Now that I’ve given the list of essentials with regard to rimfire race pistols, it’s time to talk about rifles. There are really two primary options with regard to rifles. One is the Ruger 10/22 and the other is the Smith and Wesson 15-22.
Essential Upgrades for the Ruger 10/22
Ruger 10/22s have been around for a long time and there are many different upgrades out there. But there are three things that I always do first when upgrading a Ruger 10/22. They are the trigger, stock, and barrel. While the barrel is really nice to have and will allow you to swing/transition the rifle faster from one steel plate or target to another, it isn’t strictly necessary. Many shooters use the factory barrel to great effect. So I won’t consider it among the essentials, but it’s the next highest item on the list of upgrades I would recommend.
Optics: I recommend the same optics as mentioned in the rimfire race pistols section below, which was part 1 of this article. The same goes for the mounts. I recommend the Striplin Custom Gunworks, Allchin, and Tandemkross mounts.
- Trigger- If you’re starting with a stock 10/22 the first upgrade I recommend is to change the trigger. You can get complete drop in units or you can get trigger kits. The most common one I see is the Kidd trigger kit:
http://www.coolguyguns.com/KIDD-Trigger-Job-Kit-with-Hammer-Sear-Disconnect-and-Trigger-blade_p_95.html. It runs a little over $100 but it’s definitely worth it. Granted, there are other companies that make upgrades. One of the least expensive paths to a better trigger is installing a Volquartsen hammer:
http://www.rimfiresports.com/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=VC10TH.
It’s about $40 and is worth every penny in terms of improvement. It’s not as good as the Kidd kit, but it’ll be much better than the factory trigger. You can also get a full trigger replacement from companies like Brimstone if your Ruger came with a BX-25 trigger.
https://www.brimstonegunsmithing.com
You have to send your trigger off to Brimstone though to get this done. The BX-25 is a very common upgrade that runs about $60 or $70. But for just a little more you could get the Kidd kit which is a much larger improvement in terms of a lighter and crisper trigger.
Tactical Solutions, Volquartsen and Kidd make complete trigger modules that you can swap out with your factory trigger module. Just pull the two pins out of the receiver and pop in the new trigger. They are a little more costly. While I really like the Kidd trigger kit, I wish the company did more for the rimfire race gun sport. Companies like Tactical Solutions, Volquartsen, and Brimstone do a lot more to promote the sport and sponsor various matches.
- Stocks – Factory Ruger stocks are not the most ergonomic for rimfire racing. A stock that has a more vertical grip is much more conducive to fast shooting and operation of the trigger. Therefore, I recommend to look at the following options:
Blackhawk Axiom stock is a great option for youth shooters who are smaller in stature. the stock is adjustable and those with shorter arms will appreciate it. In addition, the grip and trigger orientation is such that those with very short fingers are able to index the trigger properly. Adults can use it too of course. The stock is very light but will often have a bit of flex, especially with the forend.
Other options include Boyd’s: https://www.boydsgunstocks.com/product-configurator/
Of all the options I prefer the SS Evolution stock the most because it is very light. Whatever option you choose, it’s important to consider the weight. A heavier stock will make transitions slower. If you can find one of the discontinued Primary Weapons System Raptor stocks then definitely pick that up. I find it to be the absolute best wooden stock but they are very hard to find.
Other Upgrades for the 10/22
- Barrels – There are two best options in my opinion. One is Tactical Solutions and the other is Volquartsen. My personal preference between the two is Tactical Solutions from a pricing perspective. They are also available in multiple colors. You can get barrels with and without fiber optic sights. I suggest the X-Ring barrels found here:
https://www.tacticalsol.com/x-ring-series/x-ring-barrel
Check around on the site for other options. You can always remove the sights and use them down the road if you want to build an Open Division rifle. That’s what I would so that you have the option of using that barrel for Limited Division in the future.
The Tactical Solution website shows the cost at MSRP, but you can find them at places such as Rimfire Sports for about $250.
Once you have a new trigger, stock, and barrel I think you’ll find that your rifle has transformed. It will transition much faster and you’ll be well equipped to see just how fast you can go.
You can also buy a complete race rifle if you want to. Tactical Solutions sells complete X-Ring rifles. If you’re starting from scratch and want the best of the best, either an X-Ring or a Volquartsen Ultralight are the way to go. I prefer the Tactical Solutions X-Ring complete rifles because they are less expensive and ideal for rimfire racing.
Essential Upgrades for the Smith and Wesson 15-22
When it comes to the 15-22, there are just a handful of upgrades available. It’s a great rifle out of the box and I used mine for quite a while without any upgrades whatsoever. If you do want to upgrade it, the most important thing you can do is get a new trigger.
Optics: I recommend the same optics as mentioned in the rimfire race pistols section below, which was part 1 of this article. The mounts are a bit different than the 10/22. If you go with the C-More just get the slide ride version and simply attach it to the rail. If you get a Vortex or other red dot, you’ll want to make sure you have the appropriate riser. Keep in mind that red dots that work for the AR-15 will work with the 15-22 as well.
- Trigger – So many options exist for the 15-22 it boggles the mind. That’s because it can accommodate the same type of trigger you’d use to upgrade your AR-15 rifle. However, it is important to keep in mind that whatever trigger you buy, you’re going to want to get the oversized trigger pins (best thing to do is ask the manufacturer which ones they recommend for the 15-22).
The reason for this is because the 15-22 has a polymer lower and the pin holes are just a tiny bit larger than a standard AR-15. Thus, if you put in the factory pins, you’re going to run the risk of the pins wallowing out the holes in the lower. What I did was get a KNS anti-rotation pin kit and that did the trick. CMS also makes trigger pins specifically for the 15-22 if you choose one of their options. I really like the 3.5lb CMC flat trigger. Whatever option you choose, just make sure you address the trigger pin issue and you’re good to go.
Handguard – Many speed shooters feel that a longer handguard (such as a rifle length guard) really helps you control the rifle better. It aids in faster transitions. For this, you can use a variety of options but will likely need a conversion kit. One of the cheapest options I’ve found is the Chandler Hardwoods rails.
http://www.chandlerhardwoods.com/category-s/1843.htm
You do need a special tool to remove the factory rail. The tool can be found here:
https://www.amazon.com/Barrel-Wrench-Smith-Wesson-P15-22/dp/B00GX4HYJM
And here is some helpful information about making the installation. I also recommend searching YouTube:
http://www.majorpandemic.com/2012/07/mp-15-22-aftermarket-billet-forend.html
So yes, it’s a bit of a process. However I found it to be worth it. The great thing about the 15-22 is that it doesn’t need a lot of improvements to make it a viable rimfire race rifle.
SOTG
Student Of The Gun 