In my opinion the hardest part of shooting accurately is the trigger pull. Drawing back the trigger while exerting uneven pressure on the gun will skew you aim, hence the “squeeze don’t pull”. The stock trigger on a 10/22 has a painfully long trigger pull and is also very heavy (estimated around 8 lbs). While looking down the scope at 100 yard target and trying as hard as I can to squeeze the trigger smoothly its apparent I am creating a lot variation away from the target.
Whats the solution, apart from lot of practice and less coffee? A shorter, lighter, smoother trigger.
10/22 Trigger Options
There are a lot of options for improving the trigger on a 10/22. Generally, I would group them into two categories: DYI kits and Trigger assemblies. Kits are generally cheap, in many cases a forth of the price of a new assembly however there area few drawbacks. First, you have to have gun smithing skills or be brave. The trigger mechanism is the most complicated system in the firearm and its home to a lot of tiny parts. Second, will the new system work with your gun, what will change? Many of the DIY kits say up front that you safety will no longer function after the upgrade. Third, more options, since you are opening up the trigger assembly you may want to also add an automatic bolt release or maybe a bigger safety or if your 10/22 is newer, ditch the plastic trigger guard.
I went the assembly route. I wanted a great trigger. Even though I was not afraid of cracking the assembly open, I wanted drop in installation. I also wanted: a working safety, mettle casing/trigger guard, automatic bolt release, improved hammer as well a a general upgrade to all the parts. When you add up the costs you will easily make the assembly break even.
The light is not so good in this picture but it gives you an idea of what it looks like installed.
Volquartsen 10/22 Trigger Assembly
I chose the Volquartsen Trigger Assembly. From the research I did, it appeared to be one of the highest quality triggers around. Volquartsen says the trigger has a 2 lb to 2 3/4lb pull. All I can tell you is coming from the stock trigger its a dream. Super light trigger pull makes it more like pushing a button than pulling a trigger. And all the wobbling around, trying to stay on target during the mile long trigger pull? Gone.
Buying Advice
You could order it online from someone like MidwayUSA but I was able to find it at a gun show where I negotiated with the vendor for a sweet deal for the trigger and other 10/22 parts. Think I ended up paying around $200 for the assembly.
