Recommendations for 10/22 Stock for Rimfire Steel Challenge and NSSF

mike59

mike59

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Just bought a new Ruger 10/22 last weekend with the intentions of playing rimfire steel challenge and NSSF games with you guys. I was hoping to get the synthetic stock with my purchase but Dicks had a sale for $199 w/ wood so I grabbed that. Looking to do some basic stuff to get started ... one of which is a new stock. Don't want the $500 plus option but something reasonably decent to start with. The standard wood stock definitely doesn't do anything for me. I've been eyeballing a number of options based on things I've read but would like to hear from you guys with 10/22s who already play the game.

Have been reading/looking at things like the Hogue Overmolded stock, Magpul Hunter X-22, Blackhawk Axiom, and others ... but not having touched any of them it's hard to know which way to roll.

Would want it to work with the standard barrel for now at least and free float would be nice for accuracy reasons in other endeavors but for now race gun is more the intent.

I'm thinking I may go to the gun show tomorrow and see what's around there to look at, touch, and smell, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also, if anyone has anything laying around or knows of anyone with anything laying around looking for a new home let me know.

Much thanks in advance!

Mike
 
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Depending on which 10/22 you bought, you may not want to free float the factory barrel. Hopefully other folks who are more knowledgeable will chime in with greater details, but from what I have read and have been told, at least with the factory sporter and carbine barrels, you don't want to free float them. They can actually lose accuracy/consistency. Factory target barrels and most aftermarket barrels however, will most likely benefit from free floating.

Bedding the action can be very beneficial. Depending on the stock you choose though, it may not be necessary.
 
One advantage of the Magpul stock is that it has a reversible barrel channel so can be used with a tapered or bull barrel.
 
Exile_D said:
Depending on which 10/22 you bought, you may not want to free float the factory barrel. Hopefully other folks who are more knowledgeable will chime in with greater details, but from what I have read and have been told, at least with the factory sporter and carbine barrels, you don't want to free float them. They can actually lose accuracy/consistency. Factory target barrels and most aftermarket barrels however, will most likely benefit from free floating.

Bedding the action can be very beneficial. Depending on the stock you choose though, it may not be necessary.
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All of this is great for precision shooting, but unnecessary for Steel Challenge. It is all about weight savings.
 
If you are looking for light weight (and you should be) they don't get much lighter than the Blackhawk Axiom

Bedding does not really matter for this game
 
Come shoot a match. Ask to try out all the many different 10/22 stocks there to see they they feel to YOU. You will be just fine with the wood stock your first match or two. Seriously.
 
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I agree with Jim. Come to a NSSF match at DPRC and ask to try peoples rifles out. I’ll be more than welcome to let you shoot mine. Personally I have my setup perfect for me. It is a factory Ruger receiver, factory bolt that has been polished / radiused / pinned firing pin, Kidd trigger kit, tacsol sbx barrel, PWS Raptor stock, and my receiver has been machined flat for the direct mount of a cmore. Here it is pictured at the top right. IMG_3734.JPG


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+1 on what jimp said - come out on dec 9th and fondle all the stocks you want. Everyone will be willing to let you take a gander.

If you're set on internet advise though - I'd have a hard time going to something other then my pws raptor stock. They are discontinued, hit you can still get them for under a $100. They have a high cheek weld so they don't work well with iron sights.
That being said, they are made for a bull barrel.

The magpul is the only one that has a reversible barrel channel for the oem and bull barrel. You also have the option for different cheek pieces and extensions.
 
Much thanks to everyone for the responses. I'm going to head to the gun show and see what I see there and yes, definitely planning to come out to DPRC on 12/9 to check it all out. I actually went out there a couple months ago just to check it out and that's when I decided that I wanted to play. Everyone very nice but I was kind of hanging in the background not wanting to bother anyone or get in the way. I did chat with Chris and another gentleman named Ron (I think) - everyone very nice and very willing to help/answer any questions ... just as I would be if someone came up to me .... that's what makes it sooooo coooool :)

Oh yeah .... I've got the carbine model with wood stock ... not the target model.

