A good survival rifle needs to be lightweight, compact and easily stowed for carry in a pack. As its primary purpose is to procure food, the .22 LR rimfire cartridge makes a lot of sense. It is readily available, very compact and is a capable small game round.
The Ruger® 10/22® Takedown® is one of the most popular rimfire rifles in the country. It offers easy take down that enables quick separation of the barrel from the action for ease of transportation and storage. This feature makes it especially well-suited as a survival gun or backpacking / camp gun for taking small game or plinking. It’s a great gun but Magpul® saw room for improvement to make it even better. And it did that in spades with the Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock.
Magpul X-22 Backpacker Stock
The Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock for the Ruger 10/22 Takedown made its debut at SHOT Show 2017. A feature rich upgrade for the Takedown, it is designed to offer a minimalist solution for Takedown owners that want to transport their rifle in an efficient, convenient all-in-one stowable package without compromising shooting performance. It fits all factory Ruger10/22 Takedown rifles as well as the Tactical Solutions SBX barrel.
The X-22 Backpacker stock takes the function of the full-size Magpul X-22 Hunter Takedown stock and pares off a few ounces. More importantly, it provides a way to keep the barrel and receiver together in a compact package that is scarcely larger than the Takedown stock and receiver. It fits in half the space it previously occupied with the factory stock.
The X-22 Backpacker stock is constructed of durable advanced polymer. The feature set and ergonomics are unmatched by any stock for the Takedown. It features a 60-degree grip to bore axis angle, ergonomic hand guard, optional QD sling mounting capability (sling mounts are extra), integrated waterproof storage compartment in the grip, a hinged storage compartment in the stock capable of storing up to three spare 10-round magazines, a comfortable MOE SL non-slip rubber butt pad, and a unique locking interface to attach the barrel assembly to the receiver when being transported. Two interchangeable cheekpieces / cheek risers (standard and “optic height”) are included.
The hinged storage compartment has tight tolerances to prevent magazine rattle. We recommend the use of Ruger OEM magazines for guaranteed best fit in storage compartment.
There is a cut-out in the bottom of the stock. It has a slot into which the breech of the barrel fits when the barrel is removed from the receiver. The handguard rides over a notch that locks it in place. This results in a super-compact package that will fit in the receiver section of the Ruger factory soft case.
Installation
Installation of the X-22 Backpacker stock is simplicity itself. Loosen the barrel band and slide it forward off the forend. Loosen the barrel screw and stock screw on the on the bottom of the stock and lift the original barreled action out of the stock. Place the receiver into X-22 Backpacker stock and install receiver screw. Then install the X-22 Backpacker forend to barrel and tighten the barrel screw. Complete instructions are included with the stock.
Magpul Hunter X-22 Backpacker Optic Mount
Magpul offers a wide range of accessories for the X-22 Backpacker stock One of the coolest is the Hunter X-22 Backpacker Optic Mount It is an optic mounting solution designed to up the functionality of the X-22 Backpacker stock by providing the end user with an elegant and functional mounting platform for the red dot optic of their choice.
The Hunter X-22 Backpacker Optic Mount is CNC machined from Mil-Spec black anodized aluminum. It provides extremely strong and repeatable optic mounting platform. It replaces the factory barrel block This allows for a sleek design that allows for the use of open sights without having to remove the mount and provides retention of zero between take down and assembly.
The Hunter X-22 Backpacker Optic Mount is not compatible with distributor exclusive rifles that come with the Adjustable Fiber Optic Rear Sight. We also found during our testing that it is also not compatible with the USA Shooting Team Ruger 10/22 Takedown Special Edition rifle, which we employed for testing.
To Sum Up
Magpul makes great products. The Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock is no exception. It is an outstanding stock in every way. It has a unique combination of features that take the Ruger 10/22 Takedown rifle to the next level. Simply put, you won’t find a better or more practical stock for your Takedown. It also looks great too.l..
Affordably priced, It won’t break the bank either. The Magpul X-22 Backpacker stock has a MSRP of only $109.95. Four color options are available: black, FDE, OD green and gray. The Hunter X-22 Backpacker Optic Mount has a MSRP of $59.95. All Magpul products are engineered and made in the USA.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Magpul Industries Corp
Model: X-22 Backpacker
Platform: Ruger 10/22
Butt-Pad Dimensions: 1.53 X 5.0 in.
Compatibility: Factory Ruger 10/22 Takedown .22 LR receivers Fits all Ruger 10/22 factory Takedown rifles as well those with the Tactical Solutions SBX barrel.
Length of Pull: 13.75 in.
Weight: 18.25 oz.
Width of Butt, max:1.5 in.
Width of Forend, max: 1.625 in.
Width of Stock, max: 1.625 in.
Origin: Made in USA
Other Specs: *NOTE: This is an interchangeable stock for Ruger® 10/22 Takedown® rifle, does not include the firearm.
Compatible with all capacities of factory Ruger 10/22 magazines
Sources
Magpul Industries Corp.
www.magpul.com
Sturm, Ruger & Company Inc.
www.ruger.com
Tactical Solutions Inc.
www.tacticalsol.com
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.
Photos by Howard Wack.