ruger_martin_mastermag
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Has anyone bought a ruger10/22. It is a good gun for me but i am wondering what the pluses and negitaves.
Ruger 10/22
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esmith
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The ruger 10/22 is one of the most popular semi auto rifles ever made. Especially in 22. Some people complain about the triggers for some reason. I have not shot one so i do not know about that.
Triggers ain't too bad except maybe when new. Clean and lubed the ones I've owned were ok.
Rifles work great, one of the most reliable semi-auto .22 rifles made.
The factory sights on the older carbines are nothing special. My latest 10/22 got a new front sight blade that was taller and the rear sight insert part flipped over to improve it for iron sight plinking. No problem if you scope the rifle.
I notice Ruger has some other models out now with fibre-optic iron sights. May not have the same failings as the older rifles.
All in all, good little rifles, with lots of aftermarket parts available for customizing. I like mine stock, however.
Rifles work great, one of the most reliable semi-auto .22 rifles made.
The factory sights on the older carbines are nothing special. My latest 10/22 got a new front sight blade that was taller and the rear sight insert part flipped over to improve it for iron sight plinking. No problem if you scope the rifle.
I notice Ruger has some other models out now with fibre-optic iron sights. May not have the same failings as the older rifles.
All in all, good little rifles, with lots of aftermarket parts available for customizing. I like mine stock, however.
rocketfish
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positives: it is infinitley upgradeable. you can actually put together a complete 10/22 using zero Ruger factory parts.
negatives: in stock form, the trigger, stock (carbine model - most common), and accuracy aren't the greatest. a stock marlin 60 or remington 597 will have somewhat better accuracy.
I have 2 of them.
negatives: in stock form, the trigger, stock (carbine model - most common), and accuracy aren't the greatest. a stock marlin 60 or remington 597 will have somewhat better accuracy.
I have 2 of them.
Outlaws
Member
The 10/22 is a great gun. If you don't own any/many firearms, you will probably love it. The only people who complain about the 10/22 or do not like it are people who have been shooting a while (they have shot a wide variety of firearms) and/or just don't like Ruger. The trigger, it is not the best, but it isn't terrible. Only a seasoned shooter would really notice that. There are many more people who don't mind the 10/22 trigger than those who do. The accuracy is fine, it will kill squirrels or soda cans with no problem whatsoever. Are other guns for a small amount of money better? Maybe, maybe not. If you ever have the chance to shoot a fairly nice firearm and are able to feel what a crisp 1lb trigger break feels like, and you like that feel, you can always upgrade the 10/22...something very few other rimfires can lay claim to.
In the end, look at it this way...a lot of people have bought a 10/22, and people keep buying them. There are a lot of people that hate the 10/22, most of whom are picky about their firearms like women are about their shoes. I am one of those picky people. ...about my firearms, not my shoes... I still love my 10/22 though. Plus, I bet if you polled the average plinker (not gun nut) with the question, "do you like the factory 10/22 for plinking or hunting," you would find that YES outweighs NO by an astronomical number.
In the end, look at it this way...a lot of people have bought a 10/22, and people keep buying them. There are a lot of people that hate the 10/22, most of whom are picky about their firearms like women are about their shoes. I am one of those picky people. ...about my firearms, not my shoes... I still love my 10/22 though. Plus, I bet if you polled the average plinker (not gun nut) with the question, "do you like the factory 10/22 for plinking or hunting," you would find that YES outweighs NO by an astronomical number.
ruger_martin_mastermag
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I shoot more shootguns than anything so i wasnt sure about a .22.My son has shoot a goose with it and it worked ( I didnt think it would).I need a new stock and already bought a nikon scope. I am looking at a Fajion( I think that is how it is spelled) stock. Do you think that will help. I shoot targets and varments.
The 10/22 is a great little rifle.
If you like iron sights, I HIGHLY recommend Tech-Sights. This put AR style peep sights on it and increases the sight radius. This makes this a great little trainer rifle for millitary pattern rifles.
We have really pushed them as "Liberty Trainer Rifles" on the Appleseed program. Put an extended mag release and a little trigger work, you have a very inexpensive and quality trainer rifle.
Parts and accessories everywhere.
Butler Creek Hot or Steel Lips are some of the better high-cap mags for the 10/22, the others are lacking in quality.
There are a couple of mag makers that ask 50-80 each for their mags, some say they are worth it.
Good luck.
If you like iron sights, I HIGHLY recommend Tech-Sights. This put AR style peep sights on it and increases the sight radius. This makes this a great little trainer rifle for millitary pattern rifles.