Anyway, thanks again for all the input, going to check things out at the gun show and again on 12/9 at DPRC.

Mike
 
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As others have said, PWS Raptor and the Axiom are great choices. I slightly prefer the PWS Raptor but they might be tough to get now.
 
DrPhudd said:
If you are looking for light weight (and you should be) they don't get much lighter than the Blackhawk Axiom

Bedding does not really matter for this game
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That's what I've got, it is staggeringly light.
 
mike59 said:
Much thanks to everyone for the responses. I'm going to head to the gun show and see what I see there and yes, definitely planning to come out to DPRC on 12/9 to check it all out. I actually went out there a couple months ago just to check it out and that's when I decided that I wanted to play. Everyone very nice but I was kind of hanging in the background not wanting to bother anyone or get in the way. I did chat with Chris and another gentleman named Ron (I think) - everyone very nice and very willing to help/answer any questions ... just as I would be if someone came up to me .... that's what makes it sooooo coooool :)

Oh yeah .... I've got the carbine model with wood stock ... not the target model.

Anyway, thanks again for all the input, going to check things out at the gun show and again on 12/9 at DPRC.

Mike
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If you come you might as well shoot [emoji6]


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FB_IMG_1507733109125.jpg@mike59 I have ran alot of stocks.
Boyd's, PWS Raptor, Blackhawk Axiom, Magpul Hunter, Hogue.
My favorite is the Hogue thumbhole, if you are going to only run Open then this might be a great option for you.
I am currently running PWS Raptors, only because using the Hogue Thumbhole you can see your iron sights.
My last stocks were the MagPul Hunters pictured, I ran them for about a year but I just could not get used to the grip angle after coming off of the Hogue thumbhole.

(The custom camo Magpul pictured is for sale and you are more then welcome to test it out)
 
Thanks Chris. The only stock I saw at the gun show was the magpul. Felt good in my shoulder and hands and I like the fact that it can do standard and bull barrels and also adjustable LOP and cheek heights. Seems like it might be a good place to start while testing the waters and seeing what other folks are running first hand at matches.

Does the magpul work well (or at least acceptable) with both iron sights and optics?

I’ve never been a big Camo guy but yours is kind of cool. The camo design really matches well with the lines of the stock. Did you do that yourself or was it done by someone else or a special offering or what?
 
mike59 said:
Thanks Chris. The only stock I saw at the gun show was the magpul. Felt good in my shoulder and hands and I like the fact that it can do standard and bull barrels and also adjustable LOP and cheek heights. Seems like it might be a good place to start while testing the waters and seeing what other folks are running first hand at matches.

Does the magpul work well (or at least acceptable) with both iron sights and optics?

I’ve never been a big Camo guy but yours is kind of cool. The camo design really matches well with the lines of the stock. Did you do that yourself or was it done by someone else or a special offering or what?
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It works great with irons or any optic.
I have the different cheek welds if you want to change them.
I did the paint myself. The stock is FDE and I am sure you could strip it if you want.
I plan to try to shoot some this weekend at dprc if you're local to the area you're more than welcome to bring your gun and put it in the stock and try it out.
 
That's an awesome offer Cris and I'd love to go shoot with you but I'd be disingenuous to do it since I don't really want the camo and expect that I'd probably screw it up if I tried to strip it. I can get a "used - very good" condition one from Amazon right now w/ free shipping for $106 so I think I'm going to roll the dice and see what shows up. It says that it will come in original packaging but the packaging will be damaged so if that all it is I win. If it's too "used" I can always return it but the savings would pay for the cheek risers.

If you're looking for a shooting partner I'd love to be the guy and try this game before showing up at a match blind and would graciously accept any all pointers and advice from you pros .. :). I am local if Raleigh counts as local but I'm not a member of DPRC - have been there and think it's an awesome range but last I saw the wait list was 4-5 years.
 
