[Iowegan]

There are just a few differences between different 10/22 models. Mostly it is the stock but it can also be the barrel length or stainless versus blued. The point is, all 10/22s share the same internal parts. Target models have a BX trigger group .... same parts just a lighter trigger pull.

Most jams with 10/22s are related to the extractor. Sometimes the extractor lets go of the case rim too soon, thus causing a stovepipe. Failure to feed problems are typically because of magazine issues. Ammo can also be the source of jams. CCI MiniMags seem to run good in nearly all 10/22s

I own 4 10/22s and all of them had the extractor replaced with a Volquartsen extractor. They all run perfect now and are not "ammo fussy" like they were before.

 

[Iowegan]

First_Ruger, Factory extractors are stamped parts and are not very precision, so it is not unusual to get a brand new 10/22 with a defective extractor. Further, after a high round count, extractors will wear and start causing jams. I guess the cutoff depends on how many jams you can tolerate.

I use a variety of brands of 22 LR ammo in my 10/22s. I do have a "build" with a 20" Green Mountain match grade barrel that I only shoot Standard Velocity 22 LR match grade ammo but my other 3 10/22s virtually never jam with normal high velocity ammo. Occasionally, I'll get a dud cartridge but that's not the gun's fault, it's just cheap ammo. Since I installed a Volquartsen Exact Edge extractor in my 10/22s I don't recall of having a single jam and that includes many bricks of ammo.

In my opinion, installing an Exact Edge extractor is the best $12.50 you will ever spend on a 10/22. BTW, the same extractor also fits MK series pistols I have a Standard, a MK II, and a MK III, all with Exact Edge extractors. Here's a link: Exact Edge Extractor for MKII, MKIII, MK IV, and 10/22 | Volquartsen Firearms

 

[Iowegan]

First_Ruger, If an extractor works well when new, it will probably last for many bricks of ammo. That said, I had many 10/22s come into my shop with jamming problems in all age ranges (rounds fired) so I don't think you can estimate how many rounds it takes to wear out an extractor. I do know .... Volquartsen extractors are very hard and wear resistant so I doubt if you would ever wear one out.

 

[Iowegan]

First_Ruger, Yes, there are a couple common issues but it's really the owner's fault, not the gun. 10/22s are "blowback" operated and as such, lots of powder residue gets blown into the bowels of the gun which will eventually cause reliability issues. The solution is simple .... keep your 10/22 clean. A far more frequent reliability issue has to do with using too much oil. Oil will evaporate and leave a nasty gummy mess that will actually increase friction instead of reducing it. Again, a simple solution .... keep your 10/22 clean and use oil very sparingly .... just a drop spread on parts with a cloth patch is plenty.

 

[Iowegan]

Kaluni, I guess you can spend money on all sorts of parts for 10/22s but only a few actually have much to do with reliably .... mainly the extractor and magazine. My "build" is an exception because it was intended to be a match grade bench rest rifle. It turned out exceptionally well .... super accurate and functions flawless as long as I use expensive match grade ammo. It will totally choke on CCI Mini-Mags due to the tight Bentz chamber. My other three 10/22s include a Manlicher stainless, a TD stainless, and an older blued carbine. All three are "garbage eaters" and will function reliably with just about any brand of ammo. With exception of installing an Exact Edge extractor, all are box stock. They run about as perfect as possible, however accuracy is nothing to brag about like it is with my "build".

There's nothing wrong with factory parts and nothing to gain by using an aftermarket bolt handle, recoil spring, or bolt stop pin .... other than braggin' rights. My 10/22s have a lot of miles on them but I keep them clean and looking like new, so I never have crud buildup or excessive oil issues. I would bet my 10/22s will outlive me by at least a generation or two.

Just a few more comments .... all mechanical devices have an established tolerance for each part. Sometimes these tolerances stack in your favor and result in a very long service life. Sometimes tolerances stack unfavorably, which can result in failures to function soon after being bought. With a 10/22 or any other firearm, it is impossible to predict longevity by age or round count ..... there's just too many variables. That said, 10/22s are not precision rifles so they have pretty loose tolerances .... the exception being the sear and the extractor. This is why 10/22s are so reliable!!!

Here's my 10/22 build. It has standard factory parts in the receiver with a few exceptions. I installed an Exact Edge extractor and milled the bolt face for minimal safe headspace. The match grade barrel accounts for a terrific gain in accuracy but makes the gun a fussy ammo eater. I did a good trigger job, using factory parts and ended up with a 2.5 lb trigger. The scope's eye relief and the stock have been adjusted so they fit me like a glove. This gun weighs over 12 pounds so it wouldn't be very good for anything but benchrest shooting.

 

[Iowegan]

Jonesy, Factory 10/22s may not be the most accurate guns but they sure rate high as being the most fun!

Here's a couple more of my 10/22s. The first is my Grandson's favorite: