Best Ruger 10/22 Models and Upgrades in 2024
In this complete guide to the Ruger 10/22, we'll answer all the questions you have about this platform. Included in this guide is a breakdown of the best Ruger 10/22 models, as well as the best upgrades you can make to your rifle.
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About the Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is the most popular rifle series in the world chambered in the rimfire .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) cartridge. This semi-automatic rifle comes from the factory with 10 round magazines, though there are also larger capacity options from both Ruger and aftermarket manufacturers.
William B. Ruger and Henry Sefried aimed to develop a 22 LR rifle that would be taken seriously by everyone, including competitive shooters. In 1964, they launched the Ruger 10/22 which shared some ascetic characteristics to their .44 Remington Magnum Model 44 rifle. Today, the 10/22 is still considered to be one of the best 22 rifles.
Having built up such a stellar reputation over the last 50+ years, the 10/22 platform has a tremendous level of available upgrades and design options from both Ruger and aftermarket manufacturers.
In this section, we'll cover the differences between our favorite models to help you find the best 10/22 for your needs.
Though I don't actually think this is the best Ruger 10/22, it seems appropriate to start with the Standard Carbine to establish a baseline. This model most closely resembles the original models put into production in 1964.
$263.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Though all carbine models feature the same design and an 18.5" cold hammer forged barrel, the standard carbine (model 1103) has a hardwood stock rather than a synthetic stock, giving it a great classic look compared to say the 1151 Model.
Both models come with a Weaver-style and .22 tip off scope mount. Their overall lengths are 37" and they weigh 5 lbs.
For the average person, we think the Takedown model is the overall best Ruger 10/22. What makes it unique is it gives you the ability to easily separate the barrel from the action of the firearm by pushing a recessed lever and twisting apart the two subassemblies.
By essentially cutting the 37" rifle in half, it becomes far easier to stow and transport, while still giving you all of the benefits of a 10/22. It comes with the carrying case shown above.
$327.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Personally, I also really love the combination of its black synthetic stock with the stainless steel. It has an 18.5" cold hammer forged barrel and weighs 4.6 lbs.
Aside from the Model 11100 shown above, there's also the Model 11112 with the same Takedown capabilities.
The Model 11112 has a 16.4" threaded barrel (1/2"-28) and flash suppressor. It's compatible with sound suppressors ("silencers") like the Silent-SR.
$344.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
At this point, it's probably clear that I really think Takedown models are the best Ruger 10/22 options. What can I say... I'm a sucker for Takedown rifles.
There's one more I want to take a look at, the Takedown Lite.
It features a 16.12" Alloy Steel barrel tensioned in an aluminum sleeve that looks really awesome. Like the Model 11112, this model is also 1/2"-28 threaded and compatible with suppressors.
The other noteworthy features of the Takedown Lite is that it features the Ruger Modular Stock System with a low comb, standard length of pull. It also comes with a high comb stock module.
At an overall length of 34.62" that can basically be cut in half and a weight of 4.5 lbs, the Takedown Lite is the best 10/22 for transporting.
$510.25 at 1800GunsAndAmmo
Prices accurate at time of publishing
If you want a 10/22 with a threaded barrel and flash suppressor, but don't care about Takedown Capabilities, then there's the Ruger 10/22 Tactical.
It has a 16.12" cold hammer forged barrel, an overall length of 36.25", and weighs just 4.3 lbs. Its weight savings can be attributed to its synthetic stock and lack of sights, as it only comes with weaver and .22 tip off scope mounts.
$267.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Last on our list of the best Ruger 10/22 models is the Custom Shop Competition 10/22.
The receiver is CNC-machined made with 6061(T6) aluminum with an integral Picatinny rail that can be adjusted 30 MOA.
This rifle comes with an upgraded BX-Trigger with a 2.5-3 lbs pull weight, as well as a stock with a fully adjustable cheek rest.
