The Ruger 10-22 is the most popular .22
semi-auto rifle in the world, and for good reason. Since its introduction
back in 1964, it has proven to be an extremely reliable,
durable, and accurate weapon. It is also very affordable, and is
one of those rifles that every shooter should own.
Like most rifles that are extremely popular, the
aftermarket is full of things made to "improve" the
weapon. Some are only ornamental and quite useless, while others
do indeed improve either the handling or accuracy of the weapon.
Tactical Solutions of Boise, Idaho is
famous for their lightweight and accurate barrels for rimfire Ruger
and Browning
rifles and pistols. However, they have several other
unique and useful products also, one of which I happened across
at the 2007 SHOT show,
and is the subject of this piece.
One of my only gripes with the Ruger 10-22 rifle
is that the magazine release is sometimes awkward to operate. It
is usually no problem to just reach in and pluck out the
magazine, unless the shooter is wearing gloves or using an
extended magazine. However, with gloves on, I find it almost
impossible to get my finger in there to easily release the
magazine. Tactical Solutions has the ……well, the solution to
that problem.
It is a dandy little aluminum lever that
replaces the magazine release on the 10-22, and it makes
releasing the magazine so much easier, that I don’t know how I
survived without one. They make it anodized in several different
colors, but the matte black suits me just fine. The release is a
lever that closely follows the contour of the Ruger trigger
guard.
Replacing the part takes about five minutes, if
you really take your time. You remove the action from the stock.
On most 10-22 rifles, this involves one receiver screw and a
barrel band screw. After the stock is off, simply push the
magazine release pin out from the side of the bolt hold-open
latch, leaving your push-pin in place to hold the bolt latch in
place. Then, switch the magazine releases, and insert the
retaining pin, pushing out your push-pin at the same time.
That whole process takes less than a minute, and was easier for
me to do the switch than to type up this paragraph.
Using the new magazine release is a dream, even
with cold fingers or thick gloves, and even in total darkness.
Just push the lever and catch the magazine. It works with
standard Ruger ten round mags or any extended magazine; it
doesn’t matter.
This is one of those little devices that every
10-22 owner should have. It is durable, reliable,
inexpensive, and makes shooting the 10-22 more enjoyable. After
using this one, I know that I have to get a couple of more for
myself. I want one on every 10-22 that I own.
You can order these directly from Tactical
Solutions. For ordering info and prices, go to: www.tacticalsol.com
or call 866-333-9901.
Jeff Quinn
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