With the addition of a custom barrel and upgraded trigger, this 10/22 could benefit from a competition-style stock. McMillan recently released the A5-22, a 10/22-specific variant of the company’s popular A5 centerfire stock. While the Magpul Hunter X-22 stock we added a few videos back is an excellent choice for an all-around 10/22 stock, the McMillan A5-22 turns your Ruger into a rimfire trainer for your long-range precision centerfire.
With knob adjustments for cheekpiece height and length-of-pull spaces, the McMillan can be custom-fit to the shooter. A wide, comfortable pistol grip allows proper hand placement, while a generous fore-end is well-suited for benchrest shooting. A length of Picatinny rail on the underside of the stock allows bipod attachment, while QD sling swivel attachment points offer plentiful arrangements for carrying your newly minted precision rimfire.
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.
Again, as previously stated, it’s incredibly easy to change a Ruger 10/22 stock. Remove the screw, set the crossbolt safety somewhere in the middle, and remove. However, the McMillan is a precision-fit stock and, as such, some minor sanding and fitting may be required. In this case, a little elbow grease is needed to properly position the barreled action in the A5-22 stock for a precise fit. However, the McMillan offers much once installed and tightened down (and now you understand why we didn’t Loctite the Magpul stock in place!)