We have really pushed them as "Liberty Trainer Rifles" on the Appleseed program. Put an extended mag release and a little trigger work, you have a very inexpensive and quality trainer rifle.
Parts and accessories everywhere.
Butler Creek Hot or Steel Lips are some of the better high-cap mags for the 10/22, the others are lacking in quality.
There are a couple of mag makers that ask 50-80 each for their mags, some say they are worth it.
Good luck.
Outlaws
Member
Will the stock help what, accuracy? I would say a barrel would do the most, and a trigger would help you get the most out of the barrel.
Sunray
Member
"...looking at a Fajion..." Fajen, but close enough. The original Fajen company made fabulous stuff. Don't know about the current stuff. Other than some of the stocks are expensive.
The 10/22 has a whole aftermarket industry built around it. Everything from your Fajen stock to match grade barrels. Not many other .22's do. However, if you're going to do anything, do the trigger and use good ammo. Mind you, you'll have to try a box of as many brands as you can to find the ammo it will both shoot well and cycle the action. All semi-auto .22's are like that. The cost of the ammo means nothing either.
"...has shoot a goose with it..." If it was a wild goose in the U.S. or Canada(I think Mexico too), don't let him do that again. It's illegal by international treaty. It's called the Migratory Bird Act up here. Haven't a clue what it's called Stateside. In any case, it's shotguns only for geese.
The 10/22 has a whole aftermarket industry built around it. Everything from your Fajen stock to match grade barrels. Not many other .22's do. However, if you're going to do anything, do the trigger and use good ammo. Mind you, you'll have to try a box of as many brands as you can to find the ammo it will both shoot well and cycle the action. All semi-auto .22's are like that. The cost of the ammo means nothing either.
"...has shoot a goose with it..." If it was a wild goose in the U.S. or Canada(I think Mexico too), don't let him do that again. It's illegal by international treaty. It's called the Migratory Bird Act up here. Haven't a clue what it's called Stateside. In any case, it's shotguns only for geese.
Dgindlesperger
Member
no negs at all, great gun....
but put a VQ hammer in it and get a 3 # trigger here's mine
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=301457&goto=newpost
but put a VQ hammer in it and get a 3 # trigger
here's minehttp://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=301457&goto=newpost
Dave Markowitz
Member
The 10/22 has been in production for over 40 years and is probably more popular now than ever.
Mine is stock except for a Power Custom hammer, which I installed to reduce the trigger pull (heavy and creepy from the factory). The best 10/22 accessories IMO are (1) a good scope like a Weaver or Nikon rimfire scope, and (b) plenty of ammo that the gun works reliably with, and shoots accurately.
Mine is stock except for a Power Custom hammer, which I installed to reduce the trigger pull (heavy and creepy from the factory). The best 10/22 accessories IMO are (1) a good scope like a Weaver or Nikon rimfire scope, and (b) plenty of ammo that the gun works reliably with, and shoots accurately.
aka108
Member
Group size was really reduced after I replaced the factory barrel with a heavy bull barrel from Adams and Bennett. Could probably get better with additional dollars worth of aftermarket parts but how much do you want to spend to gain an additional quarter inch or less of accuracy.
As noted by others, out of the box it is a bit lacking if you've shot rifles (particularly rimfire) much. Of the 10/22s that I have, out of the box the triggers have always been a gritty, stacking, creepy 6¼-6½ lbs. One time, I had the opportunity to gage someone elses new 10/22 and it exceeded my meter's 12 lb limit. (It was due to a burr.) None of the ones I've shot in stock form have shot better than 1¼" at 50 yds regularly.
If you are not entirely set on very tight groups, it should do OK in stock form. Very rugged. If you want something that shoots smaller groups, at least replace the barrel, replace the stock (if you get a bull barrel, if staying with a sporter barrel contour, do not use the barrel band), replace the hammer (or work on it yourself, it is easy - square up and grind down the sear notch and polish). These 2 or 3 mods will do wonders to your groups, even with bulk ammo. (Might have some problems with bulk ammo feeding into the tighter chambered aftermarket barrels, though.)
If you are not entirely set on very tight groups, it should do OK in stock form. Very rugged. If you want something that shoots smaller groups, at least replace the barrel, replace the stock (if you get a bull barrel, if staying with a sporter barrel contour, do not use the barrel band), replace the hammer (or work on it yourself, it is easy - square up and grind down the sear notch and polish). These 2 or 3 mods will do wonders to your groups, even with bulk ammo. (Might have some problems with bulk ammo feeding into the tighter chambered aftermarket barrels, though.)
Well, it seems that everyone says that the Ruger has no faults, so I'll start by saying that I have one, and it's not complete junk or anything. I even like some things about it. However, since all of that has been covered, here's the flipside.