MSRP on the Model 31120 is $899 and you can learn more here.
As we mentioned at the start of this guide, the Ruger 10/22 has gained and maintained tremendous popularity over the last 50+ years. Because of this, there's no shortage of upgrades and accessories available for the platform.
Check out our recommended Ruger 10/22 upgrades and mods below:
- Best 10/22 Stocks, Mod Kits, and Conversion Kits
- Best 10/22 Triggers
- Best 10/22 Scopes and Sights
- Best 10/22 Accessories and Miscellaneous Mods
- Best 10/22 Barrels
- Best 10/22 Magazines
The most popular modification people make to the 10/22 is the stock. When talking about the stock, we mean the entire solid synthetic or wood piece outlined below. Though we'll cover some basic stock upgrades, we'll also get into some more tactical conversion kits.
Here are the best 10/22 stock, mod kits, and conversion kits:
1) Magpul Hunter X-22 Adjustable Stock
One of the most popular stock upgrades is the Magpul Hunter X-22 adjustable stock. Though we'll cover some more extreme conversion kits and mods, the Hunter X-22 is a relatively simple upgrade giving you improved ergonomics and adjustability compared to most factory 10/22 models.
$132.95 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
This polymer stock is compatible with all Ruger factory 10/22 .22 LR receivers and barrels. It also works with aftermarket barrels with a minimum length of 12.5" and up to a 0.92" diameter.
If you take a look at the picture above, the most obvious benefits are better grip and stock ergonomics. The stock comes with 0.5" spacers, allowing you to adjust length of pull from 12.5" to 14.5".
Another great upgrade that this 10/22 stock offers is M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions.
If you want to maintain the basic look of a 10/22, while gaining adjustability and comfort, then the Magpul Hunter X-22 is a strong contender for the best Ruger 10/22 stock for you.
2) Magpul Hunter X-22 Takedown
Magpul also makes the Hunter X-22 as a Ruger 10/22 takedown stock. It's compatible with all Ruger 10/22 Takedown factory receivers and offers the rest of the benefits of the regular Hunter X-22.
$142.45 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
3) High Tower Armory Bullpup Ruger 10/22 Conversion Kit
This High Tower Armory Ruger 10/22 Conversion Kit allows you to take your rifle from this:
to this:
The finished product bears an incredible resemblance to a suppressed P90, thanks in part to the imitation "dummy suppressor".
This conversion kit is compatible with Ruger 10/22 1/2" and .920" diameter barrels that are 18" or longer. Shorter barrels will fall under the current federal minimum requirement for overall rifle length of 26".
This Bullpup 10/22 is compatible with Ruger magazines, as well as most aftermarket magazines. Where a real P90's magazine would be located, the High Tower Armory 90/22 has a storage box for spare ammo. Note that it does not function as a magazine.
$287.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
4) Tapco Intrafuse Stock Conversion Kit
The above Ruger 10/22 conversion kit will make your rifle look like a P90, so how about taking a quick look another tactically designed kit that will make your rifle resemble an AR-15.
Despite its modest price point, it gives you the benefits of a six position adjustable stock, pistol grip, and Picatinny rail along the top and "handguard area".
$101.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Tapco makes models for both standard 10/22 barrels and Bull barrels (0.92" diameter). We're big fans of Tapco for aftermarket Ruger parts and have featured them in other guides like the best Mini-14 magazines.
If you want to improve the accuracy and performance of your rifle, a trigger is the most significant upgrade you can make.
Here's our list of the best 10/22 trigger upgrades:
1) Ruger 10/22 BX Trigger
We mentioned this 10/22 trigger previously when talking about Ruger's line of competition rifles. While it won't give you all the benefits of a 10/22 Custom Shop Competition rifle from Ruger, the BX Trigger alone will only cost you $75 compared to the complete Competition rifle that comes with a $899 MSRP price tag.
The BX trigger is very crisp with a 2.5-3 lb pull weight.
