The KIDD Strikes Again:
Testing a New 10/22 Match Barrel!
by John Feamster
Precision Shooting
February 2005
To aficionados of the accurized Ruger 10/22 – of whom there are many, Tony Kidd is an icon. He put the little rifle squarely on the map as a national-class contender in smallbore silhouette with his ground-breaking Kidd Innovative Design (KID) 2-stage trigger, which made its commercial debut about 5 years ago and has never looked back. A U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit veteran, Troy Lawton, used a KID prototype 10/22 trigger to defeat former Olympic gold medallist, World Champion and fellow USAMU veteran, Lones Wigger, in the smallbore silhouette nationals back in 1996. The rest, as they say, is history. Tony proceeded with his ground-breaking design and eventually brought the trigger to market. I conducted a full writeup and durability test of the production KID trigger for Precision Shooting (Oct. 2001) and was delighted with it then, as I am to this day. So are a whole bunch of silhouette shooters, varmint hunters, informal benchresters and high-tech plinkers, among others… the KID trigger has become very popular indeed!! Tony, however, has not been content to rest on his laurels, and has developed a new match grade barrel for the 10/22. Knowing the high quality of his products, I decided this was worth a closer look, and set about investigating what accuracy I might obtain with it from one of my worked-over 10/22’s!
Checking further, I found Tony stocks 20" match grade barrels made to his specifications using blanks from the highly respected German firm of Lothar Walther. Available in stainless steel only, they feature the standard 10/22 heavy barrel contour of 0.920" diameter, an 11 degree target crown, and a 1:16" twist. Further, Tony specified the use of a convex extractor slot to provide greater rim contact. This is intended to facilitate extraction, which can be a bit of an issue with tighter match chambers in the 10/22, which features only 1 extractor, vs. the dual extractors popular in better .22 bolt guns. The barrel extension is specified at 0.750" diameter, and barrel weight is 3.5 lbs. Cost is $179.95, which struck me as quite reasonable for a barrel of this quality, if it performed as expected… I could hardly wait!
The test rifle chosen was an older, match-conditioned 10/22 action set into a Ruger factory walnut, deluxe sporter stock that had the barrel channel opened for the ubiquitous 0.920" diameter heavy barrel. The bolt bearing surfaces have been polished smooth to facilitate operation with standard velocity match ammo. Further, the bolt headspace has been shortened from 0.048" to 0.44", and firing pin protrusion was optimized after adjusting bolt headspace as well. The action sports a 0.250" hole in the rear wall to allow cleaning from the chamber once the bolt has been removed, and the scope mount is glass-bedded to the action to prevent any chance of ill fit or movement. Ordinarily, I would have liked to use my KID trigger for best accuracy testing, but I did not want to disturb the 10/22 silhouette rifle in which it resides. Instead, I used a nicely-tuned standard factory trigger group set at 1.5 lbs weight with a very smooth release. While certainly not optimal for offhand shooting, it was entirely acceptable for bench testing at 50 yards.
The new KID barrel arrived, and it was indeed a beauty! First things first: the machining of the crown was absolutely razor sharp, and precise enough to make a German engineer weep with joy! The chamber end was no different; the various extractor cuts, bevels, etc. were very nicely executed, and the exterior finish and muzzle chamfer looked excellent as well. The "crowning touch," as it were, was a small, neatly engraved KID logo at the top center of the barrel, just behind the muzzle, surrounded by two engraved rings encircling the barrel. These combined to make the KID’s muzzle end both very distinctive and readily identifiable at a glance. COOL! Attention to detail points? Definitely! I then clamped the barrel into a padded vise for cleaning to remove any possible debris left over from manufacture before installation, and while patching it out, I found the bore to be utterly smooth from end to end. NICE! I then carefully cleaned the receiver, applied a thin film of grease to prevent galling, and lined up the barrel shank so that the extractor cut would match the extractor closely. Installation proceeded with some slight effort, as tolerances were close, allowing no play whatsoever. All went well, however, and after moderately tightening the barrel retaining bolts and reinstalling the action into the stock, I mounted a Leupold 6.5-20X Target scope, adjusted it parallax-free at 50 yards, and set to work.
