10/22 Liberty Training Rifle incl. Pics

[Al LaVodka]

As many know, Project Appleseed is a national program to train people in the tradition of basic rifle marksmanship. The “Liberty Training Rifle” developed as a cheaper-shooting alternative to centerfires and is based on the Ruger 10/22.

http://appleseedproject.blogspot.com/2008/02/liberty-training-rifle.html

For fun I decided to sign up for two days of an Appleseed class this Fall. It was also an excuse to find my old 10/22 and modify it for the class which is what I've done here. I've added the Tech-Sights that make the picture look like everything from the Garand to the M-4 (which is very easy but was a real chore for me personally because of what was previously mounted and stuck -- I had to drill parts off!). I also added a Buffer Technologies Bolt Buffer.

Everything else I already had including an extended mag release, ventilated handguard, flash-hider/muzzle-break, 50-rnd. mag., swivel studs and Quick-Detachable sling swivels (1"), quality adjustable sling (may switch to wider swivels and a more serious loop sling before I go)... Click pics below!

I've shown you mine, now let's see yours!

Al

 

[scottishclaymore]

I just finished building one of these. I'll get some pics taken tomorrow and put them up there. I'll be at the Davilla, TX shoot in case anyone else is going.

 

[scottishclaymore]

Bah. Couldn't wait.

Here is my LTR and accompanying gear.



Started with a stainless model Ruger 10/22. Added Tech Sights, an M1 Carbine-style stock designed for the Ruger 10/22, and a surplus M1 Carbine sling. Five 10-round magazines, two 25-round magazines. Also have a .22 caliber boresnake. This, along with a rag, a can of solvent, a can of lubricant, a pen, a small journal-type notebook, eye & ear protection, multitool, and Tilly hat, and 500 rounds of CCI Mini-Mags, make up my appleseed gear.

Also, I have a Yugo SKS that I have recently outfitted with tech sights. They have improved my groupings with it by 200% easily. I'll be taking it along as well.

 

[MikePaiN]

Scott, I was going to build the exact same rifle for LTR(too match my real M1 Carbine) but in the end I figured it was to expensive a venture and went the cheaper route with a Marlin 795

 

[scottishclaymore]

Mike,

Nothing wrong with the Marlin at all.

That said, I must say the feel of the pseudo-M1 is very, very nice. I will say I didn't notice the expense since I've been purchasing each component over the course of about 6 months. I love it like it is, and my dad liked it so much I built him the same setup for Father's day.

 

[ScratchnDent]

I looove those Tech-sights.

 

[Trebor]

What can you do to improve the 10/22 accuracy with that pseudo-Carbine stock?

I like the M-1 Carbine look, but I'd only get one if you can still do some accuracy tweaks to the gun with that stock installed.

 

[scottishclaymore]

I don't see why you couldn't. The only functional difference I can see between it and the regular stock is the wooden handguard over the top of the barrel. What kind of accuracy tweaks did you have in mind?

 

[winknplink]

Just got the sights on mine and got them dialed-in yesterday. Still pondering stock/trigger upgrades. Trying to make the Appleseed shoot in southern IN next month.

 

[CraigC]

Best thing you can do for a stock carbine that you plan on using with iron sights is to have the barrel set back and rechambered. Makes a world of difference. Though you 'may' have to still free float it to get the best results. I went a different route with a Clark midweight barrel. This one shoots well under a half inch at 50yds and 3/4"@100yds with Wolf MT. Shot a best score of 242 with it back in April, with Federal bulk ammo.

 

[bigfatdave]

What can you do to improve the 10/22 accuracy with that pseudo-Carbine stock?

Improved ergonomics, mostly. The tech-sights are adding most of the improvement, plus the sling, with the stock a distant third.

I built mine because a) .30 carbine ammo was a bit too expensive for plinking, b) My M1 carbine is a relic I don't want to abuse, and c) I wanted a trainer I could shoot all day for $20.

"accuracy improvement" is all great, but I'm not going to be shooting the real thing or the trainer off of a bench, I'm going to do appleseed with them and punch targets (and maybe small game) with them.

 

[Hatterasguy]

I'm going to throw a set of those sights and a sling on my 10/22 for the Appleseed. If I go back next year I may through a trigger pack into it.

I'm not 100% on shooting the 10/22 though, I may bring it as a backup and shoot my Sig or K31 insted. If I can get a decent set of iron sights for the Sig its going.

 

[gb0399]

I am also going to an appleseed this October. I was planning on building a training rifle like the ones above, but I have recently changed my mind and I am looking towards the M&P 15-22. What do you think about that?

 

[winknplink]

I am also going to an appleseed this October. I was planning on building a training rifle like the ones above, but I have recently changed my mind and I am looking towards the M&P 15-22. What do you think about that?

I was going to use an AR, but I have trouble getting prone with a 30-round magazine (short arms, I reckon). By the time I paid for 3-4 20-rounders, I could have purchased the tech sites for the 10/22 and been money ahead (not including ammo savings). So I just went that way.

I don't know of a short mag for the M&P 15-22, there may very well be one, IDK, but if you can get prone with the mags you have, I'd say go for it. From what I have read about selecting an Appleseed rifle, "people" say the 15-22 is more accurate 'right out of the box', but that the 10/22 shows more potential for accuracy with some work after purchase. Again, not my personal experience, just what I have read.

 

[gb0399]

I believe you are refering to a thread I started a few days ago where I asked about the accuracy of both rifles. That was one of the factors for me deciding to go with the M&P.

 

[gb0399]

Winknplink, curious, you said you are going to an appleseed in southern IN, and not one in KY. I know there are plenty in KY, any reason for the one you chose?

 

[winknplink]

The event in Evansville is practically in my backyard.

 

[gb0399]

thats a pretty good reason

 

[Floppy_D]

I'll play:

 

[Nikdfish]

I did one a while back based on a SS Wal-Mart Special. Tech sights, extended mag release & sling w/ quik detach swivels. The long barrel on the special works well with iron sights...

Nick

 

[winknplink]

Yeah, I can only imagine how clean the sight picture is with the 20" bbl.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Do you have to use a military style aperture or would a Williams peep sight conversion like this work as well?



Sorry about the quality but you can barely see the sight at the rear. It also has a raised fiber optic in front so I could get a more comfortable cheek weld.

 

[ScratchnDent]

Do you have to use a military style aperture or would a Williams peep sight conversion like this work as well?

You can use any sight set you like at an Appleseed, they aren't picky about gear!

 

[CraigC]

It will work fine but you may find the fiber optic front sight to be a little less suited to fine work than a black post.

Yeah, I can only imagine how clean the sight picture is with the 20" bbl.

Actually it's 22", even better!

 

[Nikdfish]

Pretty similar to the sight radius on my M1 ...



Nick