Forgive that this is similar to another thread question near here, but here's my situation. I HAD a decent 10/22 until the day before yesterday when my my 12 year old daughter Pepper Spray (who had been working four years for it) shot 226. I had promised her all along that whenever she got the patch, I'd give her the rifle that she earned it with. I have another with tech sights I use for a loaner, but my aging eyes really need some kind of a scope. So help me build a new one! My considerations are that I'd prefer it to be the right blend of light weight vs accurate, so this is where I need input. For example, my former rifle had a stock Ruger stainless barrel on it, not one of those heavy bull barrels. So I guess I'd say I'd like it to be as accurate as possible within the framework of relatively light. I refuse to use the stock aweful Ruger trigger, but I'm perfectly happy with the BX trigger. I've also been pleased with the $200 lightweight low power Leupold rim fire scopes but open to suggestions. I find it nuts to have a heavy high magnification scope when we teach to keep them on 3-4 power anyway at the shoots. I'm willing to spend money where nessessary but I don't need to go overboard with a $2000 build either, so I'd like to save some money where possible. Yes, I know it's about the Indian and not the arrows, and yes I know that a stock Ruger (with a cheap scope for my eyes) is capable of getting the score, but still, who doesn't want a nice 10/22? Suggestions on stocks, barrels, or any other parts?
The simplest, least-cost solution is to send a stock 10/22 to Connecticut Precision Chambering (ct-precision.com) for a full tuneup. Randy (the owner) will rechamber the barrel, tune up the bolt, and make the stock trigger great. You will have a stock-looking rifle with the best hot-rodded parts. You would want to replace the stock or add a cheekrest to work well with the scope. OEM stocks have the comb set for use with the OEM sights, which prevents a good cheek weld with a scope. Total cost probably around $600 including the stock.
If you want an aftermarket solution, try this:
Green Mountain 17" heavy taper or 16.5" sporter barrel
Kidd single-stage trigger or have Brimstone Gunsmithing redo the stock trigger (about half the price of a Kidd)
Kidd bolt
Victor Titan stock (has an elevated comb for use with scope)
You're still well under $1000
If you are going to shoot CMP Rimfire Sporter, which requires a 3# trigger, you might want to get the Kidd and have Brimstone do a 3# job on the OEM trigger. That way you can easily switch as required without disturbing any adjustments.
Look hard at the Weaver K4 for glass. It's so good it will make you say "wow" every time you look through it.
For optics, once your red hat promotion goes through, you'll be eligible to get a sweet discount on everything that Vortex makes.
I've also heard good things about Connecticut Precision Chambering, though I don't have any personal experience with them yet. I'm seriously considering sending one of my stock Ruger carbine barrels to them for a re-chamber & re-crown.
Brimstone is another place that I've heard good things about their trigger jobs.
For barrels, there are a handful of places that make lightweight versions (usually an aluminum barrel with a stainless steel liner). Kidd makes a few that I have my eye on.
It sounds like you have your build:
SS carbine barrel with plastic stock
Stock of your choice
BX trigger
EGW rail and a Leupold rimfire scope
Tighter chambers can wreak havoc with a typical Appleseed round count. I highly recommend cleaning at the end of each day. I will remove from the line the next rifle I encounter that cannot extract a live shell. Having to rod the barrel or stick a screwdriver in every time is a PITA and a potential safety issue.
Have fun researching and shopping for your new toy.
PSA has 22 LR upper on sale. >:D
Chuck