If you are a shooter and don’t have at least 1 Ruger 10/22 in your collection, you would be the odd enthusiast. The Ruger 10/22 has been, since its inception one of the world’s most popular 22 rifles.
For a good reason, it is functionally modular, and all the parts are easily swapped by the average enthusiast. The barrel is held on by allen head tension screws, the trigger assembly is held in the receiver with cross pins, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics. The stock comes off with little drama and is almost self-explanatory in its simplicity.
One of the first modifications shooters make is to the trigger. It’s not as sexy as a folding stock or heavy barrel, but it will allow you to wring what accuracy the rifle is capable of without major parts exchanges. It’s also very cost-effective.
A trigger with a lighter, crisp action is a move up from the factory trigger. The increased control and tactile response allow the shooter to anticipate the release and increases accuracy with practice, sometimes dramatically.
Ruger BX-Trigger
The 10/22 BX Trigger is a polymer housed complete trigger assembly. And it’s a Ruger factory part. It is a drop-in, direct swap for the original factory trigger. It provides a 2.5-3.0 lb trigger pull and for both the rifle and Charger pistol. It is popular with people wanting to remove as much weight as possible from the firearm while having the safety of a factory part.
The BX is also a prominent accessory in the kits listed below.
The Magpul Backpacker stock comes with a package featuring the 10/22 BTX trigger, giving you a lighter weight trigger and takedown capability.
Brownells also stocks the 10/22 BX trigger in a package with a target barrel for the DIY user wanting to upgrade the accuracy of the standard rifle.
Ruger 10/22 Trigger
This Ruger 10/22 Trigger is the standard factory trigger guard assembly which comes with the rifle. It shouldn’t come as a surprise; it passes all the tests as a factory part as the original. These have an aluminum housing all the parts are mounted to, and of course, the safety is installed and requires no fitting.
The original replacement parts are popular with buyers who get rifles used and want them to be factory original. Also, they buy them when the original trigger has been modified by the hobby gunsmith. It provides a lower cost option than the Volquartsen or Timney triggers.
Timney 10/22 Drop-in Trigger
If there is a list of top trigger manufacturers, Timney is on the list. In recent years Timney has branched out from the classic bolt action triggers they have produced to Ruger trigger assemblies for the 10/22.
The drop-in Timney features a 2 lb pull from the factory. The end-user installs it.
Drive out the two pins holding the original and drop in the new assembly. The extended magazine release can be operated with the shooting hand while changing magazines with the support hand. This is a plus during competition or on the range. Not having to take the rifle off your shoulder to unload is a plus.
- It is machined from 6061 Aircraft Aluminum bar stock, and of course, the safety is installed.
- It also comes standard with an automatic bolt release.
- Made in the USA.
Volquartsen 10/22 Trigger Guard 2000
If there is a name synonymous with aftermarket Ruger parts it is Volquartsen. They make everything, from scope mounts to trigger shoes and custom gunsmithing. For those who are not aware, they also make match grade pistols on the Ruger design, which are extremely accurate.
The Trigger guard 2000 is the next step in the development of their 10/22 line of triggers. It is a direct drop-in, requires no fitting, and has a wider and slightly different shaped trigger profile.
- The housing is CNC machined, and the parts are EDM machined. The sear is machined from A2 tool steel and hardened to Rc 60.
- The hammer is 440 stainless and hardened to Rc 58-59.
It is unique in the trigger plunger pulls directly to the rear, unlike the slight angle in factory triggers. The trigger has an overtravel screw, which is adjusted by the user. Reduced power hammer and trigger springs lighten the trigger pull.
Oversize hammer, sear, and action pins reduce the wobble experienced with some action/trigger jobs, and the whole assembly is made in the USA.
This is the only trigger assembly that is made to fit the 10/22 Magnum as an option. If you have one of those rifles, this is your new trigger. It has a unique Magnum hammer and heavier springs calibrated for the magnum rifle.
With Ruger getting into the world of upgraded parts, the competition for your business has gotten tighter. The precision shooter will always want an improved and lower weight trigger, hunters and casual shooters want smoother feeling triggers. With this list, you can find the right trigger for your needs.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