After initial zeroing, my main task was to watch my 3 wind flags and await dead calm conditions… which, depending on the individual day, could take quite a while. Each day I set up my gear about 90 minutes before sundown, as usually the wind dies in the last hour of daylight on our range. There were some days in which I might test 1 or 2 brands of ammo, and some days when I set up all my gear and didn’t test any, as the weather just didn’t cooperate. However, it was far better to generate no data, than invalid data!! My procedure was to condition the bore by firing 10-15 rounds of each ammo type before firing for record. I have experienced widely varying results with individual .22 rimfire barrels over the years, regarding accuracy and cleaning. Some didn’t seem to care if they were cleaned within thousands of rounds. One demon-possessed Kimber Super America barrel would lose accuracy noticeably if it weren’t cleaned every 200-300 rounds. With others, it seems best to stay on the safe side, and clean every 1000-1500 rounds. (These are not highly scientifically determined figures, but merely "gut" estimates, by the way, except in the case of the Kimber, where results were easy to determine.)
However, one thing I definitely prefer to do, if at all possible, is to keep cleaning to a minimum, to reduce the risk of possible bore damage. I also have an impression (possibly inaccurate) that it may well take numerous rounds after cleaning for a rimfire barrel to settle down and begin delivering its usual level of accuracy. So, in light of that history, I did not clean the barrel between brands of ammo, but rather, simply re-fouled it with each new type I was testing. I took care to plan the tests to avoid changing brands capriciously – that is, when testing Eley, I tested all Eley match ammo together (Tenex followed Standard, etc.) so that the fouling stayed consistent through that part of the test. Accuracy results are summarized in the table nearby, and as can be seen, the KID barrel offered excellent accuracy with ammunition it liked. Moreover, it had a tendency to frequently group 4 out of 5 shots in a small hole with one flier, which is not reflected in the overall group sizes on the chart. That sort of accuracy would, however, be very evident much of the time in the hands of a field shooter! Functioning overall was excellent, with minor exceptions; the KID barrel does NOT use the ubiquitous Bentz semi-auto match chamber that has become virtually an industry standard in aftermarket 10/22 match barrels. Instead, KID employs a slightly tighter reamer, and a couple of brands of ammunition were hesitant to function in this chamber. However, I did not consider this to be a significant handicap as they were not brands noted for accuracy.
Overall, I found the KID barrel to offer accuracy results on part with match barrels I have tested which cost much more than its retail price of $179.95. One general caution I would share with the readers, however, is that in my experience, obtaining top quality accuracy from a 10/22 is not always as simple as just screwing on a good barrel and hogging out the stock to accept it. I went through major torment during one of my early accurized 10/22 buildups, as the rifle gave problems with persistent vertical fliers even with top quality ammunition such as Eley Tenex, in a match barrel from a world-class manufacturer. The problem was eventually tracked down and isolated to a chipped firing pin face and a weak hammer spring that combined to cause ignition problems. Once these issues were addressed, the flier problem vanished, and groups became much more consistent, with a corresponding improvement in group averages. (This account is related in my original KID trigger article, PS: 10/01, for readers inclined to pursue it further.) Thus, if purchasing a KID or any other good 10/22 barrel doesn’t yield tiny groups after all the normal avenues have been exhausted: top quality match ammo of more than one type, top quality scope that is parallax free and properly mounted, good rest, benchrest technique and trigger job, wind flags and calm weather, then I would start looking for a mechanical problem with the rifle before I became confident that I had a bad barrel.
Studying the adjacent accuracy test chart, plus others available in my past rimfire accuracy test articles (and those of other authors) can give some broad hints at ammunition types that are likely to work well, and others that consistently seem to perform poorly. Moreover, some surprises seem to emerge from time to time, such as this barrel’s outstanding performance with SK-Jagd high velocity hollow point hunting ammo. This shows the benefits of keeping an open mind whenever working with rifles of any sort, and rimfires in particular! However, this is not the first time I have had excellent results from the German SK-Jagd high velocity HP ammunition. I have also tested a Winchester 52B Sporter repro extensively, and this was its preferred recipe as well. SK-Jagd appears to be very well made stuff, especially given its moderate price!