Ruger negatives:
1. Standard stock has WAY too much drop to use a scope properly.
2. Standard barrel is lousy. Good enough for irons, but if you get a nice scope, budget for a new barrel (and a new stock, of course).
3. Base-model wood stock is ugly and crude.
4. Prices keep rising, and at this point have crossed into the "silly" zone for the base model gun.
5. Standard sights are useless in low light.
6. Stovepiping is common on mine. Really picky about ammo. My 22/45 will cycle anything. The 10/22 should be able to do the same, but can't.
7. Magazine jams with ammo that has any oxidation on the bullets. Forget about shooting those old bricks from Dad's garage. Also jams if it gets fouled; I have to wipe it with a rag at the range.
8. Trigger is heavy.
9. The controls just plain suck. The safety is too far forward for normal fingers, the bolt lock/release button is the WORST thing I've ever used on a firearm, and the gun lacks last shot hold-open (a $50 aftermarket addition, if you want it).
10. The scope mount has to be screwed onto the receiver. Ruger says never use Loc-tite. But without Loc-tite, it shoots loose in 100-200 rounds (scratching the receiver in the process). I had to use Loc-tite, of course.
11. The receiver finish wears off or scratches very easily, at least on the black one.
A base-model Marlin 60 has an accurate heavy barrel, a laminate stock, and a grooved receiver, with nothing to screw on but the scope rings, all standard. The stock drop accommodates a scope quite well -- it's a good inch higher than the Ruger. It has last shot hold open, the safety is behind the trigger guard not in front, and the bolt release works easily, no tricks required to operate. The tube magazine is permanent (a negative for some things), but it also works better, especially with imperfect ammo. The base 60 also cheaper than the base 10/22, and the difference is widening. I just bought a new 60 for $120. I bought a base model 10/22 a couple years back for $180, and they've gone up.
I won't be buying another 10/22 except as the basis for a custom build. Too bad they don't sell a receiver and trigger group. That's all most people keep on the guns they call "10/22s". Even then, though, that bolt release and the safety still bug me. Currently, I'm not too interested in spending a grand on a blowback .22, so I won't be modifying the one I have, either.
Just a little reality check from someone who has a 10/22 racked next to 4 other .22LR rifles. Of all of them, the 10/22 is the one I am seldom interested in pulling out, even though I removed the scope and put on fiber sights that are visible and work with the standard stock.
It's kind of a neat little carbine for under the Jeep seat, and the detachable magazine works well for my state's DF&G laws, but it's really not up to the standards of my other semiauto Rugers, a Mini-14 and a 22/45 target model. Both are utterly reliable with any ammo I've tried, and I can use the 22/45 to shoot groups about like the 10/22, and it's a pistol.
Ruger negatives:
1. Standard stock has WAY too much drop to use a scope properly.
2. Standard barrel is lousy. Good enough for irons, but if you get a nice scope, budget for a new barrel (and a new stock, of course).
3. Base-model wood stock is ugly and crude.
4. Prices keep rising, and at this point have crossed into the "silly" zone for the base model gun.
5. Standard sights are useless in low light.
6. Stovepiping is common on mine. Really picky about ammo. My 22/45 will cycle anything. The 10/22 should be able to do the same, but can't.
7. Magazine jams with ammo that has any oxidation on the bullets. Forget about shooting those old bricks from Dad's garage. Also jams if it gets fouled; I have to wipe it with a rag at the range.
8. Trigger is heavy.
9. The controls just plain suck. The safety is too far forward for normal fingers, the bolt lock/release button is the WORST thing I've ever used on a firearm, and the gun lacks last shot hold-open (a $50 aftermarket addition, if you want it).
10. The scope mount has to be screwed onto the receiver. Ruger says never use Loc-tite. But without Loc-tite, it shoots loose in 100-200 rounds (scratching the receiver in the process). I had to use Loc-tite, of course.
11. The receiver finish wears off or scratches very easily, at least on the black one.
A base-model Marlin 60 has an accurate heavy barrel, a laminate stock, and a grooved receiver, with nothing to screw on but the scope rings, all standard. The stock drop accommodates a scope quite well -- it's a good inch higher than the Ruger. It has last shot hold open, the safety is behind the trigger guard not in front, and the bolt release works easily, no tricks required to operate. The tube magazine is permanent (a negative for some things), but it also works better, especially with imperfect ammo. The base 60 also cheaper than the base 10/22, and the difference is widening. I just bought a new 60 for $120. I bought a base model 10/22 a couple years back for $180, and they've gone up.
