I scoured the internet for the info I was looking for and ultimately couldn't find much on this new option for a 10/22 stock/chassis. So I bought one and am posting as much info as I can here. SB Tactical - you're welcome for the free publicity!
BackgroundI've had an SBR'd 10/22 (non-takedown) receiver for many years. I made it before the takedown models came out with the intent of creating a backpacking gun that I could throw into a bag for when I'm centerfire hunting. I've looked at nearly every commercial option, including modifying something off the shelf and even designing and 3D printing my own chassis to drop my receiver into. I've taken some hard looks at PMACA and Enoch systems, but I just wanted something simpler. Those systems are also quite a bit more expensive and to me, just don't look cool.
Lo and behold, just as I'm starting to put my 3D printer together I see
Kit Badger's video on the new SB Tactical SB22. I'm a design engineer by day and this was LITERALLY exactly what I was imagining making in my head. So I bought one (Brownells - $103 shipped with coupon) and got it today.
My 10/22 is pretty standard. It has a few of the typical upgrades (bolt buffer, VQ hammer, bolt release mods, etc.). My intent is to purchase a Whistle Pig gun barrel to go in this SBR. I also have a SIG MCX folding stock assembly that I'm thinking of using for this...more info below.
ConstructionThis part is really well made. Feels high quality...close to something Magpul or BCM would make. The product description says it is built around an "aluminum insert". If you've ever looked at other polymer 10/22 stocks, the biggest challenge in designing one is to "fill in" the end around the back of the receiver. SB tactical put the aluminum here to fill in the space that couldn't be molded. The aluminum forms the structure the grip bolts into, and sticks out the back for the 1913 rail. This reinforces the weak points in an AR style 10/22 chassis, but note that everything forward of the grip is 100% polymer. That being said, the walls and ribs are very thick, and I think this thing would survive quite a bit of abuse without breaking.
My 10/22 assembly fits pretty tightly in the chassis. I had to use the assembly screw to drive the receiver into the chassis, and there are small gaps at the back of the receiver and behind the trigger guard. It looks like the "inlet" is off by a bit. Not enough to get me to return it, but it isn't "perfect". This is similar to the fit seen
in this video, too. So it's probably not just my 10/22.
I also wish the screws that secure the cover over the barrel were allen head...just because.
Front EndWhat is the shortest barrel that will work in this chassis?The end of the stock measures 6.25" from the receiver face to the end of the stock. The "tang" of a 10/22 barrel extends 3/4" past the receiver face, meaning a 7" barrel will be exactly flush with the end of the chassis. I intend to run a can, so Whistle Pig's 8" barrel will have a gap of 1/2" between the end of the chassis and the start of the threads. Perfect for me, since I'm going to be running a suppressor on this gun.
Can I nest my can into the chassis?Yes...if your can is less than 1.000" in diameter. The space between the two forward screw bosses for the top cover measure 1.000" exactly at the bore centerline. The SB Tactical box shows a Q Erector suppressor, which according to Q is exactly .99" in diameter...probably a very close fit. My Dead Air Mask 22 (1.070") is just too wide to fit.
Does this come with the stock screw?No. You have to provide your own screw to secure the action in the chassis.
Back EndHow does the MCX folding stock fit on this?Ok. All the publicity I've seen shows either a triangle brace or their FS1913 brace. Both have lower profile hinge assemblies than the MCX stock does, and with the MCX stock the hinge digs into my hand. It isn't bad enough to keep me from using it, but I can imagine having a lower profile hinge assembly would work a lot better. Switching the supplied Reptilia grip for a Magpul K grip makes things worse. The K is slightly less upright, which drives my hand into the hinge more. If you're left handed, all of this is less of an issue since the web of your hand is on the other side of the hinge.
With everything that's going on maybe I can find someone looking to dump their FS1913 brace so I can modify it with my 3D printer to turn it into a stock for my SBR.
Length of pull with the MCX stock is 11.75". Short, but works great for a backpacking gun. It folds up great - other than the hinge issue it looks like it was made for the chassis.
Top EndWhat about optics/sights? That stock looks high.As others have found out, the drop to a straight 1913 stock is short. It looks to be pretty close to AR dimensions, meaning you'll have to use AR risers on a pic rail on top. I intend to mount a Vortex Venom on this gun. With no riser, it's way too short.
Shown here is a 3/4" riser which gives what feels to me like a "lower 1/3rd" position on an AR. I have a slightly lower riser on order which I think will be perfect for me.
SummaryHow much does this weigh?My setup (standard Ruger receiver) with no stock, barrel, optics or magazine is 35.7 oz. The MCX stock brings it up to 47.3 oz. I'm guessing it'll be right at 55 oz. (3 lb. 7 oz) with an 8" Whistle Pig barrel. For reference, a TacSol Backpacker (with an 8" barrel) is right at 3 lbs. Kitted up with my optic and a full 10 round mag I'm guessing it'll be under 4 lb total ready to go.
How long is it?With an 8" barrel and the MCX stock it'll be just under 24.25" long. 16.75" long with the stock folded (about 2.75" shorter than the TacSol Backpacker disassembled). Folded, it'll easily fit in my 5.11 Moab 10 daypack.
So what do you think?Overall I'm pretty happy with it. It's very light, very compact and is well thought out. The hinge issue is annoying for me, but I'm guessing they didn't intend for folks to use the MCX stock with this set up. Lord how I wish someone would come up with a 1913 minimalist stock that's longer and less expensive with a smaller hinge assembly (hint...SB Tactical).
I hope SB Tactical is successful making these...for sure there are dark clouds on the horizon for them and they should diversify into other parts categories. I think this offering splits the difference between overly tacticool stocks/chassis systems and the PMACA/Enoch solutions which are very functional, but are lacking in visual refinement in addition to being relatively expensive. Again, I love the 1913 stock system...I just wish there were more/less expensive stock options that leverage that attachment scheme.
Let me know if there's anything else you want to know and I'll update my post.