Our readers who are either already 10/22 accuracy buffs or planning their dive into such projects will likely be interested in several specialty products offered by KID, in addition to the match barrels tested herein. The KID match trigger has been updated from its first format, which originally required users to specify a particular trigger pull weight range they intended to use, somewhat limiting the options regarding adjustability. The older models were characterized as either Super Match, Match or Sportsman, depending on their adjustment range and intended use, but current models are adjustable from ~12 ounces total pull weight (with a six-ounce second stage) to 3 lbs (total weight of pull). Naturally, being 2-stage triggers, the total pull weight is divided between the 2 stages, allowing the shooter to become used to holding the weight of the first stage, and having the feeling of only exerting the fraction of total pull weight needed to fire the second stage. This gives the effect of squeezing a much lighter trigger than if the same pressure were applied to a single stage trigger. For example, in a 2-stage trigger adjusted to 3 lbs total weight of pull, if 1.75 lbs is on the first stage, that leaves 1.25 lbs on the second stage. After taking up the first stage, when executing the additional squeeze, the shooter has the feeling of shooting a 1.25 lb trigger, but with the safety of shooting a 3 lb trigger – always a benefit when working with semi-auto mechanisms. Current models are fully adjustable across the entire pull weight range: from 6 ounces (second stage) to 3 lbs (total pull weight). The KID 2-stage match trigger, which currently retails for $279.95, also adjusts for length of pull, cant and over-travel, and has an extended magazine release and automatic bolt release included at no extra charge. Moreover, the hammer weight is 50% lighter than standard, to improve lock time. It is a self-contained unit that fits both .22LR and .22 Magnum 10/22’s. It’s a true drop-in, installing easily -- no gunsmithing required! A modified version is available for the Volquartsen .17 HMR at $291.95.
Another highly useful accessory is a match-conditioned 10/22 bolt that offers all the modifications my gunsmith painstakingly performed for me (with attendant delays), in one easy package. The KID match bolt’s breech face is machined to correct headspace (0.044"), and firing pin protrusion is also corrected (0.040"). Further, the bolt’s rear is radiused for easier cocking, which improves functioning with match or subsonic ammo. In addition, a Power’s titanium extractor claw is installed and tuned to improve extraction, and the firing pin is beveled for more positive operation. Retail price of the KID match-conditioned 10/22 bolt is $74.95. One area that many users of 10/22’s find annoying is somewhat sloppy fit of the pins holding the trigger group to the receiver. These generally are ok as they come from the factory, but tend to become looser over time as the rifle is fired, due to the aluminum receiver construction. KID has developed a solution in the form of a special receiver/trigger pin set that securely locks the trigger group to the upper receiver, preventing wobble that can cause inconsistency in trigger/bolt interface. The set is available with a countersink drill bit at $29.95 for initial installations. If additional 10/22’s will be fitted with the match-grade pins, pin sets are available without the countersink for $21.95. Additionally, KID offers a rubber-covered buffer pin to replace the solid steel unit that stops the bolt at the end of its travel; this softens the impact of the bolt during cycling, smooths operation and can help reduce battering of the bolt against the aluminum receiver over time. Accuracy-minded fans of the Ruger 10/22 will no doubt find Kidd Innovative Design a very worthwhile resource when planning their custom rifle projects – I know I have!
Kidd Innovative Design (KID) 10/22 SS Match Barrel
Accuracy Test Results
Test of KID-barreled Ruger 10/22, using Ruger factory "Deluxe" 10/22 walnut, checkered stock with barrel channel opened for 0.920" diameter heavy barrel. Ruger bolt was polished to promote smooth functioning with standard velocity target ammunition; bolt headspace was set to 0.044" and firing pin protrusion was optimized for corrected headspace. Scope was Leupold 6.5-20X Target set parallax-free at 50 yards; 3 wind flags were used, and every effort was made to shoot in calm conditions. All groups consisted of 5 shots, fired from a Hart rest with adjustable top and rear bag.
Ammo # of Groups Smallest Largest Average
Eley Tenex 5 0.218" 0.512" 0.346"
SK Jagd High Vel. HP 6 0.159" 0.680" 0.422"
Lapua Dominator "L" 5 0.222" 0.671" 0.433"
SK Jagd Subsonic HP 6 0.329" 0.692" 0.450"
Western Super Match MIII 6 0.277" 0.669" 0.491"
Aguila SE Standard Vel. 6 0.342" 0.675" 0.497"
Eley Standard (older lot) 6 0.414" 0.628" 0.516"
RWS R-50 Match 6 0.255" 0.751" 0.527"
Wolf Match Target 6 0.245" 0.742" 0.528"
Winchester Super-X HV 6 0.453" 0.702" 0.562"
CCI Mini-Mag HV 6 0.503" 0.894" 0.622"
CCI Standard Velocity 5 0.496" 0.960" 0.714"
Fiocchi Super Match 320 5 0.698" 0.793" 0.733"
CCI SGB 6 0.352" 0.887" 0.764"
Win. Super Silhouette 5 0.501" 1.020" 0.800"
Kidd Innovative Design
#8 Conisburgh Ct.
Columbus, GA. 31907
Tel: 706-568-1022
Website: www.coolguyguns.com
Email: ybaverage@msn.com
THE KID SUPERMATCH TRIGGER UNIT
Target Sport March 2003:
by Gwyn Roberts 10/22 Performance Parts
"The STANDARD trigger pull for an out of the box Ruger 10/22 is around 6-7lbs. A 'trigger job' with replacement parts can bring this down to around 2 1/2 - 3 lbs with a reasonable 'let off'. Most of those I have tried though have still felt vague and slightly rough just before the sear disengages to release the shot. Considering the size of some of the targets that we are now shooting a good scope and trigger unit combination are essential for you to achieve your maximum potential. The KID trigger could well be what you need to move up to the next class. Product Test by Gwyn Roberts.
Tony Kidd (Kidd Innovative Design) is one of the top gunsmiths in the USA and is the man responsible for the design and manufacture of this exceptional trigger assembly. Tony used his "SuperMatch" trigger in Troy Lawton's National Smallbore Silhouette Championship winning rifle. Troy was the first shooter to win the US National Silhouette Championships with an Auto-loading rifle based around a Ruger 10-22 action. Anschutz bolt action type rifles had previously dominated all of the Smallbore Silhouette type matches, until Troy came along that is. There are three KID trigger units to choose from, these being the SuperMatch, Match and Sportsman models. (This is no longer true, now there is only one model fully adjustable from 6oz-3lbs) Each one being a 'drop in' replacement, needing no fitting by a gunsmith.
All of the trigger housings are machined from 6061-T6 Billet. Using the latest CNC and EDM technology, each trigger unit features a two-stage trigger design and has a 50% lighter hammer for a significantly faster lock time. The Supermatch let off pressure can be adjusted anywhere between 6oz and 14oz (14oz-28oz on the Match model and 1/4-2 1/2lbs on the Sportsman unit). All of the units can be adjusted for 1st stage pull weight, over-travel and cant. The reach to the trigger blade, take-up (or slack) and sear engagement can also be adjusted, and an automatic bolt release and extended magazine release are fitted as standard. Basically whatever is in it, on it or needed, can be adjusted somehow.
Positive
Down at the range I decided to try the new trigger until as it arrived straight out of the box with the factory settings, before going on to make any adjustments. The let off was set at 14oz and each shot was released cleanly and smoothly with a very positive 'feel' to it. This was also helped by the lighter and better shaped trigger blade. As the trigger units are a two-stage design, there was quite a bit of first stage 'slack' to take up before you could feel the trigger engaging. This took a bit of getting used to at first, as m old Jewell trigger unit was set up with no slack at all for an instant release.
I fired a few hundred rounds through the rifle just to see how it performed, and had no light strike or jamming problems with it. Then, following the comprehensive instructions and allen keys supplied with the unit, I started to adjust the unit to how I wanted it to work. It did take some time to adjust the trigger 'reach,' 'let off' and 'take up' to how I wanted it set up (no, I'm not easily pleased) but the end result was well worth the effort. The 'let off' is now set at 7oz with negligible 'slack' and with the trigger blade set quite far back in the housing. Every shot was released easily and precisely from a variety of shooting positions and the group size definitely seemed to be smaller and more consistent.
Pleased with the results that I was getting, I decided to get Nick and Sarah, two of our junior shooters to have a try with it. I kept all of their targets shot from each distance during an earlier 1500 practice session that day as a comparison. Both had been shooting the club's custom rifles, which have had their trigger units 'tuned'.
Both had a quick practice to get used to the new trigger 'release' and then went on to shoot a couple of match 1 and 3 practices. Although it was only shot up to 25m (due to our indoor range restrictions) both shooters instantly scored high and grouped consistently better with the KID Supermatch trigger fitted as opposed to the 'heavier' trigger. A brief chat and analysis concluded that the improved performance was due to the fact that it was much easier to release each shot when the scope was lined up on the center of the target. As it is impossible to hole the crosshairs still in the X ring, people tend to snatch at the trigger when it passes anywhere near the middle of the target. If the trigger has a much heavier 'let off' the shooter will tend to pull the rifle slightly off target whilst releasing each shot. This will obviously greatly affect the placing of each shot as well as the overall group size. With the KID trigger fitted, the juniors merely applied a slight pressure on the trigger blade each time the crosshairs passed over the X ring, instantly producing better shots on the target.
