September 23, 2013
By Dusty Gibson
The always popular Ruger 10/22 has become the semi-auto rimfire rifle of choice for shooters of all ages. Its simplistic design and readily available parts allow folks to customize virtually every component without employing a gunsmith.
Changing a 10/22's trigger assembly is a simple modification, yielding dramatic improvements in accuracy and weapon function. While you can swap the trigger components individually, replacing the entire trigger guard assembly results in the aforementioned benefits with minimal effort.
Most aftermarket trigger guard assemblies are constructed of billet aluminum, compared to the factory plastic unit used in 10/22 models produced after 2007. They also reduce the pull weight of the mushy, 5- to 7-pound factory trigger down to a crisp 2 to 4 pounds. Aftermarket trigger assemblies are commonly fitted to precise tolerances with internal components made of hardened steel. Trigger assemblies also typically include an automatic bolt release and extended magazine release lever.
Swapping out the trigger guard assembly requires only a flathead screwdriver, punch tool and about five minutes of your time. First, take the receiver off the stock, then remove two action pins holding the trigger assembly to the receiver. Pull out the old trigger guard, drop the new one in its place, then secure it to the receiver by tapping the two action pins back into place. Reattach the receiver to the stock, and you're ready to shoot.
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To make your shopping experience effortless, I've rounded up some of the best complete aftermarket trigger guard assemblies on the market. Each option is generally very similar in construction, features, performance and price, with small differences in ergonomics and adjustability among each unit. You'll be sure to have a great time plinking, hunting or target shooting with any one of the following aftermarket trigger guard assemblies.
Volquartsen Custom Volquartsen Custom comes to market with enough high-performance accessories to build an entire 10/22 from scratch. Their
TG2000 trigger guard is CNC-machined from solid billet aircraft-grade aluminum, and the guts are EDM-machined from A2 hardened tool steel. The trigger has pretravel and overtravel adjustments, and the assembly includes an automatic bolt release and larger magazine release lever. Select from a variety of color options to suit your taste, though I really like how the silver color matches stainless steel receivers.
Trigger Weight: 2 pounds
Price: $260
Timney Producing some of the best triggers for dozens of popular rifles on the market, it's fair to say
Timney knows a thing or two about aftermarket triggers. Their
complete 10/22 assembly is no slouch, and neither is their excellent customer service. The main feature setting Timney's 10/22 offering apart from others is its oversized lever-action style magazine release, which extends below the trigger guard for quick access with your shooting hand. It also includes an automatic bolt release. The trigger unit is available in black and silver, with six color options for the trigger shoe
Trigger Weight: 2.75 pounds
Price: $229.95
Power Custom Become a master plinker with the
Power Custom Grand Master trigger guard assembly. The kit comes in black finish with a red trigger paddle, and is adjustable between 1.75 to 3 pounds. The Grand Master's most distinguishable feature is its safety selector, which engages in a push-forward, pull-back design. Power Custom also manufactures a wide range of 10/22 accessories — namely an
auto bolt stop , which allows the bolt to lock rearward after firing the last round in the magazine.
Trigger Weight: 1.75 to 3 pounds
Price: $289.99
Kidd Kidd Innovative Design manufactures some of the most robust 10/22 triggers on the market. Their
single-stage model comes standard with an auto bolt release and interchangeable magazine lever. The single-stage trigger is designed to closely match the 10/22's traditional function with a crisp, adjustable pull. Their
two-stage model is one of the only two-stage 10/22 triggers on the market. Its pull has a 1/4-inch of initial slack, followed by a feather-light 6-ounce break. Both trigger guard assemblies are available in black and silver.
Trigger Weight: 1.5 to 5 pounds (single stage), 6 ounces (two-stage)
Price: $235
Jard Choose the exact pull weight for your shooting applications with
Jard trigger upgrade kits . Available in five different pull weights from 1 to 3 pounds, there's likely a Jard trigger out there to fit anyone's plinking and hunting endeavors. Jard upgrade kits are also friendly to left- and right-handed shooters, with the ability to switch the safety button so it will engage on either side of the receiver. Choose from black or silver, and accessorize the trigger with spring kits to tailor the pull weight to your desired settings.
Trigger Weight: 1 to 3.5 pounds
Price: $215 to $220.50
Force Production The
Force 10/22 Trigger System from
Force Production, Inc. combines match-grade performance with user-friendly features. Its serrated, semi-flat trigger is adjustable for over-travel and breaks at 2 to 3 pounds. It also features a magazine release lever that extends under the trigger guard for ergonomic engagement with the shooting hand. Available in black and silver anodized aluminum.
Trigger Weight: 2 to 3 pounds
Price: $239.99
Primary Weapons Systems For shooters seeking a fully adjustable trigger, the fine-tuning capabilities of the
Primary Weapons Systems T3 is the trigger for you. The T3 has an adjustable trigger weight, disconnect, sear and safety. Its ambidextrous, flanged magazine release is also designed with ergonomic weapon manipulation in mind. Pair this trigger unit with the space-age
PWS T3 Action , and you have the makings of a rimfire rifle that could satisfy the most serious competitor.
Trigger Weight: 1 to 1.8 pounds
Price: $179.95
Ruger BX-Trigger The
Ruger BX-Trigger is a genuine Ruger accessory is a complete drop-in unit for all 10/22 rifles and 22 Charger pistols. Trigger weight is reduced from 6 pounds down to 2.50 to 2.75 pounds. Available factory direct from Ruger, or at major retailers.
Price: $89.95
