Ruger 10/22 Upgrade: Magpul Hunter X-22 Stock

Magpul’s Hunter X-22 stock won Shooting Illustrated’s 2016 Golden Bullseye Award for Accessory of the year for good reason. Adjustability, ease of customization and affordable price were but a few of the reasons the Hunter X-22 won the award, and highlight Magpul’s commitment to excellence in the company’s line of accessories.

This particular stock upgrade has been on my Ruger 10/22 for the better part of two years now, and it’s been a rock-solid platform for the rifle. It’s easy to add accessories if needed, it doesn’t mind getting a little wet and it’s just a great all-around stock. M-Lok attachment points allow a bipod, light, laser or any other accessory to be added with ease. Numerous sling mounting options, length-of-pull adjustments and a non-slip rubber buttpad add to the useful features of this innovative stock.

A couple important notes: Before beginning any work on a firearm, whether it’s a simple cleaning, mounting a scope, adding an accessory or performing an upgrade, make sure the firearm is unloaded. Drop the magazine, cycle the action and check the chamber to make sure the firearm is unloaded. Also remember to keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. Then, double-check to make sure it’s unloaded.

Also, if, for any reason, you’re not comfortable making alterations to your firearm, don’t hesitate to bring it to an expert. Whether you don’t have the right tools, like, say, a sight pusher; a proper workspace or even just that you don’t feel comfortable, enlisting the aid of a qualified gunsmith is never a bad idea. Even if it’s something your buddies tell you is easy, listen to your instincts. If you’re apprehensive about working on something that goes bang, bring in the pros.

As for the actual removal of the old stock, here’s the beauty of the 10/22 – it’s literally one screw. Remove this screw and set the crossbolt safety to as close to the middle as you can. The receiver and barrel should lift right out of the old stock to be placed into the Magpul version. Make sure the safety selector hasn’t moved, check to make sure the hole in the stock lines up with the receiver, and re-install the single screw. If you’re pretty sure you’re going to keep this configuration, it’s not a terrible idea to add some Loctite here. We’re not, because we might have other plans down the road.