Purchaser’s Information: Three 10/22 Takedown Shares

The Ruger 10/22 is a particularly well-liked platform within the survivalist neighborhood, particularly in its bug-out-friendly Takedown type. It is simple to shoot, reasonably priced to reload, compact and light-weight sufficient to stash in a backpack, and supported by a large number of aftermarket components and equipment. That final level brings us to the subject of at the moment’s article.

Ruger’s commonplace 10/22 Takedown inventory is useful, however nothing to jot down residence about. It is composed of onerous black polymer with a number of textured sections and a metallic barrel band on the forend. Ruger additionally gives fashions with an upgraded Modular inventory, which options replaceable excessive and low cheek relaxation combs, sling mounts, and extra in depth texturing. Nevertheless, this nonetheless leaves one thing to be desired for a lot of house owners. Aftermarket 10/22 shares supply improved consolation and management, extra colour selections, modularity, and different useful options reminiscent of hidden storage compartments.

The Beginning Level

We started this evaluation with a Ruger 10/22 Takedown Lite, one of many firm’s factory-upgraded Takedown fashions with an MSRP of $659. It contains the aforementioned Modular inventory, in addition to a chilly hammer solid 16.1-inch barrel tensioned in a light-weight, .920-inch diameter aluminum sleeve. This barrel additionally options 1/2-28 threads to simply accept a suppressor (reminiscent of Ruger’s personal Silent-SR) and features a knurled thread protector. Ruger gives a zippered nylon carry case with every rifle.

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The unique Lite inventory served us nicely for a number of years, however we had been prepared for a change, so we started alternative shares. This search yielded three considerably totally different selections: the Adaptive Tactical TK-22, the Hogue Rubber OverMolded Inventory, and the Magpul X-22 Backpacker. Earlier than we get to those shares, we’ll talk about one different improve we added to the rifle on the similar time.

Vortex Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope

Previous to testing any of the brand new shares, we picked up a Vortex Diamondback Rimfire scope for our 10/22. It options 2-7x magnification, a 35mm goal lens, and a easy V-Plex reticle with parallax set to 50 yards (versus 100 yards for the non-rimfire fashions). At 11.6 inches lengthy and 14.2 ounces, it does not sacrifice a lot of the Takedown’s portability — if that is your high precedence, you will most likely be utilizing a micro purple dot sight, however we want the flexibility of a variable-magnification optic on this case.

Vortex says the Diamondback is “nearly indestructible and extremely proof against magnum recoil,” so we’re definitely not apprehensive about it placing up with .22LR. The variable magnification and clear multi-coated glass makes it nice for short-range varmint searching, even in low-light situations. General, it is a wonderful selection for this platform.

We mounted the scope on a pair of Vortex Hunter 1-inch Low scope rings ($25 MSRP). This combo matches properly on the usual Ruger scope rail and clears the Lite barrel with out sitting excessively excessive. Factoring within the scope’s $260 MSRP, this setup definitely will not break your checking account.

Adaptive Tactical TK-22 Inventory

The primary of the three shares we evaluated is the largest departure from the rifle’s authentic type. The TK-22 has a pistol grip in addition to what Adaptive Tactical calls an “adjustable M4 kind butt-stock.” This inventory is appropriate with commonplace 10/22 barrels in addition to .920 bull barrels, reminiscent of these on the Lite and Fluted 10/22 Takedown fashions. Since we fell into the latter class, we eliminated the included forend insert (pictured beneath at backside proper).

Out of the field, we seen some unappealing blemishes on this inventory. The end is visibly uneven in some areas, as seen above, and tough edges left behind by the mildew weren’t cleaned up, as seen beneath. These flaws did not encourage confidence within the construct high quality. The TK-22 match our 10/22 simply, however the hole between the forend and receiver housing was wider than the opposite shares we examined (together with the unique Ruger inventory).

The so-called “M4 kind butt-stock” is just Adaptive Tactical’s EX Efficiency AR-15 inventory, so it is 4-way adjustable and can match any mil-spec buffer tube. This explains the presence of the large cushioned rubber recoil pad, which might be extra at residence on a 12-gauge than it’s right here.

Fortunately for these of us who aren’t involved about getting pummeled by the immense recoil of .22LR rounds, it is detachable through two Phillips screws. The inventory additionally options an attachment level for the standard sling swivel, in addition to a QD sling swivel socket.

A rubber stopper within the base of the pistol grip fills a cavity that is designed to simply accept Adaptive Tactical’s TacTred Monopod. It can be used to stash numerous small gadgets, though heavier objects might dislodge the friction-fit stopper and fall out. The grip itself is comparatively snug. We appreciated the cutaways on either side of the journal nicely, since these make reloads simpler — prying some 10-round magazines out of the unique Ruger inventory might be tough.

The inventory we obtained was bundled with a Takedown Firearm Backpack from Copper Basin. This pack seems fairly unassuming and has pockets for every half of the ten/22 Takedown plus numerous equipment. It serves its objective and protects the gun, however is not as smooth as the unique Ruger carrying case. The backpack is priced at $100 by itself or $190 bundled with the TK-22 inventory.

For those who’re hoping to take your 10/22 in a extra trendy and “tactical” path, the TK-22 might attraction to you. We’re not large followers of the look — one onlooker in contrast it to a Hello-Level Carbine — and had been disillusioned by the construct high quality points we seen, particularly given the inventory’s $130 MSRP (the best of the group).

Hogue Rubber OverMolded Inventory

Hogue’s 10/22 Takedown shares are coated within the firm’s signature OverMold, a gentle and grippy rubber materials. These shares can be found in both commonplace or thumbhole configuration, and are supplied in numerous colours starting from plain black to brilliant purple or Purple Lava swirl. Hogue sells variations for normal barrels, in addition to .920-inch barrels.

We selected a typical inventory with Ghillie Inexperienced rubber OverMold and .920-inch barrel compatibility. The inventory is slim, however feels sturdy and well-made. The design is comparatively minimalistic, with delicate chevron cuts on both finish of the receiver, stippled texture in key areas, and a Hogue brand stamped on the underside.

The butt pad is held in place with two Torx/flat-head screws; eradicating these reveals a cavity that can be utilized to retailer emergency gear. Conventional sling swivel attachments are current on every finish of the inventory.

Putting in the Hogue inventory for the primary time was considerably tough — the screw gap within the inventory was barely off-center from the outlet within the entrance of our 10/22’s receiver, and the inventory’s tight tolerances did not give it a lot wiggle room. After pushing firmly in opposition to the receiver and being cautious to not strip the screw, we had been in a position to set up the inventory.

With this preliminary hiccup out of the way in which, we appreciated this inventory lots. The 2 halves match nicely with no unpleasant hole, and the rubberized coating made the gun straightforward to carry and carry. For those who’re searching for a ten/22 inventory that maintains a standard look, the Hogue OverMold sequence is a stable selection. MSRP is $120 for colourful finishes or $110 for plain black.

Magpul X-22 Backpacker

Magpul gives two shares for the ten/22 Takedown, the X-22 Hunter and X-22 Backpacker. The Hunter inventory is designed for personalisation, with interchangeable cheek risers, detachable butt pad spacers, and M-LOK slots on the forend. The Backpacker is designed as a packable survival rifle platform, with a number of storage compartments and an ingenious mechanism that locks the barrel meeting onto the inventory physique for straightforward transport.

We chosen an X-22 Backpacker inventory in desert-friendly FDE end ($110 MSRP). We additionally picked up an X-22 Optic Mount ($60 MSRP) that attaches to the barrel, changing the manufacturing unit barrel block and including a Picatinny rail. We test-fitted the optic mount and located that it really works nicely for small purple dot sights. It additionally has a channel to protect the performance of iron sights, in case your 10/22 has them. However since we’re at present utilizing the Vortex scope and its goal bell does not clear the Magpul mount, we left it off the gun for now. Regardless, it is a good accent to have readily available.

The X-22 Optic Mount gives a approach to mount a small sight on to the barrel.

The X-22 Backpacker has a wealth of storage compartments, permitting this rifle to function a full-fledged survival equipment. Urgent the button behind the cheek piece reveals the biggest of those compartments, which may home as much as three 10-round magazines. Putting in the optic-height cheek piece provides extra room, and we had been in a position to squeeze in a 10-round magazine, a 50-round field of ammo, hearth tinder, water purification tablets, a mini folding knife, and quite a few different small gadgets. No matter you select, pack it tightly, in any other case the contents will shift and rattle as you carry the gun.

Take a look at Alexander Crown’s video for some nice concepts on the best way to use and modify this compartment.

There is a second sealed compartment contained in the grip. We stuffed this with a Bic lighter wrapped in duct tape, guaranteeing we’ll have a fast (and dry) approach to begin a fireplace. Eradicating the butt pad reveals one other small cavity the place a strand of kevlar cordage or a fishing equipment might be hid.

Putting in the inventory was straightforward, and we had no fitment points. Construct high quality is precisely what you’d anticipate from Magpul, and all of the mildew seams are clean. A pair of holes within the inventory can settle for Magpul sling mounts ($15) however after watching the video above we realized that paracord loops can function an improvised answer.

Capturing our 10/22 with the X-22 Backpacker inventory was snug, and the taller cheek piece labored nicely with our scope setup. We additionally appreciated the steeper grip angle on this design, though traditionalists is probably not as keen on it. For those who’re planning to retailer your 10/22 in your bug-out bag and use it for searching small sport in a survival setting, the Backpacker is good for this position. And even in case you’re not residing off the land after SHTF, it is extraordinarily handy to have storage for spare mags and ammo constructed into the rifle.

Conclusion

These three 10/22 Takedown shares symbolize drastically totally different approaches to modifying your rifle, and present the flexibility of the platform. Whether or not you need a modernized plinker, a standard small-game hunter, or a bug-out gun for the apocalypse, the ten/22 might be taken in any of those instructions. A inventory improve is a straightforward approach to make this iconic .22 even higher.

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Written by Patrick McCarthy