Sometimes it’s the small details that are overlooked. Simple things that can really increase the usability of your rifle on the cheap. That’s the case with barrel bands. I agree it isn’t the most exciting topic but it is a topic that can really help address some important issues about how your rifle is used.
Barrel rings are super easy to install using one to two screws to hold them in place. The only real concern is ensuring it fits the stock and barrel profile used on your firearm. Whether it’s a sling attachment or some rails for accessories, these are some of the best barrel rings for the 10/22.
Best Ruger 10/22 Barrel Bands Comparison Table
| Image | Description | Manufacturer | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ProMag Ruger 10/22 Carbine Tactical Barrel Band ** Editor's Choice - Best Ruger 10/22 Barrel Bands ** | ProMag | 8.7 | |
 | Ruger 10/22 Band Sling Swivel Mount Black Matte ** Runner-Up - Best Ruger 10/22 Barrel Bands ** | Masen | 7.4 | |
 | Ruger 10/22 Band Clamp CNC Machined 7075 Aluminum Anodized - Colored | Custom | 7.4 | |
 | Ultimate Arms Gear Tactical Blued Steel Barrel Band | Ultimate Arms Gear | 7.2 | |
 | Picatinny Barrel Band for the Ruger 10/22 - Black Nylon | Superior Concepts | 7.0 |
1. ProMag Ruger 10/22 Carbine Tactical Barrel Band
** Editor’s Choice – Best Ruger 10/22 Barrel Bands **
If you like a sling but also need a rail attachment, you can do that too! Though it’s restricted to a single rail attachment, ProMag makes a great in-between for those who want the most versatility out of their rifle.
Promag machines their band out of T6 aircraft aluminum for maximum strength without much weight. Though not as strong as a steel band, it is stronger than nylon. Not that strength is a vital consideration with a barrel band on a .22. The fit and finish are not the greatest but everything fits onto the gun with no issues.
2. Ruger 10/22 Band Sling Swivel Mount Black Matte
** Runner-Up – Best Ruger 10/22 Barrel Bands **
If you don’t have a rear sling mount, Ruger does offer a factory set that has both the side and bottom sling mount options. The fit and finish is not quite as good as that of the Ultimate Arms Gear but is sufficient to do its job well. In truth, you will probably never notice the difference.
Also made of steel, the Ruger offering comes with a threaded rear sling stud. Installing these always seems a little hairy! Just remember to pre-drill the hole so you don’t split the stock. Of course, these are for wood stocks only.
3. Ruger 10/22 Band Clamp CNC Machined 7075 Aluminum Anodized – Colored
Sometimes a 10/22 doesn’t need attachments or even a sling. If you shoot competitions or just want a clean, simple look, a plain anodized aluminum barrel band may be just what suits your needs. Made in a variety of colors, they can even add a little flair to your rifle.
This is a great choice for a bench rest or sandbag shoot rifle. Nothing to get in the way. Designed just like the standard barrel band but lighter and more colorful for those who want a little more spice in their life. Fit and finish are excellent and the colors really pop! Still only suitable for the standard stock, but a great choice if you just want a band and nothing more.
4. Ultimate Arms Gear Tactical Blued Steel Barrel Band
Several of the most popular 10/22s don’t even come with sling attachments, notably the bestselling Carbine model. This can be a hindrance if you really like your 10/22 for a squirrel gun. Yes, it’s a light gun to begin with, but it’s always good to be able to get your hands free when walking.
This is a simple front band replacer that allows either a bottom or side mounted sling. This does not come with a rear attachment point, one will need to be added to some models. Made of steel and designed to fit the standard wood stock 10/22, this thing is sure to last a lifetime.
5. Picatinny Barrel Band for the Ruger 10/22 – Black Nylon
If a sling isn’t your thing but you like some accessories, a Picatinny rail band may be just what you need! Attach lights, lasers, bipods or a forward grip to your 10/22 just to round out the usefulness.
Made from a high-density nylon, the Superior Concepts band is lightweight but may not be the most durable option. With both side and a bottom rails, there is plenty of real-estate to fit any accessory you like. For country living, mounting a forward light is a great way to get night time varmints around the homestead!
WHICH BARREL BAND IS BEST FOR YOU?
There is not a lot to say about choosing a barrel band. The features will dictate what you should choose more than any other factor. Quality is pretty consistent though fit and finish do differ between brands. Select what best suits your intended use and you will be happy.
If you just want a sling and nothing more for a field or hunting rifle, any of the three sling offerings will suit your needs. Consider the secondary option of whether you would like a rail attachment or need a rear sling post and you can’t go wrong.
If you want rails, the two rail options are both worthy of consideration. If you need the real-estate of three rails, go with the Superior Concepts band but if a single rail will get you by, the ProMag rail is a great choice and still provides a sling attachment.
The material may be a consideration depending on how hard you are on a rifle. Though nylon is plenty strong, it will not stand up to what steel or aluminum can take and wear on a nylon rail should be considered if you use anything that will endure stress like a bipod or hand grip.
One thing that really isn’t a consideration is price. You can have any of these rings for well under 50 bucks!
RECOMMENDATION
It’s hard to recommend a general good choice of bands because they are so dependent on what you use your rifle for. If there was an offering for an anodized aluminum ring in orange I may be tempted but since they don’t I would pick the ProMag over the other offerings.
I am not big on attachments but having a rail never hurts for the many uses it can have. I also prefer a sling on my rifle just to carry it hands-free in the woods. I am not a fan of the nylon ring without knowing more about its construction and I have no need for multiple sling positions. The side mount will work fine and a single rail could be useful for running a light when you need to do a little varmint baggin’ in the dark.
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