Ruger Charger Ideas, Mods

[Wisco]

I was given a used Ruger Charger this week. It’s the newer model with threaded barrel. Not a take down.

Came with a Bushnell TRS-25 in a low mount.

I’d like to see what anyone has done so far as new stocks/chassis, pistol braces, sights, dots, etc.

My first inclination is buffer tube adapter (Copper Custom...out of stock) and an adjustable pistol brace: SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing AR Brace

Past that, what are some of your experiences with chassis systems or modifying 10/22 stocks to take braces.

This needs to stay a legal pistol, not SBR or AOW.


I’ve always been pro-SBR, anti-brace, but a 22 doesn’t pose any of the recoil challenges I’ve encountered with other people’s arm brace ARs, so it seems legit for a Charger.

Thanks in advance!

 

[JJE]

Here's mine:

Copper Custom adapter
Phase 5 buffer tube
UltraDot 4MOA red dot in 1" high rings
KAK micro Flash Can (just to look awesome)
Volquartsen target hammer (to cut trigger pull in half)

I already had the UltraDot, rings and Flash Can, so this was a pretty cheap project. I used a Dremel to remove the finger grooves on the grip because they were just in the way, and I cut a slot in the grip for the sling.
I shoot at an indoor range that goes out to 25 yards and shoot standing, unsupported. It's not too hard to keep all my shots on a 9" paper plate at 25 yards just blasting away. I also try to shoot small groups using proper rifle fundamentals (even though there's no stock). I haven't been able to shoot a 2", 5-shot, group at 25 yards yet (after about 150 shots), even slow-fire, watching my breathing, etc, so that's going to be the challenge for me with this gun.
This is absolutely my most-fun gun and it hasn't stayed home from the range once since I assembled it.

 

[TTv2]

I'm planning on getting a Charger myself and the braces I've seen that really interest me are these:

https://www.sb-tactical.com/product/sbl/

https://www.sb-tactical.com/product/sb-mini/

I like the SBL because if you want a longer length of pull you can do that by putting a spacer plug in the bottom of the hole for the buffer tube.

I like the mini because it's the smallest, lightest brace they make and what it will allow you to do is keep the tube exposed so you can wrap it with something like paracord to make a better cheek rest. You can't really adjust the LOP though, it's too short.

You could also wrap paracord around the SBL too, but I don't know if that could create legal issues of modifying a brace to be an SBR. I don't think it would be, but you never know what the ATF will rule these days.

I plan to put a scope on it, not a red dot, and I'm not sure how the length of pull and eye relief will work out.

 

[Wisco]

Here's mine:
View attachment 778524
Copper Custom adapter
Phase 5 buffer tube
UltraDot 4MOA red dot in 1" high rings
KAK micro Flash Can (just to look awesome)
Volquartsen target hammer (to cut trigger pull in half)

I already had the UltraDot, rings and Flash Can, so this was a pretty cheap project. I used a Dremel to remove the finger grooves on the grip because they were just in the way, and I cut a slot in the grip for the sling.
I shoot at an indoor range that goes out to 25 yards and shoot standing, unsupported. It's not too hard to keep all my shots on a 9" paper plate at 25 yards just blasting away. I also try to shoot small groups using proper rifle fundamentals (even though there's no stock). I haven't been able to shoot a 2", 5-shot, group at 25 yards yet (after about 150 shots), even slow-fire, watching my breathing, etc, so that's going to be the challenge for me with this gun.
This is absolutely my most-fun gun and it hasn't stayed home from the range once since I assembled it.

That’s a good looking setup. How is your adapter holding up? I’m coming up short finding one in stock anywhere, but it’s the way I want to go with mine.

 

[JJE]

How is your adapter holding up? I’m coming up short finding one in stock anywhere, but it’s the way I want to go with mine.

The adapter is rock-solid and very nicely made and finished. I suspect Copper Custom sells out pretty quickly whenever they get a batch of these. I got lucky - I only checked their site maybe 2 or 3 days before they had some to sell. They are worth the $$$.

Hopefully, Ruger makes a "Charger" version of their new PC Carbine, so I can do the exact same thing in a 9mm platform.

 

[TTv2]

The adapter is rock-solid and very nicely made and finished. I suspect Copper Custom sells out pretty quickly whenever they get a batch of these. I got lucky - I only checked their site maybe 2 or 3 days before they had some to sell. They are worth the $$$.

Hopefully, Ruger makes a "Charger" version of their new PC Carbine, so I can do the exact same thing in a 9mm platform.

I can only go off what pictures and videos I've seen, but I can tell the adapter is well made and it's very well priced. It has to be turned and milled, so the time in setup, machining, etc. with overhead... I'm surprised they don't charge more for it. I doubt they make more than $15 per piece they sell.

 

[Wisco]

I just got an email today from Copper Customs. 2-3 weeks out on the next batch of adapters. They told me to sign up for the alert and keep an eye out.

I’m impatient. I ordered a PMACA chassis today based on the feedback of a friend locally.

I’ll probably still buy the adapter and see what I like better.

 

[Wisco]

View attachment 778966 PMACA chassis came today. Just waiting on my pistol buffer tube and brace. Probably a new grip at some point, too. The A2 angle isn’t great for me.

Edit:
This chassis is really well done and I’d recommend based on fit and finish. It was $104 plus shipping, so twice the cost of an adapter, but I got to ditch that terrible Ruger stock.

 

[bearcreek]

View attachment 778966 PMACA chassis came today. Just waiting on my pistol buffer tube and brace. Probably a new grip at some point, too. The A2 angle isn’t great for me.

