The Ruger 10/22 has gained a reputation as being one of the most reliable and diverse rimfire rifles on the market. If you’re instructing new shooters, hunting small game, or precision-tuning your marksmanship at the range, the 10/22 gets the job done. What makes it even more awesome? The virtually limitless potential for customization. If you want to make your 10/22 a precision tack-shooter or simply have a rifle that shoots smoother and feels better, there’s a definite upgrade track to follow. Here are the 10 best upgrades that optimize this iconic .22.
10. Magazine Upgrades
Magazines get little respect, but they’re huge when it comes to reliability. The standard 10-round rotary mag is great, but if you’d like more ammo without giving up performance, Ruger’s own BX-25 is the ticket. It carries 25 rounds and that same silky smooth feed you’d find in the stock. For rapid reloads and a little ingenuity, solutions such as the Double Kross body from Tandemkross allow you to carry two mags stacked back-to-back in one housing. Whether you compete or spend a long day at the range, better magazines mean fewer stoppages and more time shooting.
9. Takedown and Maintenance Tools
If you’re in the field or simply cleaning up after a day on the range, easy takedown is important. The Tandemkross Twister Takedown Knob and other upgrades allow you to take the rifle apart quickly and tool-free. Not only does this get you cleaned up quicker, but it also allows you to keep the rifle in better working order during high-round-count sessions. Less time messing around with tools translates to more time behind the gun, and when your rifle is cleaner, it just runs smoother.
8. Charging Handles and Bolt Releases
A smoother bolt makes a big difference, especially if you’re running drills or teaching newer shooters. Oversized or skeletonized charging handles improve grip and ease of use, particularly for those with larger hands or while wearing gloves. The Guardian Bolt Release, for instance, simplifies bolt manipulation and adds to the rifle’s overall ease of use. These changes may seem small, but they really improve the user experience, especially when speed and fluidity matter.
7. Extended Magazine Releases
Reloading shouldn’t be a finger gym exercise. An extended magazine release makes magazine swapping quick and stress-free. It comes in handy, particularly during competitions or timed runs, but even weekend warriors will appreciate the upgrade immediately. When you’re not wrestling with finding the release, you’re going to be more likely to remain focused and assured, which eventually enhances shooting consistency.
6. Stocks and Chassis Systems
Replacing the factory stock changes the feel of your 10/22 in your hands. Two of the most popular models are the Magpul Hunter X-22 and Hogue Overmolded Stock, which provide improved grip, stability, and comfort. Want to take it to the next level? Modular chassis systems such as the Oryx Sportsman or Luth-AR’s chassis provide added rigidity and accessory mounting points. Whether you’re building a bench gun, a hunting rifle, or a training tool, the right stock can bring the whole setup together and drastically improve your shooting position and control.
5. Optics and Sight Systems
Upgrading from iron sights to optics is a game-changer. For close-range shooting, a simple red dot sight allows for faster target acquisition. If you’re shooting out to 50 or 100 yards, a scope—such as a 3-9x rimfire model—can allow you to realize your rifle’s full potential. A good Picatinny rail provides a solid mount and lets you change optics with ease. The optic you want should be about what you do with the rifle, whether it’s hunting squirrels or making tight groups downrange.
4. Barrels
Accuracy truly begins in the barrel. While the factory barrel is adequate, a match-grade barrel upgrade—such as from Volquartsen or E.R. Shaw—can make a significant difference in accuracy and consistency. Heavier bull barrels assist in heat dissipation and dampen vibration. If you’re considering suppressed shooting, a threaded barrel makes that an option. Bottom line: if tighter groups and improved long-range performance are what you’re after, this is one of the most beneficial things you can do.
3. Bolt Assemblies and Firing Pins
A well-assembled bolt assembly can decrease cycling problems and enhance ignition. Some bolt upgrades that are intended to reduce lock time (delay from trigger pull to firing) will assist with accuracy. Firing pins also play a greater role than most think. Pins striking closer to the inner rim of the cartridge, instead of telescoping the edge, generally burn more dependably and predictably. In rimfire shooting, that sort of dependability directly translates into tighter groups.
2. Trigger Improvements
The trigger is the interface between the shooter and the rifle. A crisp, light trigger assists you in breaking every shot cleanly, without pulling off target. Ruger’s BX Trigger is a solid value choice, cutting pull weight considerably from the factory version. For even higher performance, upgrades such as the Timney Drop-In or Volquartsen TG2000 provide adjustable pull weights and smooth, repeatable breaks. An effective trigger upgrade not only increases accuracy but also assists shooters in developing better habits and confidence behind the rifle.
1. Ammunition Choice
Even the best upgraded rifle won’t shoot well with inconsistent ammo. Experimentation with various .22LR is important. Manufacturers such as Lapua, ELEY, SK Match, CCI Standard Velocity, and Norma Xtreme LR-22 have tight tolerances and consistent shooting. Some rifles like certain bullet profiles or speeds, so it is worth experimenting with a few and discovering what your configuration prefers best. If you discover the correct match-grade ammunition, everything else—barrel, trigger, optics—is amplified in a fashion that is difficult to surpass.
In all types of training—be it military, police, or everyday people—a good, true rifle is key. With the best changes, the Ruger 10/22 turns into a perfect base for picking up the basics, doing drills, or using a silencer. Its changeable build lets you shape it for games, hunting, or your own needs. No matter how much you know, clever changes make sure your rifle works well and stays that way for a long time. Top gun users know—it’s not just about hitting the trigger, but making every shot matter.