I won't be buying another 10/22 except as the basis for a custom build. Too bad they don't sell a receiver and trigger group. That's all most people keep on the guns they call "10/22s". Even then, though, that bolt release and the safety still bug me. Currently, I'm not too interested in spending a grand on a blowback .22, so I won't be modifying the one I have, either.
Just a little reality check from someone who has a 10/22 racked next to 4 other .22LR rifles. Of all of them, the 10/22 is the one I am seldom interested in pulling out, even though I removed the scope and put on fiber sights that are visible and work with the standard stock.
It's kind of a neat little carbine for under the Jeep seat, and the detachable magazine works well for my state's DF&G laws, but it's really not up to the standards of my other semiauto Rugers, a Mini-14 and a 22/45 target model. Both are utterly reliable with any ammo I've tried, and I can use the 22/45 to shoot groups about like the 10/22, and it's a pistol.
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You can, however, buy aftermarket receivers and trigger groups, though.
The 10/22 is not a bad gun, but I am more of a fan of manually operated actions. I did get Tech-SIGHTS for mine, and my 10/22 is otherwise unmodified except for an extended mag release.
Best thing I'd do is get a used one in good condition from a pawnshop, and go from there.
True enough, if you're so caught up in the insular world of 10/22 fanaticism that you don't realize that you're blowing a lot of cash that could be better spent.
The 10/22 is not a bad gun, I guess. But it's not nearly as good as some people think. Ruger has not made any improvements since it was introduced; in fact the gun has been downgraded as the price has increased (wood, receiver finish started out decent, now they're just plain cheap).
The 10/22 is not the only .22 that exists, either. Some people seem to think it is.
I’ve noticed the same thing about my 10/22 and MkIII. In fact when I got the pistol I was concerned it would not cycle the standard velocity ammo I had (tons of…). But the MkIII shoots everything perfectly where the 10/22 likes only mini mags.
I’m glad I have my 10/22, it’s fun to make the cans roll and the like but I’d never bother to shoot targets with it.
76shuvlinoff
Member
I have not shot a 10/22 since they were under $60, hell maybe under $50. It was my best buddies new rabbit gun and we had a lot of fun with it. I can't comment on current models what-so-ever. However I picked up a newish Marlin 60 2 days ago, basically it was payment on barter deal. After shooting it last night and reading some of these posts today ........ I'm feeling pretty darn good about it.
alucard0822
Member
as far as a factory stock plinker, the 10/22 costs more than the marlin 60 that is a better rifle, and nearly as much as a browning buckmark rifle that is MUCH nicer. If a bolt action would be acceptable, the CZs are near perfection. My 10/22 sat unmodified in the safe for about 7 years before I decided to put some aftermarket stuff in it.
Before it had a gritty crappy 7lb trigger, jammed a few times out of every 100rds, and would put a 2" group at 50 yds with the most unreliable functioning ammo "rem standard target" and 4" or so with bulk ammo.
$250 later and many hours of carefull stoning, polishing, and fitting, now it will do less than 1" at 50, is reliable with most ammo, and has a sweet 1lb "glass rod breaking" trigger without a hint of overtravel. Now, for the first time since I bought it I actually like shooting it, the 10/22 has basically earned a reputation as a fine choice in terd to polish.
here's mine http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=62663&d=1187660247
for a mountain of mostly good info, rimfirecentral.com is the place to go
Before it had a gritty crappy 7lb trigger, jammed a few times out of every 100rds, and would put a 2" group at 50 yds with the most unreliable functioning ammo "rem standard target" and 4" or so with bulk ammo.
$250 later and many hours of carefull stoning, polishing, and fitting, now it will do less than 1" at 50, is reliable with most ammo, and has a sweet 1lb "glass rod breaking" trigger without a hint of overtravel. Now, for the first time since I bought it I actually like shooting it, the 10/22 has basically earned a reputation as a fine choice in terd to polish.
here's mine http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=62663&d=1187660247
for a mountain of mostly good info, rimfirecentral.com is the place to go
rangerruck
Member
it will be a 5050 shot, that it wont be accurate, and it will not be reliable , out of the box. You can tighten up the bbl, then buy about 40 dollars in aftermarket parts, then do a trigger job, either yourself, or send you unit to mr. H, here in houston, or randy at cpc, and get them to do your tirgger job. So for about 100 extra bucks, you will have an accurate, dead solid reliable 10.22. Or you may get lucky , and get one that works , out of the box.
rangerruck
Member
the marlins in all their variants, the savage, and the mossberg, will all be better out of the box, and will cost about 40 to 75 bucks less, right away. plus they will be more accurate. now then I have a 10.22, and that flush fit mag, there is just something fun, and comfortable, about them....
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