Back in September, I shared my Midwest Industries chassis project. As a 10/22-based Charger build, it was a fun project. I even went through the trouble of having the 10″ KIDD steel .920″ barrel threaded. That helped a bit with the AR theme. As much as I liked it though, it was quite heavy for a Charger. So I started rounding up parts for a rifle build using the same receiver and chassis. I ended up with an A*B Arms Urban Sniper Stock X™out back, and a 20″ WhistlePigGunBarrelCo barrel up front. **Note that WhistlePig is now known as Acculite22.com.** Then I swapped the grip, and topped it with a spare scope I had. The result is shown below.
Build details
Externally, this is the same Tactical Innovations Elite22D receiver. I had to use their detachable rail model because the integrated rail version interferes with the handguard. It’s got a Tactical Innovations/Pike Arms match bolt, charging handle, and v-block. TandemKross KrossPins hold the Ruger BX trigger group in place. I’m using their bolt buffer and bolt release as well.
Despite being twice the length of the KIDD barrel, the 20″ WhistlePig is actually lighter. The KIDD is close to two pounds, and the WhistlePigs are more like one ounce per inch. So without the scope, this rifle is actually lighter than the Charger was, even with a stock instead of a brace. See the image below for the Charger version.
What, no range report?
Well, not a normal range report. Although I have only shot this rifle once in its current configuration, this was more to demonstrate a concept than anything else. The Midwest Industries chassis works equally well in pistol or rifle format. That 8-sided hand guard is a great gripping surface. But it’s also fine for mounting a bipod. Being threaded for a receiver extension (buffer tube) makes it easy to add a brace or stock. Along with all those brace stock options, you can add most AR-style pistol grips too. This is a very flexible chassis.
As set up, the stock was easily adjusted for a repeatable cheek weld. And that big, bright scope makes hitting small targets easy. But what I really liked was the 20″ barrel with a suppressor. I’ve used my suppressor on handguns and Chargers. Moving the muzzle nearly three feet in front of my ear makes it even quieter. With subsonic ammo, it’s just a click, followed by the bullet impact. And for some people, that may be the best feature of this setup. Don’t get me wrong though, that WhistlePig is an accurate barrel. I just ran cheap bulk ammo through it, and a bit of my subsonic for giggles.
Conclusion
When someone tells me that they want to build a 10/22 from scratch, or even buy one to modify, I try to recommend either a 22 Charger, or a new aftermarket receiver. Having the ability to build as a pistol-length firearm, or a proper rifle, is definitely worthwhile. And while some chassis do well at either, not all do. This Midwest Industries chassis just happens to be one that works for both. At the end of the day, I think I like it in the rifle configuration better than as a Charger. If you’re looking to build a Charger or rifle with a bit of an AR theme, it’s a solid choice. Check out Midwest Industries for this and other great products for the Ruger 10/22 as well as MSRs.
Comments? Questions? Which version do you like better? Charger or rifle? Have you built one up yourself, using this chassis? Feel free to share below.