rifle. Before you say, "A .22 could not possibly be mentioned in the same sentence as the word 'sniper'", the Israeli military would like to respectfully disagree.

According to Ruger1022.com, the Israeli Defense Force used a modified version of the 10/22 as a "less lethal" option for riot control throughout the 1990s. With a shortened/suppressed barrel, bi-pod and quality optics, the Israeli military managed to find a use for the same weapon referred to as a "starter gun" here in America.

Since not all of us have the qualification or funds to complete a project like that of the Israeli Defense Force, there are numerous other options for modification that can be done by the average gun owner.

The most common and most visually significant modification comes by way of changing the stock or "gun housing". Ruger offers a few different factory versions of their stock, but usually the only difference is the material from which it is made, not the style. A quick Google search of "10/22 stock" will reveal a number of websites and online stores dedicated to turning your Ruger into a fully personalized rifle. These stores offer everything from specialized target shooting stocks that can cost upwards of $500 to shortened "tactical" style stocks that cost around $100. No matter which version you choose, it will be extremely easy to install; on the factory stock, just remove the screw from the bottom of the hand grip and the barrel and action will simply slide right out.

The second most common modification would be a barrel swap. The standard barrel on the 10/22 is made for the casual shooter, and doesn't exactly provide the necessary accuracy that many crave. Match grade "bull" barrels are the best option for a barrel swap, as their wider diameters will significantly increase the bullets accuracy at longer distances. These barrels are ideal for competitors or casual shooters who desire to shoot more accurately at a longer range. It should be noted that many aftermarket stocks are not made to fit these "bull" type barrels, so check the dimensions of your stock before purchasing.

The final modification I will mention is both fairly common and extremely cheap. Each rifle is equipped with a long cylindrical plug known as a "bolt buffer". It's job is to prevent the gun from wearing on itself when the trigger is pulled and the cocking mechanism is forced backwards. Many gun owners have found that they can increase the life of their rifle by simply sliding out the standard metal buffer and replacing the empty slot with an aftermarket polymer buffer. The physical impact of metal crashing into metal is eliminated and in turn, the volume of the shot is slightly reduced. There is debate over whether or not these buffers actually do everything they are advertised to do, but for around eight dollars, you really can't go wrong with this modification. Hopefully these slight changes make your 10/22 shooting experience more fun, if not, there are tons of other modifications that can be done to satisfy even the most demanding shooter. A quick online search on the topic will provide you with a wealth of information and ideas for improving your already reliable rifle.

"Ruger 10/22 Suppressed Sniper Rifle" Ruger1022.com