061ISSUE 32OFFGRIDWEB.COMTRICKING OUT
THE BRN-22firearms available, but it has the most robust aftermarket
support, providing a helluva lot of options.
We reached out to Brownells for this build, because
not only do they specialize in aftermarket support, they
also have their own versions of 10/22 actions, barrels, and
parts. One of the specific improvements we liked was a
model with an integral Picatinny rail versus one that had
to be screwed in place. Not only do the screws represent
another possible failure point, but nothing is as rigid as a
rail machined in from the word “Go.”
Instead of the standard 10/22 pencil barrel, we opted
for a 16-inch heavy barrel. While it weighs more, it’s also
stiffer and slower to heat — both of which are advanta-
geous to accuracy if there are more than a handful of
shots taking place. Going beyond a 16-inch barrel is un-
necessary with a .22LR though many (wrongly) think that
it ’s b et ter.
If this were a secondary rifle, we’d forgo the heavier
barrel, but in this case we find the extra weight to be
worth it. Also, the barrel's threaded so attaching a silencer
is easy. We debated between a Bowers Bitty and a GSL
Pill Box; while they’re both quiet, the Bowers Bitty better
fit the role of a bug-out gun since no special materials are
needed at all to keep it going.
Determination: Recommended.
Stock
Similarly to the heavy barrel, we went with an ultra-
premium stock. And to fit that role we could find none
better than the Bell & Carlson adjustable fiberglass stock.
This system is absolutely top of the line, and it shows. Not
only does it allow for a free-floated barrel, it’s adjustable
in all the right ways. However, this stock appears to be
intended for a custom fit, and quite a bit of material had
to be removed via a file and a Dremel before everything
fit properly.
Furthering the headache, instead of using Picatinny, M-
LOK, or KeyMod attachments, the Bell & Carlson opts for
an Anschutz rail. Frankly, this was a very annoying way to
attach a Harris Bipod to the system and required an extra
adapter to be purchased.
While this stock is excellent for target shooting, we didn’t
find the extra weight (over 3 pounds!) to be needed to
make an accurate field gun.Determination: Keep the B&C for the range, and go
with a Boyds At-One or Magpul stock to save on weight
and work for bugging out. If your 10/22 is a Takedown
variant, refer to our web-exclusive stock buyer's guide at
offgridweb.com/gear/?p=16870.Optics & Ammunition
While the .22LR will never beat the pants off of a dedi-
cated high-power competition rifle, it’s far more capable
than most think. When we used Gemtech subsonic .22LR,
our groups definitely fell apart beyond 100 meters. How-
ever, higher velocity rounds like CCI Stingers allowed us
to hit plates at ranges just beyond 300 meters — not as
tall of an order as one might think.A 1-6x scope is
perfect for .22LR.An updated trig-
ger was a huge
improvement.Enhanced
controls are
great, especially
if you're wearing
gloves.