@Cmercaldo Was wondering ... do you find the cheek risers are needed for the Magpul stock? w/ iron sights and/or optics? low riser set or high riser set? Any thoughts greatly appreciated and thanks!

Mike
 
mike59 said:
@Cmercaldo Was wondering ... do you find the cheek risers are needed for the Magpul stock? w/ iron sights and/or optics? low riser set or high riser set? Any thoughts greatly appreciated and thanks!

Mike
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The risers are only needed if you are running optics.
It really depends on where you like your cheek on the stock. I ordered the cheek risers just to test everything out.
 
Cool ... was thinking based on my feel yesterday that it would be good as is for irons but wasn't sure about optics. Was going to order them but then decided to wait and see what I think when I get it. I can play with handmade risers to see how much if any rise I'll want.

Stock should be here Wed so going to get out to the range before then just to run some rounds through it and make sure all is working as expected and be able to compare stocks but I already know that I don't like the feel of the wood stock.

Thanks again for all the help and advice - you guys all rock and I look forward to being able to pay it back sometime!!!
 
On the subject of irons and stock heights, if you are using low irons like the Williams Firesights (I am) the Axiom may be a little tall in the cheek department unless you really like to mash your face in there as I do.
 
Good to know as the Axiom is definitely on my "interest" list if the Magpul doesn't work out and hoping to fondle one at a upcoming match (hint, hint :)).

Sights are (one of) my next questions and I'm still looking into them ... looking at the Williams Firesights with peep sight in the rear and the Williams "Ace in the hole" for the rail to attach red dot to also ... but seeing some reviews that are less than glowing about them ... adjustments not holding and such ... but I haven't sorted out if those are out of date reviews or just folks who didn't install them correctly yet. I'm also not sure if I can mount the Williams peep in the rear and then just mount a rail (maybe shortended) in front of it ... instead of the Ace In The Hole setup. I have also seen mention of Tech sights and Nodak Spuds but don't know about fibre optic fronts with those yet and I definitely want the fibre optic fronts.

Here's another question unrelated to sights - trigger ... I've decided that I'm going to do the Kidd trigger but not sure whether I'm going to do the "trigger job" or the full drop in trigger assembly. I know that they're both awesome wicked cool but have read a couple times that the full assembly might be a little nicer and I kind of like the idea of the metal vs. polymer assembly but that's just a thought not based on anything evidence to suggest one is better than the other. Also something appealing about having a fully intact original trigger assembly as a backup too. Probably the most important question/answer is that if it's worth the extra cost to go with the full drop in assembly I don't mind shelling out the extra $$. Thoughts/opinions?
 
Sights - I ran the William peep sight until a few months ago. Just recently sold the rifle with those sights on it. They will def hold zero for what we are doing - since you'll be taking out the small apature anyway. The one thing I would do is put a dab of blue loctite on every screw on the rear. I've seen some come off. If you ever upgrade your barrel to volquartsen or TacSol I'll show you what sights are the cool kids are running [emoji39]

Trigger - I just finished selling the last of my x3 full Kidd trigger groups and replacing them with the oem trigger group and Kidd trigger kit. The full metal kits are WAY nicer. BUT in my opinion they are "too" adjustable. I had problems with one of mine and never could get it adjusted back the way I wanted. The kits are two screws, set and forget.
 
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I love my standard Firesights, they are bright and clear even on a dull day.

I'm running a Ruger BX trigger and I like it a lot, it's really simple to install and cost effective since I got it from eBay for $60 shipped. I also have a spare complete group now which I may send to Brimstone at some point.

And absolutely come find me at the match, you can shoot my little budget rifle all you like.

20170905_183514-1.jpg

I need to get a Magpul rail to replace the sling swivel. IIRC the 7 slot puts the screw holes right where the swivel holes are on the Axiom, since I am a huge fan of the Magpul AFG on the front, especially with a rifle this light and handy.
 
