If you are looking for some of the best charging handles to upgrade your Ruger 10/22 rifles, we have compiled a small buying guide for you to have a look. We are going to highlight some of the best charging handles for your Ruger 10/22 rifles.
Look out for some characteristics and features, and we have put together 5 of the best on the market today.
| Charging Handles | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | TANDEMKROSS Advantage Ruger 10/22 Charging Handle | Most Recommended Option 1. Both left and right handed charging are enabled | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Rim/Edge Spartan Skeletonized | Most Recommended Alternative 1. Curved for improved grip | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Force Productions Ruger 10/22 Charging Handle | 1. Super durable construction 2. Fits most Ruger 10/22 rifles 3. Smooth and reliable operation | 9.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Ruger 10/22 Factory Charging Handle Replacement | 1. Replacement handles are incredibly cheap 2. Factory handle 3. Excellent value makes it worth having as a backup | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | KIDD Innovative Design – Ruger 10/22 Charging Handle | 1. Durable construction 2. Smooth moving and operation 3. Excellent as a replacement charging assembly | 8.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
Ruger 10/22: The Background
Sturm, Ruger & Company’s 10/22 semi-automatic is one of the most popular firearms in the USA. It represents an icon in the American gun culture. In present day, this plinker can be found in almost every gun owners’ collection, and for many reasons too.
As one of the most versatile guns on the market, the Ruger 10/22 is easily adaptable for different skill levels. It is also quite adaptable for various small-bore competitions too.
Although the Ruger 10/22 is not chambered in any service or macho cartridges, the Ruger Rimfire is up there with the M16s and AR15s in regards to customizations. To be frank, it is quite possible to build a Ruger 10/22 entirely from the ground up with aftermarket parts, which you can put the Ruger 10/22 near the Stoner’s black gun.
When we are going to talk about improvements, the 1st thing anyone should know is that using a stock 10/22 rifle is all right. However. To be more comfortable with a variety of purposes, there are enormous aftermarket availabilities of parts and accessories.
As a result, a lot of well-seasoned shooters and regular gun owners swap gun parts to customize their firearms to their needs.
The Ruger 10/22 rifle is the perfect rifle for shooters with a do-it-thyself spirit. One of the most popular ways to customize your Ruger 10/22 rifle is to replace stocks and drop-in triggers.
With those upgrades, some people may complain that the bolt handle is too small. If you are someone with above average hand size, then adding a slightly bigger, extended bolt handle is a must.
It is no big surprise that the Ruger 10/22’s design makes customization fast and simple. High quality aftermarket charging handles can either improve the primary function or offer a more user-friendly approach by giving the shooter more space for manipulation.
To put it simply, the replacement charging bolts provide bolt handles or charging assemblies with more surface areas to make it easy to hold on to for lightning-quick charging, jam clearance, or just enable low mounting of scopes.
The Criteria of A Great 10/22 Charging Handle
Charging handles are said to be a unique part of your rifle and many new gun owners do not know what they are looking for. If you are currently in the market for an upgrade, here are some of the criteria you should look out for.
Ergonomics
If you are considering upgrading your charging handles, there is a good chance that you find it uncomfortable. That is because the stock charging handle is good for a 1-hand charge and it is supposed to be ambidextrous.
In practice, it tends to be a bit small for many users and not as useful as they should be for left-handed people.
Better Release Latch
The stock release latch is said to be thin and offers barely any leverage. A 1/16-inch pin has to bear almost all of the applied force. That makes it very failure prone.
Improved Shape
Similar to ergonomics, a better shape improves its use for many of gun users. A custom-fit improves performance when it matters. Additionally wearing gloves does not work well with the stock part. However, some models may greatly improve this.
Improved Performance
When better parts and design combined, you will get better performance. So it is no surprise that when the above points are improved. You will also notice a smoother operation and a lower failure rate.
Ambidextrous Versatility
You may be surprised to see that even charging handles that have better ergonomics than the stock may not improve the plight of fellow left-handed gun owners and gun users. Some left-handed users say that it worsens their gun usage too. Hence, seeking a model that specifically addresses this need is a must.
Unique Designs
You can find innovations everywhere, even on a charging handle. Rather than a standard hook-shaped handle or latch design, some comes with different shapes. This may appeal to your own individuality.
How Do I Install a Bolt Handle
Replacing your charging handle is a great way to reduce frustration and prevent failure. But some gun owners and gun users may not have done it, so we have included a video for you to learn how to replace the rusty stock charging handle.
Best Charging Handle Upgrades for Ruger 10/22
Now that we are done with looking into the criteria, we will look into a few popular charging handles know to improve the reliability of your guns. When we talk about changing handles, the market generally offers 2 solutions.
The 1st is simpler and cheaper, meaning that the gun owner can buy just an over-sized handle. The other solution is to purchase a cocking assembly kit, which comes with the extended handle and guide rod with springs.
