Caleb's BRN-22 Build
Caleb walks through BRN-22 receiver options and the components behind his custom build.
BRN-22 STRIPPED RECEIVER FOR RUGER® 10/22® Reviews & Ratings
Reviews Summary
The BRN-22 receiver for Ruger® 10/22® has received mixed reviews. Many praised its high quality, aesthetics, and compatibility with aftermarket parts, leading to impressive accuracy. However, numerous users reported fitting issues requiring modifications, particularly with bolt and barrel installations. Overall, while some builds were flawless, others experienced significant challenges, leading to disappointment.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Quality and Finish
65%
Many reviewers appreciate the overall quality and aesthetic of the BRN-22 receiver, describing it as well-made and visually appealing. Comments highlight a solid structure with a clean finish, although some noted that the anodizing could be scratch-prone. *Percentage: 65%*
Fitment Issues
70%
A significant number of reviewers encountered fitment problems, especially with installation of bolts and barrels. Instances of requiring filing and modifications to ensure proper fitting were frequently noted, which detracted from the overall experience for many users. Such issues raised concerns about the product's tolerances and quality control. *Percentage: 70%*
Accuracy and Performance
60%
Several users have reported excellent accuracy after assembling their rifles with the BRN-22 receiver, particularly when paired with aftermarket components. These experiences emphasize that the receiver can perform exceptionally well once proper fitting and assembly are accomplished. *Percentage: 60%*
Value for Money
55%
Reviewers generally consider the BRN-22 receiver to be a good value, especially when on sale. Many felt it provided a high-quality option compared to OEM parts at a lower price point. However, the need for additional fitting work can diminish perceived cost-effectiveness. *Percentage: 55%*
Customer Support and Service
40%
Customer interactions with the Brownells support team have been mixed. While some reviewers reported prompt responses and helpful guidance, others expressed dissatisfaction, particularly when seeking assistance for product defects or receiving no replies. *Percentage: 40%*
too many fitment issues
The trigger pins are out of spec keepiong me from using it in any stocks unless the trigger is removed and the barrel is so droop causes it to hit the bottom of the stock
Don't expect quality
Bought this for a custom build. I tried to drop my Volquartsen Competition Bolt in and it did not fit, I had to file down part of this for the bolt to drop in. Upon firing there were many issues to FTF and other jams. Dropped the bolt back in a factory Ruger receiver and it all cycled flawless.
Out of spec
was excited to get this and build out a 10/22 setup. Receiver ended up being out of spec in multiple places. The barrel hole was incredibly tight and required gunsmithing to fit. then unfortunately after getting my receiver back from the smith, discovered the v-block screw holes are also out of spec, and smaller than the diameter of the v block screws.
Overall severely disappointed in this. This never should have made it past QA, and I should not have to spend what will cost a full brand new 10/22 to get a receiver to function.
bad
receiver was out of spec and doesn't work , after emails back and forth blaming me and parts i took it to a gunsmith and he verified it was a bad receiver. i would give it zero stars if possible. learned my lesson don't buy generic junk
Not to Spec
I am a firearms dealer in the Tulsa area. We have been building custom 10/22 style rifles for almost 2 years. I've used Tactical Solutions, Tactical Innovations, and Ruger receivers for our builds.
I had heard good things about the Brownells BRN-22 receiver and at the price point, thought it would be a good, lower cost option for our customers. I hate say it, they are NOT a good option.
The receiver is good looking, with an integrated rail. BUT, the tolerances on it are sub par. EVERY barrel I've tried in these is sloppy loose. So much so, that I'm even hesitant to use these for a low cost build. Every other receiver I've used, with multiple brand of barrels, I've had to turn down the barrel shank to fit to the receiver. These BRN-22 receivers are so out of spec, even a Tactical Solutions barrel that HAS to be turned down for any other receiver just falls into it. And it wiggles. For a custom, precision build, that will NOT work.
I bought two of these receivers on sale for $89.99. I now know why they were priced so much off the regular price. I suspect they were known to be out of spec and that's why Brownells had them at such a low price.
I will not be buying anymore of these. If this is the quality I can expect, I'lll pay more more the TacSol or TacInn receivers and know that I'm getting a quality receiver for my customers.
CNC WASN'T BEING WATCHED!
Their idea of hoping on with almost every big firearms company and coming out with a Ruger 10/22 receiver was a great idea. I just wish they would have done a bit more quality checks or spec checks on there CNCs before releasing such a sought after product 😕 Hands down the best ones out there are FAXON FIREARMS !! They even make their own bolts that are AMAZING. And everyone knows them for their barrels! As a very avid shooter and also a Professional Gunsmith, I must insist Brownells take these off untill they fix all of their issues. A customer came in with 3 brand new Brownells 10/22 receivers and each one had different internal dimensions!!Two had differnt threaded problems! Talk about frustration for the SO CALLED EASIEST KITCHEN TABLE GUNSMITH PROJEJS FOR A 12 YR OLD!! Granted the Charger now has tighter specs, but doesn't matter the model, all10/22s should be able to exchange parts.With these recivers you better have time, machinery, know how, and patience.Buy Quality🤙🇺🇸
Not a single part is in spec. Awful.
There are so many fitment issues with the stock and especially with any aftermarket bolt, the internals of BRN-22 must be filed and shaved for anything to fit. There's also a LOT of movement with barrels. Have tried Green Mountain, KSA and the stock barrel and they all wobble significantly in the breech. I really wanted to like this receiver, sadly, it's just not machined very well nor accurately. Save your money and get something better for a new build, or just stay with a stock and upgrade other parts first.
FITTING REQUIRED
I wish I would have read the reviews for this receiver before I purchased it. I can add my experience to the list of "fitting required" reviews. When trying to install my KIDD bolt and charging handle the bolt did not fit in the receiver. The bolt support rail on the ejector side of the receiver was machined too long and prevented the bolt from dropping in the receiver. After filing off about 5 thousandths of an inch the bolt BARELY fit and is extremely difficult to take out for cleaning. Do not buy this receiver if you plan on building a high quality custom rifle. If you're building a plinker, it works. Just know you will probably have to file/trim/polish the receiver in places.
Not worth it
Hate to say it but the receiver is horrible. A good waste of money as it wont fit most charging handles and bolt as the internal measurements in the corners near the barrel are out of spec and require fitting just to get the standard bolt to fit forward like it should and not hang If you want to build a 10/22 then buy another companies receiver this one is not for custom builds. Barrel fit is poor too. Way to loose. Should have saved the money and bought a Kidd receiver. This one is gonna be scrapped now. I wont buy any Brownells branded items again.
Poor quality control
BRN22 looks great in the box... the integral M1913 rail is nice, appears straight; but I haven't tested it at range yet. Oversize slip-fit barrel drops straight into receiver...loosely, because the receiver hole is too big and out of spec. Volquartsen bolt will not fit without filing the interior corner of the receiver rail. For the OEM Ruger receiver cross-pins to hold the trigger in place, 1 of the 4 holes had a large burr that needed filed off to get the pin through. Overall, I expect substandard accuracy from the loose barrel and a short receiver life due to filing through the anodizing to get the bolt to fit. The overall anodizing is very thin. You're better off finding a used Ruger 10/22 and using the OEM receiver as a platform to build on. Hopefully this survives 5,000 rounds of Rimfire Challenge.
