10/22 with 22 inch barrel...any downsides?

[lyle]

I'm sort of lusting after a 10/22 with a 22-inch barrel.
I figure there's no gain in accuracy with the longer barrel, but the sight radius for Tech Sights would be longer.
Would there be any downsides to using this for qualifying?  Perhaps making transitions more awkward?
Thanks...

[eaglescouter]

Only downside for me is the change in the center of balance for the rifle.
I'll be adding lead behind the buttplate on mine.

[FiremanBob]

Do you mean a standard Ruger model like the Sporter, or an aftermarket barrel?

My favorite 10/22 is my model 1149 Sporter with the stainless 22" barrel. I had the barrel modified to a target-spec chamber and accuracy is outstanding. With the factory taper barrel, weight and balance are not a problem at all; in fact I prefer the slightly front-weighted balance. Note that the stock comes with 1" swivels which won't fit a standard GI sling. With iron sights, it easily makes weight for CMP Rimfire Sporter.

If you're using an aftermarket barrel, a 22" bull barrel would be way too front-heavy unless you added a few pounds to the buttstock. I had one with a 24" bull barrel for a year, and was very happy to sell the barrel.

[lyle]

I was looking at just the stock Sporter 1149.
By "barrel modified to a target-spec chamber", did you mean the tuneup by CPC?
Thanks...

[FiremanBob]

Mine was done by Q in Georgia, but he's no longer in the business. CPC is the gold standard of tuning 10/22s. I HIGHLY recommend him.

One more thing about it: If you use a scope, you'll want a cheek riser or a different stock. I use Williams target sights on mine and have to rest my cheek on the thumb of my trigger hand to get the eye high enough for good sight alignment. That would not work with a scope which needs more eye relief. I may put mine in a Magpul Hunter stock or even better, a KRG. My hesitation about using the KRG is that it would be in the Unlimited class for Rimfire Sporter.

[Gus]

I have one that I dearly love.  Mine has the stainless barrel and black plastic stock.

It shoots as good as I can hold it. Though it isn't really needed over, say, an 18" barrel, the few inches of extra sight radius inspires confidence.

I turned mine into a Liberty Training Rifle by adding Tech Sights. Modifications that I have made to mine is to install a Beartooth neoprene cheek riser (which is nice when you're shooting in below freezing temps), a Ruger BX trigger with bolt release, and a Volquartsen extractor in the bolt. It's a shooting machine. If you get one you'll be happy with it.

Gus

[Gus]

Here's a picture of what mine looks like

Gus

[lyle]

OK, OK...you guys pushed me over the edge 
I'll report back when I get mine set up.
Thanks....Lyle

[FiremanBob]

Here's a picture of mine: