New/old 10/22

[Hookeye]

Its got a birch stock so if that original, it's not super old.
IIRC "D" in Ruger serial numbers stands for "Duplicate" which means there's one out their with the same number (but no D).
Had a D80 Superblackhawk (3 screw).

You can clip the factory spring and stone the hammer to Volq type dimensions and end up with a good trigger pull for free.
Or you can buy a Volq hammer/spring and do a quick swap for 30 bucks.

Oldest ones I've had were a standard and a sporter (factory checkered) from '67.
Got my first 10/22 new in '76. Walnut standard.
Sold my '70 sporter last yr, poor thing shot crappy.
The known tweaks helped, but not enough

 

[Hookeye]

If you're gonna use it, the plastic trigger housings are pretty neat.
They don't scratch up.
Just do the hammer swap and go.

CPC can set back and rechamber to match, and do the crown.
Reportedly makes factory barrels into half inchers at 50 yards. Cost is around a hundred bucks IIRC

I've heard of some great claims by folks going as cheap and Bubba as possible.
Take that talk w a grain of salt.
If that worked the aftermarket industry wouldn't be.

Hammer/spring to lighten trigger. Barrel work (or change). Then stock work/change and THEN bolt work if need be.
And this assumes you've tested for what ammo is best.

Most of mine did decent w CCI Blazer.
Standard V didn't do as well. Even in match bbls.
However, w match ammo, I got sub .5" at 50 yards for 5 shots, repeatably.

GM bbl in a Titan stock w a Volq hammer. On an '85 action that had zero bolt work.

 

[Hookeye]

My 70 fingergroove was such a disappointment I said screw it and bought a CZ455.
Better out of the box, zero mods.

 

[rust collector]

Part of the fun of a new-to-you gun is the history, if it is a family gun. Part of it is getting to know the gun, to see what works and what potential it has. The last bit is fixing what bothers you and then letting it teach you how to shoot.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Have you tried any of the upgraded magazine release levers? I'm thinking of upgrading that, but don't know anyone with any real world experience with them.

The BX module that I have on two of my 10/22s comes with an extended release that works pretty well:

The only other make I've used was the Volquartsen I installed on my 77/44 -- a different size, but it's essentially same shape as their 10/22 model.



The basic mag release is a monolithic piece of metal or plastic, so I think choice comes down to the shape you prefer. I haven't tried the underlever type that extends back over the triggerguard.

 

[amd6547]

About five years ago, I was looking for a particular .22. While looking on Armslist, I encountered an ad for “older 10/22”. It turned out to be a like new in box 1965 10/22. As if someone got it, put in the closet, and forgot about it. The only detraction was the magazine was missing (I need an early style 10/22 mag, if anyone has one...). The box has a Sears price tag, $59.99. I paid $225.
I had a 4x Barska rimfire scope I had used successfully on another rifle, so I mounted it on the 10/22. My rifle club had a target stand at 80yds. After sighting in at 25yds, I started shooting at 80yds with my elbows resting on the bench. I was using Blazer bulk, and got ten shot groups that were about dime-sized, and consistent.
When I got this 10/22, I studied up over at rimfirecentral and had considered this or that modification....not anything drastic, just a stealth target gun in the guise of a standard 10/22. After shooting it, though, it needs nothing. I feel lucky to have it.

 

[Hookeye]

I prefer the flush mag release.
Hunted w 10/22 for a lot of yrs and never lost a mag.

Never had mag function issues either. But..........I stayed away from the gunky Remington ammo.
Have a few older mags around, non coin slot though.
My last one of those went with my '67 standard.
It was in a '76 rifle somebody pimped, on a gunshop rack. I bought a new one and they swapped me even.

Looked for another when I bought my '70 and none around.
They pop up on a certain auction site and folks want way too much for em.
There may be logo and or other changes within basic mag eras.
Have to check the Ruger collectors to see where any changes might be.

But yeah, coin slot and Allen head the major two groupings.

 

[ericuda]

Hookeye never knew that. Dont have a newer mag in front of me.