1. Force Production
A lot of new gun owners are happy with this 10/22 charging handle. Across many of them they are able to fit this in just about any Ruger 10/22 rifles – and even on older models. They also reported that the charging handle was smooth moving and did not jam on them at any given time.
This charging handle is made from stainless steel but it also includes another type of steel that is even tougher. The pin that comes with the 10/22 charging handle is made of carbon steel, which is proven to take on all kinds of impact and abuse. It is said to be so tough that it can be really difficult to wear down over time.
Another cocking assembly design comes from Force Productions, a firearms manufacturer established by Charles Watson back in 2007. Located in the Hill Country in Central Texas, way back in the beginning Force Production’s primary business was non-competition custom products.
Their non-competition products includes items such as parts for the Ruger 10/22. However, in present day Force Productions’ output sees it specializing in extremely accurate Ruger 10/22 and Remington 700 action parts.
Force Production’s charging handle is said to be machined from 303 stainless steel and comes fully-assembled in the package with a guide pin and extra power spring. The straightforward and classy-looking charging handle is instantly recognizable by its deep grooves that makes it easy to grasp for quick manipulation without fumbling to find the handle.
Unlike the original OEM part, the Force Production’s charging handle slides on a hardened carbon steel rod. That enables much smoother and flawless cycling and improved feeding without flexing or bending.
Due to its exceptionally solid and strong steel guide pin, the Force Production device works more consistently from round to round and is far less finicky about digesting ammo loads.
While many gun users may agree that this extended 10/22 charging handle is definitely more comfortable to use than the stock charging handle, there are some less happy comments on the rough grooves with sharp edges on the handles.
At the same time, some users also complain about the standard Ruger 10/22 rifle, which makes it harder for the average 22LR ammo to drive the bolt all the way back. Overall, we can say that the Force Production item is one of the best looking extended charging handles for the Ruger 10/22 rifles.
This will be used on many Ruger 10/22 rifles. Even older Ruger 10/22 models can benefit from having a newer charging handle installed on it. Gun users who want something that is high in quality and smooth in operation will get it with this charging handle. That and along with easy feeding and shooting each and every time.
Some gun owners say that a possible improvement is to make the spring a little less strong than it currently is. That way, it can handle and fire off ammo without any issues. The spring may be a little too heavy for some Ruger 10/22 rounds like the 22LR. A lighter spring in this case can make it less of a problem.
The Force Productions Ruger 10/22 Extended Charging Handle may be exactly what you are looking for. It’s something you may look for if you want something that is tough, smooth, and reliable. The may serve as a great replacement for your default charging handle.
2. KIDD Innovation Design
It isn’t surprising that the majority of users are able to install this easily on most Ruger 10/22 rifles. As soon as it is installed, they are able to cock the gun back and forth, which results in easy feeding.
That remained consistent for quite some time without much of a stiffness or lubricating needed – according to some previous users. Other than that, most users reported that the bolt was quite durable in quality too.
This assembly consists of extra springs that allows for most .22 rounds to load without any jamming or reliability problems. The spring is at a light weight that is enough to handle all kinds of rounds. This is something some 10/22 charging handles are unable to handle and have fallen short on due to the spring being either too weak or too strong.
While you may be researching for an aftermarket stock for Ruger 10/22, it is almost inevitable that you may come across KIDD Innovative Design from McQuenney, Texas. This manufacturer of firearms components became famous back in the year 2000 when they released the most advanced tunable Ruger 10/22 trigger.
It is said that KIDD makes some of the most reliable and accurate match-grade products for the Ruger 10/22 rifle. The high quality bolt handle charging assembly is no exception to that. The KIDD charging assembly is fully compatible with stock Ruger 10//2 parts. It’s even available in many combinations and finishes.
KIDD’s packages consist of a handle, guide rod, and 3 interchangeable tuning springs too.
Without a doubt, the major improvement over the factory equipment is that the KIDD gives a choice of springs. It provides you as the gun owner the capability to change them to match the load and rifle.
Applying an appropriate spring helps the shooter minimize problems with failures to eject (FTE) and jams. By “appropriate spring”, we meant one for low velocity ammo, one for standard ammo, and one for high velocity ammo.
KIDD’s precision ground stainless guide rod is made of hardened tool steel that is nitride treated. That gives its surface a 70C Rockwell hardness for very smooth cycling.
The extended handle adds class since this assembly may provide you with a comfortable bolt handle to grasp. It gives the feeling of an actual charging handle and not an airsoft toy.
KIDD also offers a few options of cylindrical cocking handles. All that includes a Z-shape flute, 6 grooves or 1 smooth one partially wrapped in Viton rubber. All those beauties among handles are all finely finished and all the KIDD bolt handles are .25” longer than the OEN handle. That gives greater and bigger clearance for shooters with large scopes or big fingers.
If you are looking at a replacement charging bolt handle for a Ruger 10/22, the KIDD Charging Assembly is a good investment. Other aftermarket extended cooking handles felt like glass compared to the gritty sandpaper feel of the stock changing handle.
