There are very few 22 rifles that can compare to the popularity and longevity of the Ruger 10/22 rifle. It was first introduced in 1964 in a blue finish, 10 rd box magazine, and a basic walnut wood stock. The NRA blog refers to the Ruger 10/22 as “America’s plinker”. With over 6 million sold since it’s introduction, it’s fair to say the Ruger 10/22 is a favorite of shooters for decades. The rifles basic configuration has been more or less the same for most of that time…blue finish, wood stock, 10rd box magazine etc. I still have the one I got from my dad in ’82.
Being such a reliable and popular rifle, many companies began making aftermarket accessories for the Ruger 10/22. Folding stocks from Butler creek, Aftermarket bull barrels, trigger group upgrades and more. Noteworthy are the aftermarket barrels. Due to the easy removal (2 Allen bolts) the Ruger was easily customized by anyone brave enough to run an Allen wrench. Many folks have pushed the Ruger 10/22 to the limit, often spending well beyond the original retail price to set their baby up.
In recent years, Ruger has begun to offer more attractive factory options like a stainless finish, 25 round factory built magazines, and synthetic stocks. However, until very recently, threaded barrels were a custom addition. Here at barrelthreading.com we’ve threaded hundreds of these factory Ruger 10/22 barrels – most often to 1/2x28tpi.
Depending on whether you are running an optic, you can have a Ruger 10/22 barrel threaded with or without the front sight. Why? Well, Ruger designed the front sight to be built into the barrel. Threading the barrel requires the barrel to be cut and the sight to be removed. For those who want to have a front sight in the end, the sight has to be machined and re attached – some additional work.
Is it worth getting my Ruger 10/22 barrel threaded? Well, most of our customers think so. Considering the cost of an aftermarket barrel, you can keep everything easy and just improve the one you have - and you get a bonus. Remember how the barrel has to be cut to remove the front sight? Well, that requires a re-crown (to do it correctly) which almost always improves accuracy. Really you ask? Yup. Most factory barrels have a mass production crown and therefore compromised accuracy. We’ve seen some excellent improvements in accuracy after we re-crown a barrel as part of the threading process.
Overall, due to it’s sheer numbers, popularity, and versatility, Ruger 10/22’s have a great place in our firearm history. Most every shooter has fired one at some point or another. Whether you keep it factory original or dress it up with a threaded barrel, you can expect to get years of satisfaction out of your Ruger 10/22!
*you are responsible to seek professional advice before making any modifications to your firearm, or before making any decisions regarding your firearm. Be smart. Get expert advice. This article is therefore for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified gunsmith in your area regarding any firearm modifications.
