10/22 mag loaders, take-dwon kit vs packer stock, etc? help.

[cpileri]

I was reading Duncan Long's booklet on the 10/22 and 44 magnum carbines and he mentions a few items that are perhaps dated, but still interesting and I have a couple questions.

1. Magazine loaders: which one is best? there are at lease 2 types: both seen here http://www.gunaccessories.com/1022/magsloaders.asp yet both seem to be only for Ramline mags. Are there any others? any universal ones?

2. Compacting kits: he mentions folding stocks of all types, the Packer Stock kit, and a Ram Line (?) take down kit which replaces the barrel v-block allen head screws with screws that have a knurled plastic knob so that fingers are all that is needed to take down and reinstall the barrel.
On savvysurvivor, a review mentions that none of the folding stocks available for the 10/22 are sturdy enough. Is that true?
Butler creek has the steel folding stocks and Long mentions Choate's used 5o be available in steel coated in plastic? are these sturdier? available?
The Packer system is expensive, so is the take-down-kit still available, and is it well made. Do the screws strip after 3 tightenings? can one be fabricated on my own? (I suppose I can put a knob on a cut piece of allen wrench and epoxy it in the allen head...) Does the barrel wiggle loose quickly? at all?

I am sure I will have more questions soon.
Thanks in advance for your expertise!
C-

 

[Badger Arms]

Duncan Long is an idiot. I've 'read' his books and they read more like comic books than reality. He 'writes' books based on a formula of gathering 'information' and putting it down in written form then publishing. Doesn't bother checking his facts.

As for the loaders, The Ram-Line one is quicker, but mine broke. It was fragile and a bit overcomplicated, but about three times as fast. Ram-Line magazines are of a different design than Ruger or Butler Creek Magazines. I find that I can use the Butler Creek loader just fine with factory mags, hot lips, and steel lips. Problem is, that crank system is finicky and sometimes takes two or three tries to get one round into the magazine. If you aren't careful, you'll dent the sides of the cartridges.

Just fine for plinking, handload any rounds you want for hunting or competition.

 

[cpileri]

whoa! OK then.

So, tell me how you really feel again.

Y'know I have heard criticism of Long before. So OK, you dont need a loader.

Are the stocks flimsy? or anything else regarding the various 'compactness tools' for the 10/22 worth it?

C-

 

[Badger Arms]

For bricks of ammo, I wouldn't be without the Butler Creek loader. If the Ram-Line loader hadn't broke, it was great for my Ram-Line magazines. The stock is another story. I looked at it once, but don't have any practical experience. It looked cheesy to me... not worth the money. If you want a takedown gun, bet an AR-7 or Marlin Papoose. You'll pay as much for them as you would just for the stock kit, methinks.

 

[Badger Arms]

Well, technically the AR-7 is cast aluminum, the Pappoose is also cast. I prefer the 10/22. The only reason to go with another is for size. Maybe a Folding stock on the 10/22 would be an alternative you can live with.

 

[cpileri]

yeah

Yes, I do like the Papoose. Its niche is of course its size while being a much better gun than the AR-7.
I have also heard nothing but accuracy complaints about the AR-7, so its not on my list.
Perhaps a hollowed out stock for the 10/22? Goes beyond my skill I think but I'd buy one.
For now, I am indeed looking for a the most compact package in a 10/22 I can put together.
I would like the barrel to be more conveniently removeable without tools, but it still has to mount up solidly. Same with any folding stock for it.

Maybe some kydex and 'Great Stuff" filler foam and I can make a stock/case for the 10/22? I would like the Ram Line Take Down kit to be available for that though.

Maybe my idea of a cut off allen wrench rod with a knurled end on it will do?

Now I have an idea to go work out...

Thanks for stimulating my mind.
C-

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I have a Butler Creek stock for my Mini-14. I am pretty sure it's basically the same as their stock for the 10/22. It's pretty sturdy, IMO.