Considering other top of the line 10/22 triggers can run above $200, the BX Trigger is a steal.
$74.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
2) Timney Calvin Elite Ruger 10/22 Trigger Kit
Timney is an incredibly well-established manufacturer of high-end triggers for a variety of weapon platforms. Their Calvin Elite sets the standard for Ruger 10/22 trigger upgrades.
$269.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
The (non-adjustable) pull weight is set from the factory between 1.5-2 lbs. It's incredibly crisp, with virtually no take up or creep. As you can see in the picture above, it comes with 4 trigger shoe options to customize fit and feel.
We've covered the best 10/22 triggers and stocks to improve accuracy and performance... Now it's time to make sure your sights don't hold you back.
Here's our list of the best Ruger 10/22 sights and scopes.
1) Nodak Spud Rear Sight With Rail (NDS-26) and Nodak Adjustable Front Sight (NDS-40)
As for iron sight systems, the best Ruger 10/22 sights I've found are Nodak Spud's NDS-26 combined with the NDS-40 (fits standard barrels).
The AR style rear sight (NDS-26) not only features a great sight that lets you easily adjust for windage, but also provides you with a Picatinny rail for mounting a wide range of red dot sights, scopes, and other accessories.
$78.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
You'll find with the NDS-26 that you also need to upgrade to a compatible front sight, like the NDS-40. This Ruger 10/22 front sight offers a great military style sight picture and allows for elevation adjustment. It fits standard diameter 10/22 barrels.
$45.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
2) Holosun HS403C Red Dot Sight
Once you have a Picatinny rail like the one on the NSD-26 or any of these budget options here (without sights), you can mount nearly any red dot sight, as they tend to be made for Picatinny rails rather than Weaver rails.
We have an entire guide dedicated to finding the best budget red dot sight under $200, but I'll save you the trouble of reading through it.
Our top choice is the Holosun HS403C. It offers the best sight picture of any budget rifle red dot sight that we've tested.
Other Features
- Solar and battery powered
- Up to 50,000 hours of battery life
- Automatic or manual brightness adjustments
- 2 Night vision settings
- 2 MOA dot size
- 20mm window
- Comes with low mount and lower 1/3 co-witness mount
- Weighs 4.3 oz
- 2.44" X 1.18" X 1.45"
- 6061 aluminum housing
- Functional between temperatures of -22°F to 140°F
- Submersible up to 1 meter for half an hour
- 0.5 MOA adjustments
$199.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
3) Trijicon MRO Red Dot Sight
Before moving onto scopes, I should also mention our choice for the overall best red dot sight - The Trijicon MRO.
$480.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
It's a short sight with a huge objective lens, leading to a fantastic sight picture. You can learn more in our Trijicon MRO review and our Trijicon MRO vs Aimpoint Pro comparison.
Trijicon MRO Key Information:
- 7075 (T6) Aluminum Housing
- 2 MOA Dot Size w/ 8 Brightness Settings (4 NV)
- Night Vision Compatible
- 50,000 Hours of Battery Life at Setting 5 of 8 (1 CR2032 Lithium Battery)
- Waterproof to 100 Feet
- Operating Temperature Range of -60°F to +160°F
- 25mm Objective Lens
- 5.8 oz w/ Battery & Lower 1/3 Mount
- 2.6" x 1.7" x 2.73" (L x W x H) w/ Lower 1/3 Mount
- 0.5 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustments
4) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7X32 Rimfire Scope
If a magnified optics suits your intended use better, the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7X32 Rimfire is one of the best 10/22 scopes you'll find at a reasonable price.
$129.99 at Brownells
Vortex Crossfire II Rimfire Key Information:
- 2-7X Magnification
- 32mm Objective Lens Diameter
- 3.9" Eye Relief
- Field of View 42-12.6 ft at 100 yards
- Max Windage and Elevation Adjustments of 60 MOA
- 11.3" Long
- 14.3 oz
Now that we've covered the most popular major 10/22 upgrades, it's time to look at some lesser thought about Ruger 10/22 accessories and miscellaneous mods.
