The Ruger 10/22 has been enormously popular since it was released over 50 years ago.
Due to that popularity (and probably also contributing to it), the 10/22 has one of the most impressive markets for third-party accessories and upgrades.
Like the Glock and AR platforms, you can even build a 10/22 entirely out of third-party parts, were you so inclined.
Now we’ve talked about the best upgrades that you can make to your Ruger 10/22 in the past, but one thing we didn’t discuss was receivers.
Sure, the OEM Ruger receiver gets the job done, but if you’re looking to take your 10/22 to the next level…or are doing the build yourself, these are our favorites.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Budget Receiver
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Editor’s Pick
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Best Budget Railed Receiver
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Best High-End Receiver
Best 10/22 Receivers
1. Brownells BRN-22
Introduced in 2018, the Brownells BRN-22 receiver proves that Brownells is an old pro when it comes to creating high-quality gun parts.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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The BRN-22 receiver comes in a variety of configurations, so it’s the receiver on this list that should work for most people.
To start, you can choose between a stripped receiver and a barreled receiver.
The BRN-22R model is machined with an integrated Picatinny rail, which is ideal for upgrades.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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If you opted for the stripped version, your decision-making ends there, but if you went with the barreled option, you must consider your barrel options.
Brownells offers their barreled receivers with either 10-inch or 16-inch barrel lengths. The 10-inch is only available with a sporter-type barrel. But if you go with the 16-inch, you can choose between sporter and heavy barrel styles.
Whichever barrel you go with, it will have 1/2-28 TPI threads for attaching your preferred muzzle accessory.
Just a heads up: the barrel doesn’t come installed, so you’ll have to do that yourself. Brownells doesn’t provide a thread protector, so you should probably pick one up too.
All of the BRN-22 configurations are machined from 6061 aluminum with a matte black hard coat anodized (barrels have a matte black oxide finish) and have a pre-drilled rear cleaning rod access hole.
On top of all that, these receivers are super affordable, making them a great option if you’re doing a low-budget build.
What’s your take on the BRN-22? Rate it below!
2. Volquartsen Superlite Receiver
Volquartsen is one of my favorite brands for 10/22 upgrades, and their 10/22 Superlite receiver is just one more excellent piece they offer.
Unlike any of the BRN-22 configurations, this receiver is complete but has no barrel.
It does, however, utilize Volquartsen’s tapered cone bushing installation system. This helps impede barrel canting, which can often occur with 10/22 barrels and allows the receiver to be used with any 10/22 barrel.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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The Volquartsen Superlite receiver is made of CNC machined high-grade 416 stainless steel and has an installed, but not integrated, Weaver-style rail. It also features a synthetic recoil buffer, which minimizes recoil and quiets the action.
While it certainly looks similar to the OEM receiver, you’ll definitely be able to feel the difference – and so will your wallet.
It’s a high-end receiver at a high-end budget, though perhaps not as high-end as the next receiver on our list…
3. Faxon Firearms 10/22 Receiver Kit
We’re big fans of Faxon around here, mainly because they offer quality parts for a variety of firearms.
So, it’s no surprise they made our list with the 10/22 Receiver Kit. This kit is an easy means to upgrade your 10/22. We like easy!
One of the things we really like about the Faxon 10/22 kit is that it works with all Ruger OEM non-takedown parts, Faxon rimfire barrels, and most aftermarket chassis. Compatibility is a nice bonus, and Faxon definitely has that.
The receiver is a 6061-T6 aluminum design with a chromoly steel v-block.
And it comes with Faxon’s Lifetime Guarantee, so you know you’re covered in the event something goes wrong.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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4. Tactical Solutions X-Ring Receiver
If you’ve done much upgrading, building, or modding of guns before, then you’re probably already familiar with Tactical Solutions.
If you’re not, Tactical Solutions has an excellent reputation for creating lightweight yet high-quality firearms, accessories, and upgrades, especially barrels.
With that level of expertise, it’s no surprise that their X-Ring 10/22 Receiver is a favorite among Ruger 10/22 fans.
Unlike the other receivers we’ve discussed so far, the X-Ring 10/22 Receiver is machined from billet aluminum to reduce weight while maintaining durability. Altogether, the receiver, along with its included heat-treated stainless steel bolt, weighs just one pound.
It has a dual spring guide rod system that makes the bolt mechanism more flexible, reduces recoil, and allows rounds to cycle more smoothly.
