Average unit
Nice unit but be needed to use a needle file and dremel to make it work with aftermarket parts and Revolution stock. I checked some dimensions and compared them to a factory Ruger. Radius at the rear of the receiver needed to be drum sanded to get the bolt to drop in. This is not an exact duplicate so be prepared to do some fitting.
Limited barrels available for railed receiver
I made the classic mistake of purchasing first and researching afterwards. There are few barrels available that are compatible with the railed receiver due to the picatinny rail blocking the sights, or interfering with the barrel's integral rail (Volquartsen). I ended up getting a Tactical Innovations barrel that has no sights or rail. The rifle will be limited to the optic I mount on this receiver.
Pluses and Minuses
The receiver is generally rather good, and I would buy it again. With this in mind: The fit is an issue. Some reviewers note (and it is in the item description) some fitting might be needed. What did fit: TandemKross bolt, it took very minor maneuvering to install this bolt. Other reviewers using other aftermarket bolts experienced some fitment issues. What wasn't included: The stripped receiver has 4 holes for a rail. Why can't the receiver be shipped with filler screws? This has been noted by at least one other reviewer. Buying the screws, if you need them, will increase your cost by $21.99 + shipping. Accepts Timney Trigger group easily. Accepts TandemKross pins fairly easy, gentle persuasion necessary. A little tight is better than a little loose. Buffer took a few tries and about 10 - 20 minutes for me to install, something noted by others as well. A tight fit is good, so this might be a neutral-to-positive point. Too loose and it would fall out. If a barrel with rail is part of the build, get ready for a major fitment issue. It will not work. The receiver is off-spec from Ruger enough to make it impossible for the rail on the barrel to clear the top of the receiver during rotation. The Volquartsen barrel: Lightweight Barrel and Stock for the Ruger 10/22 Takedown, With Forend [VCTDLWF] will not be plug&play. The receiver will need trimming along the top-side edges to create enough clearance. Now the bare metal is exposed, creating another issue. Note: This Volquartsen barrel with rail mated to a factory Ruger receiver like they were made for each other. The sale price makes this receiver competitive. The alternative is to search for a factory Ruger receiver. Have not yet fired this build, so I can't provide any range report info.
Brilliant Execution of a Poor Concept
The concept of a 10/22 Takedown with picatinny rail is fundamentally flawed. There is far to much flex between the barrel and the receiver resulting in an unreliable zero on any optic mounted on the receiver. I spent 100 rounds chasing a 100m zero before I noticed the problem: every time I would stand up and try to confirm the zero off-hand at 50m the pattern would shift 6-8 inches to the right, because the barrel was flexing based on my changed grip. Once I changed from a Tactical to a Target style grip and stance, the accuracy dialed right in because my support hand shifted from the grip to the receiver. The problem is the 10/22 Takedown is functionally a backpack/small game/survival type rifle and not a target rifle, so do to it's design any receiver mounted optic or site is beyond superfluous and is actually counterproductive. Bottom line: The quality and function is fantastic. I'm using it with a Brownells match bolt, Ruger match trigger, and TacSol suppressed barrel. In the future I'll probably buy another Brownells receiver, without a picatinny rail, and start using a barrel mounted site. I wish they didn't even offer one with a picatinny rail, because aside from that the receiver is amazing.
Solid Reciever. Cannot use iron sights.
Con: The only con here is that you CANNOT use the iron sights, with the railed receiver. While it might not affect some people this was a major disappointment, I would have gone with the non railed version had I known this before. There should be a note letting people know about this "feature" or oversight, whichever it is. For this reason alone I gave it 3/5 Pros: Everything else works & seems great from installing to the finish, to the function.
Fitting required for aftermarket bolts
Like other mentioned, this is not a drop in receiver if you have aftermarket bolts. I have to file off 1/16" of bolt rail for my Kidd bolt to fit. There is a ditch (uneven surface) left on barrel block. I first thought mine is defective. But if you look at the stock photo closely, every receiver has it, probably leftover from manufacturing and not finished to save cost? Also, what is the purpose of rear cleaning hold for a Takedown model? None the less, this is a good value for custom build. I would recommend it!
Good product, but not great
I purchased this item to try it out and I am pleased with it, but there are definitely some improvements that could be made. I was originally debating between the Power Custom's bolt and the Kidd bolt, but I noticed the previous review. I called Brownells to ask about the issue with the Kidd bolt and was told that it was "too wide, or too long for their receiver." This didn't make sense to me as it is supposed to be a 10/22 receiver and the Kidd bolt is designed for the 10/22 receiver. I get it that tolerances stack in aftermarket parts (which both of those items are), but I still feel that you should be able to use any parts in this receiver. My main issue with the receiver is the "fitting" that is required. The rail on the side of the receiver had to be shaved down about 1/8", this is not "minor fitting." a few thousandths is one thing, but 1/8" of material is something else. I was not able to get the Power Custom's bolt, or another factory 10/22 bolt into the receiver without this material being removed from the end of the rail. I had looked into this receiver before purchasing and noticed some feedback about the anodizing... I don't have any problem with it. Some people were saying that it was like fine-grit sandpaper, I do not agree with this assessment. The receiver is not mirror polished; it is somewhere between an Aero lower receiver and an Anderson receiver. This item does come tapped for an optic mount (which personally doesn't make sense to me on a takedown model), but does not come with receiver plugs; I had to purchase them on ebay for $8 (if that matters to you). The rest of the build went together smoothly after the "fitting" with a TacSol barrel, Magpul stock, Ruger BX trigger, and Power Custom's bolt I cannot speak to any other parts fitting. Last thing is be careful seating the recoil spring guide rod as it is in a slot, and not a pocket. The slot makes it easier for the rod to pop out under spring pressure and dent the receiver (if you care about that sort of thing). I know this is a long review, but I hope it helps someone.
OEM Bolts only and a Rough Finish
This product has potential, but it needs a smoother finish and the ability to be compatible with after market bolts (kidd bolt does not fit unfortunately). It's great for someone with extra OEM parts laying around that wants to bring them all together.
