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Ruger 10/22 Bolt Modification- Nylon Bolt Buffer, Bolt Stop, or Bolt Pin

Here is a cheap and easy modification that will enhance the performance of your Ruger 10/22. It is a Nylon bolt Buffer that replaces the standard steel one that comes with the gun. This modification will help soften the bolt as you fire and will also eliminate some of unwanted vibrations in your gun. In other words you'll shoot straighter and be less prone to mechanical problems with this modification.

Main Ingretient- Nylon Bolt

This is just a regular old 1/4" x 3" nylon bolt. I bought it from Home Depot for $0.71 or $0.76 after tax. The only thing that you need to make sure of is that the bolt has at least 1.5" of non tread area.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (1a)

10/22 Take down

Un-Screw the barrel-band and slide it off.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (13)

Remove the take-down screw.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (14)

Remove the action (Reciever and trigger assembly) from the stock.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (15)

Making the Bolt Buffer or Bolt Stop

Take your Nylon Bolt and cut the head or top of it off.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (1)

I just used a hacksaw for this but anything that can get the job done will work. Just don't be tempted to pinch cut it with something like snippers. The pinching action might fracture the bolt causing it to fail quickly after installation.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (2)

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (3)

Now use some sand paper to smooth off the freshly cut part of the bolt.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (4)

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (5)

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (6)

Take the steel pin or steel buffer out of the receiver.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (6a)

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (6b)

remove the steel bolt buffer from the receiver. Match it up to the nylon bolt and mark a line so they are the same size.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (7)

Cut the bolt. Note a clamp would have been useful. Just be careful not to damage the nylon while clamping.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (8)

Again sand the freshly cut nylon smooth.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (9)

Installing the New buffer

Size check. Everything looks good so now just clean the newly made nylon bolt buffer off and insert it into where you took out the steel buffer.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (10)

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (11)

Make sure the nylon buffer is not loner than the receiver is wide and that the buffer is flush with the holes.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (12)

And that my friends, is it! Just put the gun back together and go hit the range, hill, or where-ever you shoot.

Final Thoughts

You should notice a difference in the feel of the gun right away. There should be a reduction in noise, and a smoother feel when firing.

If you're worried about how the Nylon Bolts hold up here are a couple of pictures of one that has taken 2,000 rounds or so- I put it back into the action so I can see how many more rounds it can handle.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (16)

Other than a little dirty, this nylon buffer is holding up just fine. No signs of traumatic abuse yet.

Ruger 1022 Mod Bolt Buffer (17)

Let me know if you have any comments or questions.

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