Sherlocbonz from United States, WI Public Profile

I'm in the process of doing an all Kidd 10/22 clone for casual bench shooting and plinking. I wanted to put on a red dot but after coming to grips with the fact I can't see well enough for 50yd shots much less 100yd, I went on a quest for a scope. I thought what I was after would be pretty easy to find, but I was wrong. My wish list for a scope was:
1. Max magnification of 12 to 18x.
2. Simple illuminated reticle with 1 MOA or smaller dot.
3. 1/4MOA click adjustments.
4. Parallax adjustment.
5. Exposed turret for elevation.

The Viper HD checked all the boxes. It was a little more than I wanted to spend, but I waited for and Optics Planet sale and good coupon, and ended up picking the 3-15 x 44 for about 2x the cost of a comparable rimfire (secret code for "low feature") scope, so I'm really happy with the purchase.

Glass is very clear, as you would expect from Vortex.
Scope picture is bright as you would expect from a 44mm objective and a 30mm tube.
Parallax adjustment knob on the side with settings from 20yd to infinity.
I loved the VMR-3 reticle. It is very simple, with a 0.12 MOA red dot in the center. I thought that dot might be difficult to see, but it really pops against a target. It will be perfect for my eyes where a non-illuminated reticle tends to get lost in the bullseye.
This has an adjustable turret for elevation, and the windage turret is covered. Maybe not ideal for larger caliber rifles, but for .22LR it was exactly what I wanted.

I can't

Full disclosure, this is going on a Kidd trigger group that has not arrived yet, but this review is for the lever system only, so here goes!

There are dozens of different magazine releases for Ruger 10/22's and their clones. This Kidd system is unique because it allows you to swap levers any time you want without having to even take the barreled action out of the stock. Going into the woods and don't want to accidentally press the compact button and drop your magazine, just put on the long lever and you are good to go. Don't want the long lever below the trigger guard because you can't work it well with a gloved hand? Swap back to the short button and enjoy.

The only improvement I would suggest, and this is personal preference, is that on other extended mag releases for 10/22 that extend below the contour of the trigger guard that I have used, there is a flare near the end to actually protrude wider than the trigger guard. Some people do not like this because it makes it easier to accidentally drop a mag. As I said, personal preference I really like that shape.

My son and I are each building 10/22 clones with the objective being to use 100% aftermarket parts, with the exception of Ruger factory magazines (because we want them to work!). I'm doing an all Kidd, my son is doing 90% Kidd but wanted a trigger group in FDE. I had read mixed reviews about the VQ (I am a VQ fan, having used their parts exclusively to upgrade 4 different Mark III pistols). I was very pleasantly surprised.

It dropped in the Kidd receiver with no issues. It's secured in place with the Kidd trigger group pins with the screws that prevent the pins from falling out. Magazine release is short for my taste, but my son thinks it is the perfect size. Magazines drop effortlessly, so no points off for that. Shape of the trigger itself is very comfortable. Angular trigger guard looks good if you are going for a more tactical look. Frame of group is aluminum and it feels rock solid. Much better than polymer OEM Ruger or Ruger BX.

Bolt latch is what it is for 10/22, but with the shape of the magazine release on this trigger group it seemed to be a little easier to operate.

Finish is perfect as you would expect from VQ. I don't have a trigger pull scale, but it is very comfortable and a decent pull for plinking and shooting from the bench. Pre-travel is smooth, break is crisp. Ruger BX trigger feels like it is full of sand compared to this.

The only two things I would knock it for are pretty minor; not worth taking a star.
First, it comes very well packag

Doing a 10/22 clone build and I wanted to use a Kidd bolt. Waited for a sale at OP, got the scalloped bolt for price of the plain one. It's Kidd so I know it will work great. Comes with extractor and firing pin, so a simple upgrade. Does not include buffer pin or charging handle. I recommend picking up a Kidd charging handle kit at the same time; the charging handle cutout is a little different with Kidd to be more forgiving during installation (good video on this on Kidd website). Also Kidd charging handle comes with a variety of springs for different purposes and tuning your 10/22.

Can't speak to compatibility with all receivers as this is going in a Kidd receiver.

I just installed twp of the Volquartsen Automatic Bolt Releases. One I used the stock Ruger trigger group, the other I installed at the same time as I installed a BX trigger. Yes, I contacted VQ customer service and they said it was safe and would work with the BX trigger.

Good videos online how to do it. Installation took 30min total for two Rugers (10/22 carbine and Charger), and that includes time spent looking for the right Allen wrench. The second unit, where I knew what I was doing, took 5min tops.