The Ruger 10/22 is by far the most popular .22 caliber rifle ever made. Most models are inexpensive, the design is simple, and the rifle is super reliable. Plus it is the perfect rifle to teach a child how to shoot. Each one of my children has one of their own. This is my Ruger 10/22 – Ultimate Upgrade Guide!
Because the design is so simple, there are a huge number of upgrades and accessories that can be added to it. Much like our popular Remington 700 upgrade post, let’s go over what can be done.
Choose Your Stock Upgrade
Let’s start by swapping out your stock. This can be done in just 30 minutes and could make a huge difference to your rifle.
Ruger 10/22 SR-22 Rifle Conversion Kit – Ruger makes a kit to convert your plain Ruger 10/22 into an aggressive AR-15 style rifle.
Hogue 22000 Rubber OverMolded Stock for Ruger 10/22 – This stock came with a prior version of the 10/22 tactical that I bought (pictured below). But can be bought and installed on just about any model that you may own. It is a very traditional shaped stock with the same rubber compound used on Hogue grips for pistols. Very comfortable and sure grip even when wet.
High Tower Armory Ruger 10/22 Stock Bullpup – This stock will make your Ruger 10/22 look like an FN P90. The bullpup design is shorter and more maneuverable than a regular rifle.
Magpul Industries MAG548-BLK Hunter X-22 Stock Magpul makes some of the best drops in stock replacements available. This one is no exception.
Choose Your Trigger
First off, do you really need to upgrade a trigger on a .22? Honestly probably not. The Ruger 10/22 has a very nice stock trigger. For the average “plinker” you won’t need to do anything in this area. But if high accuracy is your goal take a look at these drop-in triggers.
Volquartsen Ruger 10/22 Trigger Guard 2000 – Volquartsen makes a really nice trigger. Very high-quality machine work and a very smooth trigger pull.
Timney Ruger 10/22 Calvin Elite Trigger Shoe Kit – I am a huge Timney fan. The Calvin Elite version of their Ruger 10/22 trigger is amazing. I especially like the extended magazine release on this trigger.
Internals
I’ve only done two different upgrades on the internal parts of the Ruger 10/22. Both were easy to do and just over $10 each. So worth it in my mind.
Volquartsen Ruger 10/22 Bolt Release – This part makes it so you can pull back slightly on the bolt handle and the bolt releases.
Volquartsen Ruger 10/22 Recoil Buffer Pin – This is a drop-in, clear plastic, bolt stop pincushions the metal to metal contact between bolt and receiver. Makes it a little quieter too.
Barrels
Changing the barrel on a Ruger 10/22 is quick and easy. There are several aftermarket barrels available.
E.R. Shaw Ruger 10/22 Target Barrels – Good quality and relatively inexpensive.
There are several available through Brownells – Stainless Steel Target | Stainless Steel Fluted (pictured above) | Blued Threaded
Volquartsen Ruger 10/22 LR Barrels – Aluminum and carbon-fiber barrel with built-in compensator.
Tactical Solutions, LLC – RUGER 10/22 SB-X Barrels – This barrel is specifically intended for someone who wants to add a suppressor without adding to the length of the barrel.
Sights
I think every child should learn how to shoot with regular sights on a Ruger 10/22. But after that upgrade the sights as needed. here are some great options.
Fire Sights Ruger 10/22 – Fire Sights are an inexpensive upgrade to the standard sights.
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight – After learning on standard sights, moving to a red dot sight is the way to go.
Nikon PROSTAFF RIMFIRE II – This is the long range scope that I chose for my bull barrel tactical Ruger 10/22. It is sweet!
Silencer/Suppressor
Do you really need a suppressor for a .22? Oh yes, you do!! Imagine taking out a whole scurry of squirrels before they know what is happening.
Well if you were smart enough to buy a Ruger 10/22 Takedown then you have the option of buying the Ruger Silent-SR ISB (Integrally Suppressed Barrel). That’s right the suppressor is built right into the barrel. Very cool!
If not, you need a threaded barrel on your rifle to add one. You might be having second thoughts about skipping the barrel section of this post. I had to go through our inventory of rifles before I realized that not a single one I owned was threaded. DOH! I might have to buy a new barrel too.
Once all of that is figured out, you have several options available for suppressors.
Ruger Silent-Sr Suppressor 22 Long Rifle Thread Mount – of course, Ruger makes one that is really nice.
Advanced Armament, Silencerco, and Surefire also have suppressors available through Brownells. Remember you have to follow Federal Laws to purchase these items. So there are a few hoops to jump through.
Magazines
It is always nice to have a few extra (dozen) magazines when you go shooting with your Ruger 10/22. I think you cannot go wrong with sticking to the Ruger brand honestly.
Ruger 10/22 BX-25 Magazine 25-Round 2-Pack
Ruger 10/22 50rd Magazine 22LR – This is a little deceiving. It is actually two 25rd clips that are attached to each other. So you still have to switch after 25 rounds. But they are cheaper than the individual 25rd ones.
Uncle Mikes 50 Round Hot Lips Loader 10/22 – I know this isn’t a magazine. But if you have ever been in the unfortunate situation of keeping up with a whole herd of kids shooting their Ruger 10/22s, you will thank me after buying one or two of these. This loader makes loading any size magazine a breeze. MUST HAVE!
