The Foundation of a Perfect Shot
The heart of any firearm’s accuracy and enjoyment lies in its trigger. A crisp, clean break can mean the difference between a satisfying range session and a frustrating day spent chasing shots. For owners of the immensely popular Ruger 10/22, the factory trigger often leaves something to be desired. Thankfully, the aftermarket offers a plethora of upgrades, and one of the most accessible and well-regarded options is the Ruger BX Trigger. This review will delve deep into the world of this upgrade, exploring its performance, ease of installation, and overall value, guiding you on whether this is the right upgrade for your rifle.
The Case for an Upgrade
The Ruger 10/22, with its legendary reliability and adaptability, has become a staple in the firearms community. It’s a platform perfect for plinking, small-game hunting, and even competitive shooting at the recreational level. However, the standard trigger, though functional, often falls short of the ideal. The factory trigger typically suffers from a heavy pull weight, making it difficult to maintain consistent accuracy. The feeling can be gritty, almost like dragging a rough object across a surface, and the long travel distance robs the shooter of a precise and predictable break. This ultimately affects the shooter’s ability to consistently hit their target, leading to a less enjoyable and potentially less successful shooting experience.
The quest for accuracy is a constant in the shooting world. Shooters constantly seek ways to improve their performance, whether it’s through better ammunition, more effective optics, or, of course, trigger upgrades. Improving the trigger is frequently the most cost-effective path to improved performance. A lighter, smoother, and more predictable trigger allows for finer control and a cleaner break, minimizing the shooter’s influence on the shot and leading to tighter groupings. This upgrade allows the shooter to better utilize the inherent accuracy of the 10/22 platform, transforming it into a more precise and satisfying firearm.
For many, the factory trigger can be a significant barrier to reaching their full potential. The heavy pull weight, in particular, can lead to unwanted movement of the rifle at the moment of firing, causing shots to stray from their intended point of impact. An upgrade can therefore improve the shooter’s experience on the range, by minimizing the impact of trigger feel on the overall shooting process. With the correct upgrade, you can begin to improve both your consistency and your enjoyment of shooting.
Exploring the World of Trigger Options (Without Getting Lost)
Before diving into the Ruger BX Trigger Review in detail, it is important to acknowledge that the aftermarket trigger market for the Ruger 10/22 is vast. Numerous companies offer premium triggers designed for match-grade performance. These triggers often boast incredibly light pull weights, incredibly short travel distances, and a glass-like break. However, these triggers often come with a significant price tag, which is something that needs to be considered before making a purchase. There are other popular trigger options available, but for this review, we are going to specifically focus on the Ruger BX Trigger, which offers a balance of performance and affordability.
A Closer Look: The Ruger BX Trigger
The Ruger BX Trigger is Ruger’s factory-produced offering designed to provide an immediate upgrade over the standard trigger found in the 10/22. The Ruger BX Trigger itself is built with durability and reliability in mind, typically utilizing robust steel or sometimes lightweight polymer components. The primary aim of the design is to enhance the user’s shooting experience.
The key selling points center around the improved pull weight, and overall smoothness. The trigger offers a consistently smoother feel compared to the rough sensation of the factory trigger. It is designed to remove the gritty feel which contributes to a more predictable break and less strain on the shooter. This directly translates to a more comfortable and accurate shooting experience.
The trigger is specifically designed to be a drop-in replacement for the standard trigger. This means no gunsmithing is required, making it a popular choice for both experienced shooters and those new to firearms modifications.
Unboxing and What’s Inside
Upon receiving the Ruger BX Trigger, the packaging is straightforward and functional. The contents usually include the complete trigger assembly and the necessary pins. The package is easy to handle, making the unpacking and initial inspection a quick and easy process. Everything that the buyer needs to upgrade their rifle is contained within the box, making the process streamlined and simple.
Installation: A Simple Upgrade
One of the most appealing aspects of the Ruger BX Trigger is its ease of installation. No specialized tools or gunsmithing expertise are required.
The first step is to ensure the rifle is unloaded. Safety is the utmost priority when handling any firearm, and it’s essential to verify the chamber is clear. After that, the trigger group housing must be removed from the rifle. This usually involves removing two pins. With the trigger group removed, the process of installing the new trigger can begin. Removing the existing trigger assembly from the housing, and installing the new Ruger BX Trigger is usually straightforward. The pins from the old trigger group will then be re-used to secure the new trigger assembly. The entire process is designed to be a quick and easy process, making it easy to install at home.
The entire installation typically takes only a few minutes, making it a quick and rewarding upgrade. The simplicity of the process makes the Ruger BX Trigger an ideal option for those new to firearms modifications. The ease of installation significantly increases the appeal of the upgrade.
Putting it to the Test: Performance Evaluation
The ultimate test of any trigger is its performance on the range. To evaluate the Ruger BX Trigger, several factors need to be considered.
Testing the trigger pull weight is essential. This can be done with a trigger pull gauge, or with a simple weight and string method. The measured pull weight should generally be lighter than the stock trigger, typically around 2.5-3 pounds.
The smoothness and feel of the trigger are also critical. The trigger should offer a clean and consistent break, with minimal creep or grittiness. A significant improvement in the feel of the trigger can lead to greater accuracy.
Accuracy testing provides definitive proof of the trigger’s capabilities. This can be achieved by firing groups at a target at a set distance. This will give clear data for the shooter to compare the existing groupings with the groupings after installing the Ruger BX Trigger. If the upgrade has worked, then the groupings will typically tighten, leading to a more accurate rifle.
The overall consistency and reliability of the trigger is also important. The trigger should function flawlessly through multiple rounds, and should not malfunction during the shooting session.
The Good and the Not-So-Good: Pros and Cons
Pros
The advantages of the Ruger BX Trigger are numerous. The primary benefit is the improvement in trigger pull weight. This provides a much smoother, lighter pull, which, in turn, leads to improved accuracy. Installation is extremely simple, making it an accessible upgrade for shooters of all skill levels. Furthermore, it offers excellent value for the price point.
Cons
Compared to some high-end aftermarket triggers, the Ruger BX Trigger may not offer the absolute pinnacle of performance. It does offer significant improvements over the factory trigger, but it is not designed as a competition-level trigger. It is also important to ensure compatibility with your specific 10/22 variant.
Weighing the Investment: Value for Money
The Ruger BX Trigger generally hits a sweet spot in the market, offering a balance of performance and affordability. The price point makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
When evaluating its value, the Ruger BX Trigger is best compared to the stock trigger and other drop-in trigger options. Considering the improvements in trigger pull, smoothness, and accuracy, the price is more than fair. Considering the increased enjoyment and performance that the trigger provides, it offers great value for your money.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
This Ruger BX Trigger Review has uncovered the details of this widely-used trigger upgrade. The key takeaway is that the Ruger BX Trigger offers a significant and immediate improvement over the factory trigger. The lighter pull, smoother action, and easy installation make it an ideal choice for many shooters.
The Ruger BX Trigger is an excellent choice for the shooter looking to improve the feel and accuracy of their Ruger 10/22. It’s particularly well-suited for those who are new to gun modifications or who want a simple, cost-effective upgrade. If you are searching for a trigger upgrade for your 10/22, the Ruger BX Trigger should be at the top of your list.