The receiver comes in both standard and takedown versions, the latter of which can be a bit difficult to come by. Both have integrated Picatinny rails, perfect for adding your optic of choice.
It’s also available in silver, gunmetal gray, black, O.D. green, and quicksand, so it has the right look for any 10/22 style, whether simple and classic, modern and tactical, or somewhere in between.
While fantastic, the X-Ring 10/22 Receiver costs quite a bit more than just buying a brand new 10/22, so if you’re on a budget, this probably isn’t the best option for you.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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5. Tactical Innovations Elite22 Receivers
If a receiver from Volquartsen or Tactical Solutions isn’t quite within your budget, take a look at the Elite22 line of receivers from Tactical Innovations.
The standard Elite22 receiver is made of 6061 T6 aircraft-grade billet aluminum and is available totally stripped or with a match-grade bolt assembly.
It has an integrated mil-spec Picatinny rail and rear cleaning rod access.
The receiver has an anodized finish available in matte black or other bright colors to suit any aesthetic, including silver, gold, red, blue, and purple.
The bolt assembly, should you choose to get it with your receiver, is available in polished stainless steel, matte stainless steel, and black nitride finishes.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Final Thoughts
All of these receivers in all of their configurations are great, especially for the price, so no matter which one you go with, you’re sure to be pleased.
But don’t forget that completed receivers must be shipped to an FFL. And many manufacturers even ship stripped receivers to FFLs rather than dealing with state and local legislation on the subject.
Working on an awesome 10/22 build or upgrade project? Know of another great aftermarket 10/22 receiver that didn’t make my list? And check out the rest of our Best 10/22 Upgrades…from stocks to sights and more.
20 Leave a Reply
The volquartsen superlite is made of aluminum, not 416 stainless steel.
Does anyone make a 22 Magnum receiver that would connect to Ruger 10/22 stock parts?
Please consider taking a look at the Fletcher OpenTop 11/22 Receiver, would like to see some comparisons, thanks.
I'm having a problem with the aluminum receiver and scope mount plus the cheap screws. I barely put 10 pounds of torque and the cheap screws strip the receiver. What do we do? Only mount the Weaver or picatinny rails one time because the aluminum receiver aluminum material is too soft and the screws are made from pot metal steel with slot head screw heads that the heads strip easily no matter how careful you are. I'm a master carpenter and have worked on guitars for 50 years. What a joke? Who did this engineering? If I try to change from Picatinny to Weaver or try to change back and forth from either rail the screws and the aluminum receiver is an one time install. The metals are terrible. I know it adds weight but the upper receiver should be steel to securely fasten the scope mounts. Also at least use Allen screws or T screws but you can't because that would torque more than stupid slot heads into soft aluminum. No I have to try and find either a stainless steel or steel receiver to have a working gun. I have a Ruger Charger 4923 with brace adaptor and a 2X7x32 Crossfire II Vortex Scope. It's my cheap ammo fun gun. I just ordered 8 6/48 T screws for $23 with freight just trying to save something. The receiver is stripped with #10 of torque. We know why you supply cheap slot head pot metal screws. I would much rather have the extra weight but have a durable receiver for the scope mount.
When you put any steel screw into what I think is 6160 Aluminum, steel WILL win every time. Especially on Ruger Cast Receivers, I have stripped my fair share of them, and sometimes it doesn't require any torque to strip the Aluminum
You ought to check the instructions for mounting the optics. I bet it says 10 inch pounds, not foot pounds. Most of my red dots mounts call for 15, to as high as 20 inch pounds.
Use inch pounds not foot pounds! You're using way to much force! Use locktite to prevent loosening!
Honestly I’m not much of a reader any more, sad I know. However this article on this web page, is super amazing! Thank you for not only keeping ppl as I am interested when reading, but also better informed about what I needed. Thanks so much!
Gracias por toda su informacion ya que nos hace saber la calida de cada producto
How are Kidd receivers not even mentioned in this article???
A Kidd Supergrade is by far the most accurate rifle I own. Kidd should be at the top of the list.
You a kidd employee or the owner?
You puff peters or take it in the can?
Kidd makes good stuff
Why posting an old article?
What about the all stainless MOA receiver that can use threaded barrels instead of the slip fit? It also has a rear lug for better bedding.
How about sharing what your 10/22 conversion kit is made up of; parts, etc.
I would rate KIDD at the top and I don't even see it listed??????
Kidd!!!!!!
Kidd receivers and barrels are awesome as well