I like that chassis. Wish I'd have known about those before I ordered the CC adapter. I'll sell you mine.

 

[Wisco]

I like that chassis. Wish I'd have known about those before I ordered the CC adapter. I'll sell you mine.

I would’ve taken you up on that last week!

I haven’t handled a CC adapter in person yet, but this chassis, even at twice the price, IMO is probably a better bang for the buck and I’m glad I got it and didn’t wait on the adapter.

Hopefully it all lines up well when I get the brace on it. The red dot is pretty low

 

[bearcreek]

I would’ve taken you up on that last week!

I haven’t handled a CC adapter in person yet, but this chassis, even at twice the price, IMO is probably a better bang for the buck and I’m glad I got it and didn’t wait on the adapter.

Hopefully it all lines up well when I get the brace on it. The red dot is pretty low

I agree. I may end up getting one of those chassis at some point anyway. The CC adapter is well made but no way it could be as solid as a one piece design like that PMACA chassis.

 

[MTNSTRYDER]

I got the idea for mine from a google search.It has a vortex red dot the old 10/22 stock was free.I need to ad a sling.Before I changed the stock I hated the charger.

 

[bearcreek]

I got the idea for mine from a google search.It has a vortex red dot the old 10/22 stock was free.I need to ad a sling.Before I changed the stock I hated the charger.View attachment 779007

How is that not an SBR?

 

[Wisco]

I got the idea for mine from a google search.It has a vortex red dot the old 10/22 stock was free.I need to ad a sling.Before I changed the stock I hated the charger.View attachment 779007

I like that. Ive also seen somewhere that someone did one like a Kentucky blackpowder pistol-style stock. If I do another charger, I think I’m going to go the wood route.

 

[sean m]

View attachment 778966 PMACA chassis came today. Just waiting on my pistol buffer tube and brace. Probably a new grip at some point, too. The A2 angle isn’t great for me.

Edit:
This chassis is really well done and I’d recommend based on fit and finish. It was $104 plus shipping, so twice the cost of an adapter, but I got to ditch that terrible Ruger stock.

How does it compare to a stock Ruger Charger as for wight and handling?

 

[Wisco]

I didn’t weigh them, but I think the chassis might be lighter than the stock system.

Handling - without a brace...I think they’re equal. Both miserable really. The charger really needs a red dot and a bipod or an arm brace that you can use for a solid cheek weld.

 

[Wisco]

Here’s my first complete go at it: View attachment 779086

Ruger Charger. Bushnell TRS 25. PMACA chassis. KAK buffer tube and arm brace/blade. Standard A2 flashhider. Magpul grip modified to fit the chassis (beaver tail grips won’t fit without modification). BX25 mag.

Still looking forward to seeing others’ Chargers. I’ll probably build another with the Copper Customs adapter and a different brace. Also on the lookout for an older wood stock I can work on and see what shakes out.

 

[Morgo]

Here's mine though it would be an SBR over there

 

[chicharrones]

How is that not an SBR?

I believe his "Mare's Leg" Ruger is a Charger with a cut down 10/22 stock on it. The Charger is a pistol, so if no shoulder stock is installed it's still a pistol. Kinda like the lever action pistol next to it. Except that mare's leg lever pistol seems to have some sort of leather extender installed.

 

[bearcreek]

I believe his "Mare's Leg" Ruger is a Charger with a cut down 10/22 stock on it. The Charger is a pistol, so if no shoulder stock is installed it's still a pistol. Kinda like the lever action pistol next to it. Except that mare's leg lever pistol seems to have some sort of leather extender installed.

I know it's a Ruger Charger. What makes that not a stock though? Far as I can tell it's just a stock with a short length of pull. I'm familiar with "Mare's leg" lever actions but I thought they got a specific pass from the ATF. So, I guess the question is, how short does the stock have to be for it to no longer be considered a stock but rather a "handle" or "pistol grip"?

 

[chicharrones]

I know it's a Ruger Charger. What makes that not a stock though? Far as I can tell it's just a stock with a short length of pull. I'm familiar with "Mare's leg" lever actions but I thought they got a specific pass from the ATF. So, I guess the question is, how short does the stock have to be for it to no longer be considered a stock but rather a "handle" or "pistol grip"?

Good question. Maybe being under a 26" OAL makes it a pistol stock?

 

[sean m]

Here's mine though it would be an SBR over there

View attachment 779146

View attachment 779147

What magazine is that, I don't recognize the profile.

 

[Wisco]

Here's mine though it would be an SBR over there

View attachment 779146

View attachment 779147

Nordic chassis? How do you like it?

 

[MTNSTRYDER]

There is a rimfire forum with lots of info and research for the charger.Both guns are completely legal. The Ruger is under 25 inches and the Ranch hand just has a lace on pad,I just can’t believe how well both of these guns work.Neither will replace a rifle but as truck guns,true truck guns that are kept locked out of sight and loaded because its legal in the truck all the time.That alone is worth it.
As they were stock they could not be shot off hand other than as a joke.I put a bipod on the charger,but that only worked if I was sitting on my deck with it on the railing I was going to sale it now it’s a small game gun.
The Ranch Hand I bought hoping to trade it for a 357 rifle.Now I’m not sure I really like and it’s very accurate.

 

[Morgo]

Nordic chassis? How do you like it?

Yep Nordic.

Its fun, a little heavy compared to what the charger bare weight is.

Its changed a bit since then with a magpul collapsible stock and folding stock adapter.