1) Ruger 10/22 Picatinny Rails
As discussed in the section above on the best Ruger 10/22 sights, getting a Picatinny rail allows you to mount a greater number of accessories, sights, and scopes. If you don't want to buy the relatively expensive sight/rail combo we showed above, you can also just buy a Picatinny rail for as little as $10 or less.
Our personal favorite option is the UTG Tactical Low Profile Rail Mount for the Ruger 10/22:
2) Volquartsen Bolt Release
One of the most frustrating parts about using the Ruger 10/22 is releasing the bolt. Fortunately, there's a very affordable mod to fix this problem - the Volquartsen 10/22 Bolt Release. It's one of the most often and well-reviewed products at Brownells.
$11.19 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
3) Volquartsen Exact Edge Ruger Extractor
Another very affordable Ruger 10/22 upgrade we'd recommend would be the Volquartsen Exact Edge Extractor. This simple mod can help greatly cut down on failure to extract malfunctions.
$11.19 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
4) Volquartsen Extractor and Firing Pin Mod Kit
You can also get the above extractor as part of this Volquartsen 10/22 Mod Kit that also includes an improved tool steel firing pin. This kit will help your rifle function better with budget 10/22 ammo, by reducing primer strikes that fail to fire.
$34.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Outside of upgrading your trigger, a barrel upgrade for your 10/22 is the biggest thing you can do to improve your rifle's accuracy (aside from becoming a better shooter).
Here's our quick list of the best Ruger 10/22 barrels:
1) E.R. Shaw 10/22 Target Barrels
The most popular and well-reviewed 10/22 barrels are those from E.R. Shaw. They offer a number of different options from their "Target" line of barrels including CMV, Stainless Steel, and Fluted Stainless Steel barrels.
$99.99 - $208.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
While all models will immediately improve accuracy over factory barrels, their stainless steel barrels are our top choice for the best 10/22 barrel.
These barrels weigh from 2.8-3.14 lbs.
2) Beyer 10/22 Ultralight Target Barrels
If you want to improve accuracy while also keeping your rifle lightweight or even dropping precious ounces off the weight of your rifle, there's the Beyer 10/22 Ultralight Target Barrels.
Their 16.5-18" barrels weigh just .72 lbs to 1.3 lbs.
$177.99 - $225.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
For lightweight 10/22 builds, these are our choice for the best 10/22 barrel.
Below is a quick look at some of our picks for the best 10/22 magazines:
1) Ruger BX-25 Clear Sided
This might not come as a surprise, but we actually think Ruger makes the best 10/22 magazines. Our personal favorite from them is the BX-25 25 round clear sided magazine. The left side is translucent, allowing you to easily see your remaining round count.
$24.99 at GunMag Warehouse
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Product Name: Ruger BX-25 Clear Sided Mag
Product Description: Along with other magazines manufacturer by Ruger themselves, the BX-25 is one of the most reliable 10/22 magazines available. This clear sided model of the BX-25 allows you to easily see your round count through the left side of the magazine. As is the case with all Ruger BX mags, it has metal feed lips to aid in reliability.
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Reliability
(5)
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Ascetics
(5)
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Value
(4.5)
2) GSG 110 Round 10/22 Drum Mag
22 Long rifle is super cheap, so why not take advantage of this with GSG's 110 round drum magazine for the Ruger 10/22.
$59.99 at GunMag Warehouse
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Check out all of our picks for the best Ruger 10/22 Magazines.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully you found our list of the best Ruger 10/22 models and upgrades helpful.
The 10/22 is a fantastic platform with many different configurations straight from the factory and a ton of great aftermarket mods available. There's nothing stopping you from building a 10/22 tailored just for you.
