Ruger BX-Trigger Product Review

Ruger 10/22 and Ruger Charger Trigger Group

Ruger 10/22 and Ruger Charger Trigger Group

Anyone who owns a Ruger 10/22 or Ruger Charger will no doubt agree that the triggers for these firearms are atrociously heavy and stiff. There are; however, many offerings for slicking up the stock triggers and also for modifying things like magazine release levers.

In the past, I had installed a Volksquartzen Target kit on my 10/22 and Ruger Charger, but I was dissatisfied with the results. In both cases, the trigger return spring was too light. Although this lightened the pull of the trigger, the trigger would not return as it is supposed to. I did not want to spend more on a trigger than I did on the firearms, so I discounted a complete trigger assembly and returned the triggers on both firearms back to the original configuration and leaned to live with the trigger. In doing so, some of the enjoyment of shooting these firearms was wanting.

When I read about Ruger manufacturing a complete trigger group for the 10/22 and Charger models, especially at a price substantially lower than Timney, Volksquartzen, or others, I put the trigger on the back burner for something to purchase in the future. Well, the future finally arrived and the Ruger BX-trigger was ordered from Brownell’s and was received in short order.

Ruger BX-Trigger

Ruger BX-Trigger

The Ruger BX-Trigger comes in an easy-to-open package and allows you to test the trigger without removing it from the package. The Ruger BX-Trigger is intended for plug-n-play with a little work from the owner of the firearm or a qualified and competent gunsmith. When I read the part on the package that stated, “Releases at 2.5 to 3.0 lbs.”, I started salivating. Push down on the hammer and squeeze the trigger (the package keeps the hammer from slamming forward) and you will immediately notice that the trigger is crisp and no over-travel can be felt while in the package. I was really looking forward to installing this trigger group. The only decision that remained was to install it in the 10/22 or the Charger. As the Ruger Charger, with a 2-7×32 NcStar scope, is one of my favorite firearms, it was selected to be the test bed. If all went well, a second Ruger BX-Trigger would be ordered for the 10/22.

Don’t worry, Ruger did not leave you hanging and a Ruger BX-Trigger Assembly Replacement Instructions sheet is also provided with the new trigger group.

The BX-Trigger comes with a protective cover (keeps all of the pins in place), which is easily removed. After you replace your stock trigger group, you may want to slide the protective cover over your stock trigger group to prevent pin loss. Also, if you do decide (at some time) to install a Volksquartzen or Timney trigger, the cover serves as a test bed for evaluating your work and prevents the hammer from completely falling forward when the trigger is pulled.

Slightly Modified (left) and new Ruger BX-Trigger (right)

Slightly Modified Stock Trigger (left) and new Ruger BX-Trigger (right)

Disassemble the firearm according to the instructions provided by Ruger (safety first, please!). Personally, I have found that the Glock Tool is ideal for pin pushing in the Ruger 10/22 or Charger, as the pins usually don’t need much persuasion. A soft tap with a plastic mallet and the two trigger group assembly pins almost fall free from the firearm. The trigger group then simply falls free from the upper once the safety is aligned to center.

One thing that you will note on this particular swap; the stock trigger group in the Ruger Charger has an extended magazine release; a modification that I did while installing the Volksquartzen Target Trigger. I was hoping that I would not loose this feature because it makes dropping the magazine a little easier; simply press the lever downward with the index finger to release the magazine. With the stock magazine release, which is located in front of the trigger guard, you must press the magazine release lever forward to release the magazine – a sometimes awkward operation. The BX-Trigger assembly; however, is the same dimensions as the stock trigger group housing. Within a minute, I had swapped out the extended magazine lever from my old unit to the new Ruger BX-Trigger using the Glock Tool for the magazine release lever pin. So far, I was a happy camper.

Outward appearance is identical on both trigger groups.  The differences are; however, noticeable on the inside. The BX-Trigger is on the right.  Note shape of hammer.

Outward appearance is identical on both trigger groups. The differences are; however, noticeable on the inside. The BX-Trigger is on the right. Note shape of hammer.

Outwardly, there are no discernible difference between the stock unit and the Ruger BX-Trigger, with the exception of the hammer shape. Performance wise, all the magic happens internally. Ruger has done a fine job with this unit and has kept things simple and inexpensive for those of us who like simple and need not a degree to work on our firearms, but just some basic mechanical skills.

Ruger Charger ready to go with new Ruger's new BX-Trigger.  Note that extended magazine release was installed on the new trigger - Sweet!

Ruger Charger ready to go with new Ruger’s new BX-Trigger. Note that extended magazine release was installed on the new trigger – Sweet!

Almost too quickly, the upper was installed in the Ruger Charger stock. In fact, had I not taken the time for some photos, the entire installation would have taken about 5 minutes – including the swapping out of the extended magazine release lever. For the DIYer, this installation is a breeze!

Trigger pull on the BX-Trigger is crisp, and just shy, of 3-pounds on my gauge.

Trigger pull on the BX-Trigger is crisp, and just shy, of 3-pounds on my gauge.

Taking stock of the entire installation, trigger pull was tested and the results were a consistent, and just shy of, three-pounds of pull – right where I like it. The trigger is crisp and reset is very short. A function check for magazine release and bolt locking was performed and all went well.

If you have considered really upgrading the trigger on your Ruger 10/22 or Ruger Charger, and want to do so within a reasonable expense, the Ruger BX-Trigger is a wise choice. With simple tools and a basic knowledge of your 10/22 (or Charger), it is very simple to install and satisfaction is guaranteed.

Sources:
Ruger BX-Trigger: http://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=ruger+bx-trigger&ksubmit=y

Ruger BX-Trigger Videos: http://ruger.com/micros/BX-Trigger/?r=y

Video review by Jeff Quinn @ gunblast.com: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSJBBT1BfP4&feature=youtu.be

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About Taurian

Taurian is a U.S. Army veteran and former LEO and Defensive Tactics Instructor. Taurian also has over fifty years of experience as a Technical Writer and Training Program Developer. After leaving home at the age of ten without any shoes, Taurian continues on with many years devoted to the keeping and bearing of arms.

One Response to Ruger BX-Trigger Product Review

  1. Pingback: Ruger Charger – Old Review Update | Gun Toters

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