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Thx @NCLivingBrit - and I’ll be able to return the favor and let you shoot mine as well. I’ve heard all good things about brimstone trigger jobs - would be interested in your opinion and experience if/when you do it.
 
mike59 said:
Thx @NCLivingBrit - and I’ll be able to return the favor and let you shoot mine as well. I’ve heard all good things about brimstone trigger jobs - would be interested in your opinion and experience if/when you do it.
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It won't be anytime soon. If I spend money on anything firearms related it will be acquiring a Ruger MkI or II to use for these games.
 
I’m going to do some minimal Volquartsen trigger mods to one of my Ruger 22/45 target. Should be the heaviest gun there but you can use it any time you’d like once I start showing up!
 
The Brimstone $35 Tier 3 makes a big difference. I have one on my Liberty Training Rifle. Almost feels like cheating :D
 
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mike59 said:
Good to know as the Axiom is definitely on my "interest" list if the Magpul doesn't work out and hoping to fondle one at a upcoming match (hint, hint :)).

Sights are (one of) my next questions and I'm still looking into them ... looking at the Williams Firesights with peep sight in the rear and the Williams "Ace in the hole" for the rail to attach red dot to also ... but seeing some reviews that are less than glowing about them ... adjustments not holding and such ... but I haven't sorted out if those are out of date reviews or just folks who didn't install them correctly yet. I'm also not sure if I can mount the Williams peep in the rear and then just mount a rail (maybe shortended) in front of it ... instead of the Ace In The Hole setup. I have also seen mention of Tech sights and Nodak Spuds but don't know about fibre optic fronts with those yet and I definitely want the fibre optic fronts.

Here's another question unrelated to sights - trigger ... I've decided that I'm going to do the Kidd trigger but not sure whether I'm going to do the "trigger job" or the full drop in trigger assembly. I know that they're both awesome wicked cool but have read a couple times that the full assembly might be a little nicer and I kind of like the idea of the metal vs. polymer assembly but that's just a thought not based on anything evidence to suggest one is better than the other. Also something appealing about having a fully intact original trigger assembly as a backup too. Probably the most important question/answer is that if it's worth the extra cost to go with the full drop in assembly I don't mind shelling out the extra $$. Thoughts/opinions?
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I have a set of the Williams Fire Sights with the peep rear and I haven't had a problem with them. As far as the trigger goes, I would suggest doing the "trigger job" and spend the rest of the money on ammo to practice! You are more than welcome to get up with me and try out any of my race rifles and pistols.
 
@mike59

In addition to practicing at DPRC there is another group of folks that practice at a small range in Silk Hope, NC.

If you want to get out there and practice a little bit with us you are welcome to do so. I suspect we will be practicing the afternoon of December 3rd. You are welcome to attend as my guest. PM me for more info.
 
@Studentofthegun very nice of you to offer and I’ll definitely be in touch. Stock came in today and I’m going to be doing something about sights and trigger in the next couple days (Just hoping for a Black Friday deal) so I should be ready to have a go by then. Well, Rifle anyway Thanks!!!

And a happy turkey day to all!!!
 
So is there any truth/facts that free floating a standard Ruger factory carbine barrel in a stock like the Axiom negatively impacts accuracy?
Thank you.
 
Yroc99 said:
So is there any truth/facts that free floating a standard Ruger factory carbine barrel in a stock like the Axiom negatively impacts accuracy?
Thank you.
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Doesn't matter in the game you are wanting to do. It will be plenty accurate.

IME, it could make it more accurate, or less accurate, depending on the gun. But it won't show up at the distances you are going to be working with.

I think a lot of people screw themselves in rimfire games by using precision shooting parts like bull barrels and tight target chambers and being concerned about accuracy.
The opposite is what you need: lighter barrel profile and big sloppy chamber. You want it to feed.

The most critical thing in rimfire challenge type games is reliability. Just my opinion!
 
What NKD said. Reliability is everything. A 6" plate (small) at 15 yards (far) is what, ~38 MOA? Don't sweat accuracy. Practice shooting fast and not missing!
 
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