I found a 10/22 at the right price at Sports Authority the other week. I thought that it would make a good rifle to build into a "sporter."

I wanted to do the max mods I could by myself. These included modifying the bolt release, polishing the trigger return plunger and modifying the spring, making my own extended mag release, by own extended bolt handle, reworking the trigger which required re-heat treating the hammer, and bedding the action.

I put it in a walnut stock that I had from my first build and added a Green Mountain carbine barrel with standard contour and target chamber. So far the barrel and scope mounts and scope (a Weaver 3-9 I had) are the only after market expenses.

There is another thread going on about accurate 22 rifles over in small bore center fire. I have to say that a worked over 10/22 provides incredible accuracy rivaling many bolt guns if you work at it.

I try to post some pictures of this new rifle and some target next week. I hope the wind will stop now April is here. Between taxes and spring time gardening, shooting time is very limited. Kudude

As promised, here are some close ups of the mods made to project number 3. Please note that one of the objects of this project was to hold modes to those that were simple to effect with hand tools and readily available materials.

The mod to the bolt release was done with a diamond burr on my dremel tool. The trigger was done in a small bench vice mounted on my reloading bench using a file. It was reheated in an old galvanized ammo tin filled with water in which I set a cola can filled with sandbox sand, and reheaded with a propane torch.

Trigger group parts were polished on a white Arkansas stone. The plunger was polished by putting it in a drill and using a well worn sanding drum on my dremel to shape it initially, and then using the white stone.


The trigger was drilled & tapped, and the over travel screw installed. All parts from Ace Hardware.

The bolt hand was cut off by starting the cut with the dremel and then using a hack saw. It was polished up using a sanding drum on the dremel and blued with Brownell's cold blue. I used my drill press to drill the holes in the mag release and bolt handle stub. I ground a regular die down on my grinding wheel so it could tap the blind hole. Ace Hardware for parts again.

This is a close up of the receiver. I used a irrigation fitting for the body of the release and bolt handle. You can also see the over travel screw.


Close up of the extended mag release:


Close up of the bolt handle:


I have also used metal (aluminum) fillers and stainless bolts which make a pretty installation, and the fillers could be colored black if one wanted to go to that trouble. I think that the polypropylene has two advantages: its easy to work and can not be scratched to reveal another color underneath. Kudude

I just finished putting my 10/22 variant together. I used a Tactical Innovations 7075-T6 billet receiver with Picatinny mount, a Volquartsen bolt, the best Kidd trigger to be had, a Clark Custom mid-weight barrel with a Shrewd muzzle brake machined to match the barrel contour, and a Revival Industries lefthand thumbhole stock in electric blue/black laminate. It looks awesome and cost an absolute fortune as 10/22s go. If I knew how to post a picture, I'd do it...