10/22 Extended Mag Release Clarity

[berettaprofessor]

I always couldn’t see spending $20-50 for something that just let me switch mags a little easier and quicker. After all, I didn’t shoot a 10/22 every day, maybe not even every month. But I started to think about it and began to look locally. Cabelas had a Tac Sol release for $44. Too much. Academy had a CrossFire ambidextrous release that said $19.99 on the shelf, which was better, but it was even nicer when it rang up for $14.98.

So, yesterday, I switched it out for the original on a 10/22 make of mine that has a Tac Solutions threaded bull barrel in a folding stock. Took 5 minutes; remove the action screw, remove the pin holding the release, switch the release, replace pin and retorque screw. And it was worth every penny, ambidextrous so my left-handedness works and the mag almost throws itself out now.

I probably still won’t put one on my target stocked version or on the stock Walmart 10/22 stainless rifle. Maybe it would be sweet on a takedown though. Anyway, I can vouch for the CrossFire model—sweetest $15 I’ve spent this week!

How many of you have switched out your mag release.

 

[MedWheeler]

Thanks for sharing. I also don't shoot my Tapco'd 10/22 much, but have been intrigued by the idea of having an easier release, especially since I am also left-handed. Might look into it myself.

 

[Mal H]

I put a Volquartsen extended mag release on my 10/22T about 18 years ago. I don't remember how much it cost, but I do remember fiddling with the original release to get the dang mags to drop. Whatever it cost, it was worth every penny! (I don't think it was expensive - maybe around $15.)

 

[slowr1der]

Are you talking about the one that is like a lever that goes below the trigger guard? If so, I have the KIDD version of that. Like you, before using it I thought it was too much money. I finally decided to try it out and I also think it's worth every penny. It makes quick reloads soo much easier.

 

[CraigC]

I like the Power Custom and put them on all my 10/22's. Don't care what they cost, they work great.

 

[pblanc]

I personally like the Timber Creek mag release for the 10/22 as shown in this photo (which is not my rifle):

http://i.imgur.com/Rg6FSKU.jpg

Although the extended magazine release that the Ruger 10/22 now comes with works a lot easier than the original button release, the Timber Creek blends into the trigger group better. It is very easy to push the lever forward with a thumb and allow the magazine to drop into your open palm. These go for around $20 retail but can sometimes be found a bit cheaper on ebay and elsewhere.

 

[greyling22]

I think mine is a tacsol, but whoever made it, it's awesome. worth every penny and something ruger should have molded out of plastic and made standard equipment long ago.

 

[rabid wombat]

Try Kidd’s. He builds great product, and is wonderful to work with. Really spoil yourself, and buy one of his triggers.

http://www.coolguyguns.com/KIDD-Magazine-Release-Levers-Interchangeable-System_p_35.html

http://www.coolguyguns.com/TRIGGERS_c_7.html

 

[berettaprofessor]

Really spoil yourself, and buy one of his triggers.

I’ve got one with a Ruger BX trigger, but the rest I’ve all lightened myself and the do-it-myselfs are easy, cheap, and just as good.

 

[doubleh]

I have two and each only cost a few cents. I decided all I needed was something to let me locate the release by feel. I drilled and tapped each of my releases for a #8 screw and used a short allen head screw for an indicator. I just put my finger on the screw head and press and out drops the magazine.

 

[Garandimal]

I clip them off with bull-nose pliers and file them into a flush push-bar.

Unless you are using extended mags, which I don't... they are a ridiculous protrusion on an otherwise nice smooth-bottom rifle.




GR

 

[jmorris]

Most of my 10/22’s have factory mag releases. My Clark custom one has a tactical solutions one and I can’t say I dislike it.

On my NFA 10/22, I justdrilled and tapped the factory release and red loctite in a 1/4-20 socket head cap screw, then cut the head off. Works just as well and was pretty much free.

 

[Legionnaire]

I put a Volquartsen extended mag release on my 10/22T about 18 years ago. I don't remember how much it cost, but I do remember fiddling with the original release to get the dang mags to drop. Whatever it cost, it was worth every penny! (I don't think it was expensive - maybe around $15.)

I did the same thing about the same time! Also added the Volq bolt release. Both are welcome mods to the 10/22.

 

[Mal H]

Actually, I also did that same thing at the same time. Why Ruger didn't include a bolt hold open in the design is a mystery for the ages.

 

[MistWolf]

I bought the Ruger BX trigger and after a few minutes of fooling around with the extended mag release, I replaced it with the factory original mag release. The extended mag release interferes with mag changes

 

[mokin]

I installed an "upgrade kit" by Volquartsen (I think?) as sold by Midway on my 10/22 five years ago or so. The kit included an extended magazine release, a bolt hold open, a trigger, springs, etc... I remember the instructions that came with the kit didn't quite match the parts included so I had to figure some things out on my own, but it made for a fun little project. I'm not sure how much the other parts improved the rifle's performance but it has made life easier.

 

[kozak6]

I put some cheap plastic one on my 10/22 maybe 15 years ago? I don't remember what brand it was, but it works fine.

What a lot of people do is buy/improvise a new bolt buffer, drill a hole in the stock mag release, and epoxy the old bolt buffer in there to act as an extended release.

 

[ECVMatt]

I actually perfer the old flush version. I mostly hunt with my 10/22's and have noticed that the extended versions often get actived when used on a rest.

 

[Elkins45]

My oldest (1988) 10/22 has an extended release that I bought mail order from Gander Mountain. I could swear it was made by Ram Line. It's some sort of polymer composite material.

My newest 10/22 (present from FIL that's now a SBR) came out of the box with an extended release. I'm 99% sure he bought it at Walmart. Not the factory stock obviously, but a decent find for $40 at a gunshow.



For a gun that's shot from the bench or that isn't used with extended mags there's really no advantage to an extended release. I never had much trouble using the factory button one with the flush 10 round mag.

 

[kBob]

Someone a few decades back gave me a RamLine EMR. After running through an Appleseed event and loosing time on mag changes I dug it out of storage and put it on my 10/22 with GI sling and TechSites and bike tube section around the butt plate.

Wanted to drill a hole in one (#1 machine bit) and epoxy a spent .22 LR case in it to half depth but buddy mentioned it might freak out Range Safety Officers. Thought it might look cool though. Also once considered using such a drill on the flat bit on top of the carbine original butt stock to sink a spent case of whatever .22 LR the rifle likes best in it. Sort of AmerIndian look I guess but with the head of the cartridge visable near flush rather than a brass tack.

I do rather like the things some folks have done with Silver tea spoons and such to make sort of lever like EMRs and the ones that look like the lever on say a Ruger #1 or Browning Single shot or some such. At one point considered trying to do something like a Winchester 66 lever and brass tacks and a saddle ring with leather thong in the stock at the top of the grip area just for looks. Make you want to paint your face and wear feathers, it would.

Oh shoot let's add an old Fred Bear or 1940's Cracker Jacks Compass for the movie and air gun crowd! (Mr. Bear caught a lot of flak about putting a "cheap toy Compass" on some of his bows and they occasionally pop up at yard sales and such around Gainesville. I thought it a great idea that had no ill effects on the bow.)

-kBob

 

[SwampWolf]

I actually perfer the old flush version.

Me too. It's not like we need to perform a fast, "tactical" reload after firing ten rounds from a .22 rifle; not a likely self-defense scenario. My 10/22 has the extended magazine release which gets in the way of almost anything in its way for no good reason; making me wish for the early "flush" configuration.