This can be used for general purposes, so to speak. Hence to put it simply, it will not be used for any specific purposes other than just allowing your Ruger 10/22 rifles to load and reload with great ease.
As a matter of fact, if you are in a situation where quick shooting and reloading are a must, then this charging handle will definitely give you the speed and time advantage.
While there are no major disadvantages to talk about, we still have a suggestion nonetheless. Another thing that can be included in it are some additional springs. Those will be needed when the time comes to replace other springs due to wear and tear.
While that may take a while for the 1st set of springs to reach the point of usefulness, it is good to know that you have a set of extra springs in case an unexpected disaster happened.
If you want a charging handle that has all the fixtures you need for a reliable and smooth use, the KIDD Bolt Handle Upgrade Assembly is one charging bolt that you should look into for consideration.
It is durable and fits most Ruger 10/22 rifles. What more it will be perfect for fast and reliable loading.
3. Ruger 10/22
If you are a gun owner who is currently looking for a factory replacement, then this one will be the better upgrade for your factory-issued charging handle. Many gun owners found this to be smoother and more reliable than the factory default 10/22 charging handles.
One of the gun owners say that his factory default will always stick and have consistently stiff movements. As soon as he replaces it with this charging handle, it no longer is a problem.
We do not expect everyone to be very happy with a factory default charging handle. Hence, this is designed right down to the letter. The only difference is that it provides better operation and smoother loading for most Ruger 10/22 rifles. It can even benefit the older pre-2005 rifles with this factory replacement charging handle.
The stock factory replacement of the Ruger 10/22 cocking handle or charging handle is a great choice for people who are already used to the device and simply need a new one.
Although it does not offer fancy features or advanced ergonomics like some expensive options do, it is a still much better charging handle by design than some other weapons offer. Such as the AR15.
As it is made from solid steel, you can expect it to feel very heavy. A lot of times, the only time gun owners will need to purchase a new factory handle replacement is when they have lost the original. The durability is great for a stock item, if we may put it that way.
Keep in mind that a lot of upgrades tend to have a larger handle. As gun owners and gun users, you should be aware of when considering an upgrade over this default stock handle is just that. If you need a bigger handle, then it’s great.
But there are some gun owners who do not realize how much larger some handles can be. They expect the handles to have improved ergonomics, only to be disappointed when it des not fit into their hands well.
The stock Ruger 10/22 charging handle is designed to be comfortable for as many gun owners and gun users as possible. So therefore it tends to be more comfortable for some gun owners with much smaller hands.
Overall, we think that the stock charging handle on the Ruger 10/22 is a durable product. While it may not be the best one around for everyone’s acquired needs and tastes, it is much better than some other stock parts on many guns.
The Ruger stock charging handle is also incredibly affordable, even for a factory part. Meaning to say it is a very wise investment to purchase a stock spare, even if you intend to use a different handle.
As you are introduced new features and components, there is an increased chance of something going wrong. Hence, even if another handle has a warranty, for instance, you will want an old trusty Ruger 10/22 factory charging handle replacement as a backup.
This charging handle will be used by a lot of Ruger 10/22 users who are new owners. Or used by those who have long owned the same rifle for many years. Since it is a factory replacement, it will only be used by those who no longer want to rely on their disappointing factory-issued charging handle.
It is said to be even sturdier in construction too, which means no jamming or external reliability issues.
This 10/22 charging handle may be slightly longer than it is supposed to be. Hence, shortening its length by just a hair strand will be a good idea.
That way you will less likely run into a lot of jamming problems because it will not be able to cock all the way for some rifles. The last thing you need is to deal with reliability problems that may render your rifle useless.
The Ruger 10/22 Factory Replacement Charging Handle can be exactly what you are looking for if you are ever needing an upgrade from the dull, unreliable factory default 10/22 charging handle.
If you are looking for a smooth, durable, and easy loading 10/22 charging handle, then this may be the 10/22 charging handle that can do just that. Why look elsewhere when you can go straight to the source?
Unless you bought your Ruger 10/22 rifle 2nd hand with an already modified charging handle, then you are probably familiar with this factory handle. It is a simple, reliable, and incredibly affordable 10/22 charging handle in the market currently. It may not be everyone’s choice of charging handle. However, it is a sensible item to get as a backup.
Our Verdict
Like stocks, an upgraded handle can help you with the ease and comfort of using your Ruger 10/22. There are a few really good options on the market. You just have to look for one that fits you best. Hence, when you are ready to start customizing, take a look and see what can and will serve you best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that some gun owners and gun users may have.
Q: What is the best 10/22 charging handle to have?
It depends as there are a few really good charging handles on the market currently. Force Production, KIDD and even Ruger 10/22’s own charging handles are some of the best brands for charging handles that are available on the market currently.
Q: Is a charging handle useful for ruger 10/22?
While the charging handle appears to be just an unremarkable slender, rod-shaped object, it’s actually more important than you think. Ruger 10/22 bolt handles are the essential upper receiver part that serves the crucialfunction of cocking the hammer and driving the bolt into the ready position.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.