August 07, 2013
By Joel J Hutchcroft
Ruger's 10/22 semi-automatic .22 LR rifle is one of the most user-modified guns in the world, so there are more aftermarket accessories and equipment made for it than for almost any other firearm model. One of the most common modifications made to the 10/22 is to switch out the factory stock with one of the numerous aftermarket options- and when I say numerous, I mean it.
There are selections ranging from skeletonized, paratrooper-style folding stocks to sporter- and hunting-style entries, all the way to big, solid benchrest-type stocks. Prices run from less than $100 to more than $400. I've tried a bunch of stocks on my personal rifle over the years, and here are eight of the most popular Ruger 10/22 replacement stocks.
Bell and Carlson Odyssey The adjustable
Bell and Carlson Odyssey target stock helps improve accuracy by allowing the shooter to adjust the stock fit for maximum comfort. Its vertical grip and high comb place the eye in position for proper scope alignment and maximum eye relief. The butt assembly is fully adjustable for height at comb and length of pull, and it includes a rubber recoil pad. The grip and fore-end have fine molded checkering and textured surfaces. The flat bottom and tapered fore-end prevent shifting, making for greater benchrest stability. The composite construction is fiberglass with Kevlar and graphite and is designed to be stable in all climate conditions. It accepts heavy barrel contours up to 0.92-inch diameter. Length is 27.5 inches, and weight is 3 pounds, 5 ounces.
Price: $314.99
Red Jacket ZK-22 Bullpup The
Red Jacket ZK-22 Bullpup drop-in stock is one of the most distinctive 10/22 stock options, and it turns your 10/22 into a short, compact bullpup. The kit accepts any standard Ruger 10/22 receiver with carbine barrel or 0.92-inch bull barrel, 18.5 inches or longer (adapters are included). Features include an ambidextrous charging handle, sling point mounts, safety and magazine release, integral trigger safety, rail system for mounting optics or other accessories, and an adjustable trigger interface. A shell deflector is included for full ambidextrous use.
Price: $299
Slide Fire SSAR-22 Speaking of specialized stocks, this one has to be the most fun of the bunch because it transforms the semi-automatic 10/22 into a rapid-firing, bump-fire gun. The
Slide Fire SSAR-22 kit includes an OGR stock, chassis system platform, handguard with an integrated Picatinny rail, interface block, nut retainer, hex key and mounting hardware. Also included are a custom Slide Fire 3-pound, match-grade trigger; an A2 pistol grip; and a collapsible M4 buttstock for converting the 10/22 to a standard M4 configuration. The SSAR-22 kit is made in the USA and constructed from reinforced high-strength polymer, and it installs with no permanent modifications to your 10/22. It's available in right- and left-hand models.
Price: $449.95
TacStar Adaptive Tactical One of the newest 10/22 aftermarket stock offerings is the
TacStar Adaptive Tactical Stock , a joint venture with
Lyman Products . This synthetic stock comes in black or Legends, Muddy Girl or Kryptek camo finishes, and it features a removable barrel insert that accommodates standard tapered barrels, as well as bull barrels (0.92 in.), with no unsightly gaps. The stock also has a reversible Stowaway rail in the fore-end — for a bipod or other accessories — and an M4-type collapsible buttstock with built-in storage compartments for two extra 10/22 magazines. Plus, the stock's grip will accept an optional
TacTRED monopod.
Price: $129.95 (black); $164.95 (camo)
West One M1 Carbine Some time ago,
Shooting Times Gunsmithing Editor Reid Coffield modified a standard 10/22 to replicate the classic M1 Carbine. It was a popular report, and you can now have a similar carbine without all the custom fitting he performed with the West One
M1 Carbine replacement stock . The drop-in fit is easy for any 10/22 action with the standard 18.5-inch tapered barrel, but modification is required to fit 10/22s with 16-inch compact barrels or 20-inch target barrels. The USGI model is stained to replicate the dark red-brown color of the original M1 Carbine's tung oil finish. The finish is then protected by a polyurethane sealer. The Natural model receives polyurethane sealer only, and the wood is a light blond color. Features on both models include a Parkerized, stamped-steel buttplate with horizontal antislip grooves, sling-swivel loop, upper handguard, and barrel band.
Price: $109
Stocky's Stinger Not long ago, I didn't understand the value of a thumbhole stock. That was until I started using one on another rimfire rifle. I have come to appreciate this style of stock — especially for offhand shooting — and
Stocky's Stinger laminate thumbhole stock is a real eye-catcher. The Stinger's unique fore-end has a free-float design, but also offers a firm hand hold or a steady rest. It accepts bull or standard barrels. The buttstock is skeletonized for maximum weight reduction without sacrificing stability or comfort. Overall length is 26 inches, and length of pull is 13.75 inches. Weight is 32 ounces. The high-gloss stock is available in forest, jacaranda, red, blue, green and brown.
Price: $199.95
Boyds' SS Evolution The new lightweight
SS Evolution from
Boyds' is an ambidextrous thumbhole stock. There is no fore-end contact with the barrel, so the stock will accept all barrel contours: lightweight, sporter or varmint. The grip angle allows your hand to assume a natural position, and the palmswell on either side provides a comfortable grip. A 1/2-inch rubber recoil pad offers nonslip shouldering. The SS Evolution is made of Stratabond laminate and features a laboratory acid-based satin finish to resist chemicals and harsh weather. It's available in several colors. Overall length is 27 inches, and length of pull is 13.75 inches. Weight is approximately 2 pounds.
Price: $99
Hogue OverMolded Rubber The
Hogue OverMolded Rubber stock is my all-around favorite because it's so comfortable. Occasionally, I'll try a more specialized stock for certain applications, but for the most part, I keep this one installed on the 10/22 all the time. Its internal fiberglass body provides solid support, and its light weight makes for easy carry. The outer skin is available in cushioned rubber or nylon, both providing a nonslip grip. The stock is fully inletted for drop-in installation, and Hogue offers models to fit factory standard barrels and bull barrels (0.92 inches). Features include: a straight comb; a rubber recoil pad; a wide, varmint-style fore-end; dual palmswells; a recurve pistol grip; and front and rear sling-swivel studs. The grip and fore-end have a cobblestone texture.
Price: $69.95
