Thread: Ruger Volquartsen 22/10 worth it?

The short answer is that Volquartsen is not worth it.

There are roughly 4 main parts to a 10/22, in order of importance: trigger, barrel, action, stock.

The best trigger is KIDD 2-stage, miles ahead of everyone else, completely different mechanics to Ruger design. At the second place is the KIDD single stage, I believe it is again different design to Ruger. The distant third place is shared by the likes of Volquatsen, Timney, etc. The fourth place is shared by the likes of ruger BX25 and stock trigger with various third party swap parts. I hear KIDD drop-in kit is very good.

In terms of barrel (light weight type), I have never used a volquatsen carbon wrapped barrel, but I have fiddled with one at a gun shop. I have used magnum research carbon wrapped barrel and whitlepig aluminium wrapped barrel, I would say both are lighter than the volquatsen. Magnum research is the lightest, and whistlepig is more accurate than magnum research. From what I have seen, the KIDD ultra light aluminium wrapped barrel is about the same weight and accuracy as whistlepig. you have an added bonus if you go KIDD as in you can get the drop-in type (again, a completely different design to Ruger). So to me, Volquatsen offers is heavier and offers no accuracy or price advantage over competition.

In terms of action, all big names are overkill and unnecessary. I have three 10/22s. Two are full KIDD and one is 10/22 with whistlepig barrel and old factory stamped action. I honestly cannot say the factory stamped action is any less accurate than the KIDDs. in fact, it appears to be more tolerant to dirty than the KIDDs. I see no point in getting a volquatsen action at all.

in terms of stock, volquartsen makes some. but all the laminated ones appear to be way overpriced compared to boyd. VQ makes a fully adjustable aluminium stock, a cool $650 USD. I would not buy it personally. I use boyd stocks and hogue stock.

For what you want, I would recommend three options:
1. buy a full KIDD with ultra light barrel + 2-stage trigger + 20MOA rail, they are around $2000~2500, a bit more if you want the new drop-in barrel design.
2. buy a magnum research with laminated stock. I am not sure if this item is still on the market. They were about 1500. Very very light.
3. buy a HTA p90 bullpup stock, a KIDD 2stage trigger, a 22 inch whistlepig barrel (to take the rifle over legal length), and a cheap secondhand 10/22 and use its action.

Personally I would love to play with the HTA option.