Replacing the factory trigger is a popular upgrade for the 10/22. Timney’s Calvin Elite trigger, released in 2018, offers a crisp, light trigger set between one and a half and two pounds from the factory. In addition, it replaces the little nub of a magazine release with an extended lever, facilitating faster reloads and, more importantly, ensuring empty magazines are ejected cleanly.
Hand-built from 6061-T6 aluminum, Timney’s replacement triggers for the Ruger 10/22 are designed with ease of installation and ease of use in mind. In addition to the smooth, light trigger pull, the Calvin Elite line of triggers offers three different trigger “shoes” to perfect the interface between trigger and finger. One traditionally shaped shoe retains the standard trigger curve, one is a flat-face trigger and the last is a flat-face with a finger rest, similar to the style found on many custom MSR triggers. Which shoe you install is entirely up to your liking. Timney even includes a small wrench for swapping out shoes.
The real proof is in the shooting, of course, and there’s no getting around the appeal of a sub-two-pound trigger pull. Combine that light pull with a creep-free trigger that’s at just the right reach and it’s a finished product that just begs to be shot often. There’s where the benefit of the rimfire comes in–not only can you shoot quality ammo for a lot less than centerfire options, but you don’t have to find a 600 yard range to really see results. You can test how these improvements affect your shooting at a standard 50 or 100 yard range.
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.
