Magpul X-22 Backpacker Ruger 10/22 Takedown StockMagpul has been on an aggressive innovation design track for the last couple years with one product after another. One of the coolest products from this year’s 2017 SHOT show was the Magpul X-22 Backpacker Ruger 10/22 Takedown Stock. Magpul took all the great features and ergonomics of their awesome X-22 stock and created a light packable version specifically for the Ruger 10/22 Takedown stock which allows for compact storage of the barrel and receiver.
FEATURES
The notable feature of the Magpul X-22 Backpacker Ruger 10/22 Takedown Stock is that instead of a separate barrel and separate receiver flopping around in you pack, Magpul has designed the hand guard to lock into the under part of the buttstock. This provides an all-in-one stowable secure rifle solution which does not require a secondary soft case to keep parts from banging around. Deployment is easy - press the release buttons on each side of the handguard and the barrel releases from the buttstock and the barrel breech is pulled from a passed hole. This little hole that the breech keys into offers protection to a critical part of the barrel which if damaged or dented could cause significant problems. The barrel is then just slipped into the receiver like any other Ruger 10/22 Takedown model and rotated into place. Simple. This stowable feature is the big feature, but there are still plenty more Easter Eggs hidden in the stock.
From a feature perspective this is a standard sized stock with real buttpad and does not feel like the dwarf stock Ruger has included with the factory takedown models. The funny thing is that although the Magpul stock feels larger, it is actually shorter than the factory Ruger stock. The Magpul X-22 Backpacker Ruger 10/22 Takedown Stock features a MOE SL compatible buttpad which means that if you want, you can extend the length of the stock by about .5” with a .7” buttpad swap. The larger size has not gone to waste. Magpul has hidden a sizeable ammo compartment and water-resistant compartment inside the stock.
The stock includes a flat and elevated cheek rest. The cheek rest is actually a hinged lid for the ammo compartment which can accommodate three full loaded 10/22 10-round magazines or one magazine and a 50-round paper box of ammo with still a little room to spare. What I liked about this compartment is that it is configurable with slip in dividers. Technically you could jam far more than 60-rounds of ammo plus other items into this space if you worked at it. The taller riser does provide additional space compared to the low riser. Because I had AR style Techsights on my Ruger 10/22 Takedown I was able to use the high rise cheek rest and maximize my onboard storage.
The other little compartment is located in the base of the grip and is o-ringed and water resistant. The plug is quite tight so I would imagine that it should do a pretty decent job of keeping water out unless the gun was submerged either deep underwater or for an extended period. I would probably place dry tinder or matches in a secondary waterproof bag before stuffing it into this area. In this case a partially disassembled ferro rod with flammable firestarter tinder paracord fit easily into the grip with room to spare.Though I was not able to test other Magpul accessories, the Magpul X-22 Backpacker Ruger 10/22 Takedown Stock is compatible with Magpul QD mount inserts at four point on the stock and is compatible with the new Backpacker optic mount which provides a solid base sized for any red dot optic.
EASY INSTALL
Install is so simple it only requires about five minutes and just a standard head screwdriver. Of note, the Magpul Receiver and Barrel groups both re-use the factory screws. Unscrew and remove the factory barrel band and handguard from the factory barrel assembly. Unscrew and remove the reciever from the factory buttstock and reverse the previous two processes to install the Magpul X-22 Backpacker Ruger 10/22 Takedown Stock. Really… it could not be more simple.
SHOOTING IMPRESSIONS
I would say the gun feels world different and is infinitely easier to shoot, but I still think I would be still somehow under emphasizing the significant ergonomic upgrade over the factory stock. To be fair, the factory stock never felt even close to comfortable for me - it worked, it was just not comfortable. The Magpul’s ergonomics also felt like they delivered more stability than the factory stock. The only downside to the upgrade is that the handguard is a reduced size, but I am more than willing to make that trade for the other features the Magpul X-22 Backpacker Ruger 10/22 Takedown Stock provides.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Even with a standard 18.5” barrel, the Magpul X-22 Backpacker Ruger 10/22 Takedown Stock delivers a disassemble 19.5” packable size. It is tiny… well no, but keep in mind this stock’s length of pull is actually about ¾-inch shorter than the factory Ruger stock. It could be slide into larger sized packs, but is still a little large for most 3-day sized packs. I am looking forward to swapping out the factory barrel for perhaps a lightweight sleeved match grade Whistlepig or Volquartsen barrel to shed a bit more weight. The bottom line is this is a really excellent stock which has some innovative features and features which solve problems like shrouding the barrel breech from damage. This is as good as it gets to pack up your Ruger 10/22 and take it with you.
SPECS
The Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock takes the function of our full-size Hunter X-22 Takedown, and pares it down for ease of storage and transportation. Made for the Ruger 10/22 Takedown rifle, the X-22 Backpacker offers a minimalist solution for the hunter or outdoorsman who wants to transport their rifle in an efficient, convenient package without compromising shooting performance.
Constructed of a durable advanced polymer, the X-22 Backpacker features an ergonomic hand guard, optional QD sling mounting capability, integrated storage compartment in the grip, a hinged storage compartment in the stock capable of storing up to 3 spare 10rd magazines, a MOE SL non-slip rubber butt pad, and a unique locking interface to attach the barrel assembly to the receiver when being transported. Fits all Ruger 10/22 Takedown rifles as well as the Tactical Solutions SBX barrel.
- Made in U.S.A.
- Drop-in design compatible with all factory Ruger 10/22 Takedown
- Unique locking interface to attach the barrel assembly to the stock body when being transported
- Reinforced polymer construction for strength and durability
- Ergonomic handguard
- Comes with interchangeable standard and “optic height” cheek risers
- Optional QD sling mounting capability
- Integrated storage compartment in the grip
- Hinged storage compartment in the stock capable of storing up to 3 spare 10rd magazines
- MOE SL nonslip rubber butt pad
- MSRP $109.95
SOURCES
Magpul - https://www.magpul.com
Ruger - http://www.ruger-firearms.com