New Shooter, New 10/22: Stock Iron Sights or Peep Sights?

[apsd]

Hello,

I am a new shooter, and I recently purchased a 10/22 as a first rifle.

I was thinking about a scope, but now I'm leaning to learning to use the iron sights first. I've been to the range twice with it so far, and I've only shot (with iron sights) up to 10-15 yards, with probably at best 1-1.5 inch groups, on average a lot worse. Still practicing...

I don't plan on changing much on the rifle, I pretty much like how it is and it looks. The only changes I'm making is an extended mag release and automatic bolt release, solely for practical convenience purposes. I'm not really interested in super trigger-jobs or fluted barrels or a new firing pin, mostly because I can't really recognize the difference yet, and I would rather use the money to buy a milsurp or whatever.

I've heard some people advocating installing new peep sights on their 10/22's, since the stock iron sights have a crappy sight radius and all. Is it worth the money to replace the stock iron sights and learn with these peep sights? If so, can anyone recommend any good 10/22 peep sights?

By the way, I'm not ruling out the possibility of a scope. I plan on getting one but leaving to install it later, in a few months or so, when I'm confident with the iron sights.

 

[Spot77]

I like the open sights that came on my kids' 10/22 youth model. Dayglo orange and green really contrast well and the kids' seem to be able to use them just fine.

I wouldn't change the sights yet as it sounds like you haven't had enough time to really see if the current sights will work for you. You might want to start shooting at 25 yards to get a feel for the difference in point of aim / point of impact.

Your groupings will get better with more experience, especially when you learn to control your breathing and trigger pull well.


Congratulations on getting a fine litle .22.

 

[Avenger29]

Learn to use the current sights, as you need to learn to use the rear notch and front blade style.

Get a peep sight later. I would try a gun with a peep sight before deciding if you like it, if possible. But if you want to go ahead with the peep sight, I cannot say enough for Tech-SIGHTS

I have the TS100 system, which allows you to flip the arpetures for a 50 and 100 yard zero. You could also get the TS200, wheras the rear sight is adjustable for elevation in addition to the front sight. The sights are the same as the AR-15. You can even get an adaptor for a heavy barrel. The front sight posts and the arpetures are standerd AR spec, so you can get night sights, or different arpetures or front posts, too. They are also made of metal, so they are durable.

 

[wanderinwalker]

Realistically, I see no reason to not upgrade your sights from the stock blade and notch units. They're serviceable and rugged, but not super-great for most people.

I just installed a Williams Guide sight on my 10/22, have yet to take it out and zero it. But of all of my rifles, none have scopes, now none have blade and notch sights, and only one has something other than a William's aperture (it's an AR-15). I did not swap the front sight yet, I want to see if there is enough elevation in the rear without it.

IMO you lose a little precision with the Firesight on the front post, but you gain lots of practical useability in all light conditions. Not my recommendation for a rifle to be used beyond 150 yards or so, but inside of that they work well.

Oh, and FWIW, check out www.rimfirecentral.com for tips and tricks on your 10/22. The auto-bolt release is a 5-minute Dremel job; if you have a drill press you can cobble up an extended mag release in about 15 minutes.

Mine has these mods, plus the sights and a set of Masen sling swivels installed. Now I plan to work on the bedding a little in the barrel channel, smooth it out and see if I can wring the groups in a little tighter. Careful, it's addicting!

 

[mkh100]

+1 on the tech sights......very good product, mimicks the AR style sight, excellent adjustment capability. Really tightened up my groups I have put them on all the 10-22s that I own.

 

[ArmedBear]

I replaced my stock sights with fiberoptic versions. I found the stock front sight to be nearly invisible in many conditions, especially indoor ranges or shade.

If you only shoot it outdoors in sunlight, start with the stock ones. See if you like them. It's a good skill, being able to use basic iron sights.

I regret getting the fiberoptics, because I added a scope. Now I have this bright green dot in my field of vision (I shoot with both eyes open, usually). But as open sights go, the fibers are nice to have. They're otherwise similar to stock Ruger sights.

 

[mainmech48]

Personally, I like receiver sights as I've found that I can almost always shoot better groups with them, especially at longer ranges. I've installed them on nearly all of my favorite rifles and carbines.

One of my 10/22s, a Wally World stainless International, has the Williams 'Guide' set with the fiber optic front. It's an easy DIY job, very reasonably priced from several mail order sources, looks nice and works beautifully. No need to remove the folding leaf stock rear sight. Just zero it in with the new front so it's ready for emergency back-up duty if required. Should you decide to return to the stock set-up or mount a scope later, it's easily and quickly done. About the most practical and cost-effective way to try a 'peep' on a 10/22 around, IMO.