Improved Scores
The improved performance with the KID trigger unit installed could easily be seen on one of the quicker 1500 matches. On Match 1 (10 & 15 yds--12 shots in 20 seconds) Nick managed to keep all of his shots within the X ring, with the exception of a couple of 10's. While Sarah who has not been shooting anywhere near as long as Nick has, still managed to keep most of her shots consistently inside the X and 10 ring. 'Pulled shots' were virtually eliminated. In the match 3 practices, the Weak hand and Kneeling position scores were also much improved as the juniors were able to concentrate more on their sight picture and hold instead of the trigger pull. Overall, both shooters commented that the KID trigger was much easier to shoot with, and all of their 'Supermatch' targets certainly scored higher than those targets which were shot earlier. If it works with our juniors, I'm sure that nearly everyone else's scores would benefit from a trigger unit like this.
I prefer to shoot with a light trigger when I'm shooting the Police/Service, 1500 and Bianchi types matches, for safety reasons I personally increase the 'let off' weight of the trigger for any Steel or Man v Man type events. Because these matches are usually shot much faster and at multiple targets across the range, the trigger pull doesn't need to be quite as light as in he precision matches. Changing the 'let off' weight of the trigger for these types of matches, hunting or even for 'novice' shooters who might not start off with a trigger as light as this during their training period, is simply accomplished in a few minutes.
The KID Supermatch is a very impressive trigger unit and far exceeds anything this can be done with 'tuned' Ruger versions. Priced at $279.95 it isn't a cheap replacement part, but it is well worth it for the shooter who needs this final piece of the jigsaw to put everything together. My Supermatch trigger can be tested out on the range at most of the matches around the country during the season. Don't ask me half-way through a match though, as a bit of notice would be appreciated!"
New KID in Town: A 10/22 Match Trigger That Works!
Precision Shooting 2000
by John Feamster 'The Times, They Are a-Changin'...
Now flash forward to 1996. Troy Lawton, silhouette wizard, defeats Lones Wigger, international shooting legend, to take the national smallbore rifle silhouette championship. That in itself is noteworthy, but what was really amazing was that Troy used a Ruger 10/22, against Lones Wigger's bolt-action! Suddenly, 10/22 aficionados perked up nationwide -- the little autoloader was now officially on the map as a top-quality competition rifle! In researching this development shortly thereafter, I found that Troy had used a prototype 2-stage match trigger designed and built by Tony Kidd. At that time, Tony was the head pistolsmith of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, where Troy is employed as a rifle coach. It's a small world indeed... I knew Tony from having been to the USAMU for an extensive series of interviews back in 1994. Although now most of my rifle shooting is centered around NRA Highpower and Long Range, I still maintain more than a passing interest in rimfire accuracy, and I wasted no time in contacting Tony to see if the new wunder-trigger might be made commercially available."
Accurate 10/22's -- Building The Whole Enchilada
"The KID trigger arrived in due time, and upon installation, ignition and accuracy remained excellent. By now, I'd whittled out a thumbhole silhouette stock from a semi-finished Fajen laminated wood blank, which Tony glass-bedded. Various bedding approaches have been used successfully with the 10/22; some folks advocate bedding the barrel, occasionally using a barrel sleeve, and free-floating the action. Tony went with a more conventional approach, bedding the action and first 2.5” of the barrel, and free-floating the barrel out to the muzzle. After shaping the stock to fit me, I finished it in clear polyurethane and added an experimental, adjustable weight assembly. This allows fine-tuning the balance (total weight plus fore/aft location) without affecting barrel harmonics. The result was a well-fitting, accurate, balanced, and highly-shootable silhouette rig!!
Compared to high-dollar bolt guns of the Anschutz/Walther/40X genre, the 10/22 is very simple for the owner to work on. Parts are inexpensive, and the tweaks needed typically don’t require extensive, precision metalsmithing skills. In working with 10/22's, Tony has often found them to have insufficient firing pin protrusion as they come from the factory, which he corrects on the rifles he builds. Firing pin protrusion is controlled by an oval slot in the firing pin, through which a retaining pin is fitted. Removing a little metal from the rear of this slot allows owners to increase the firing pin protrusion – but go slow!! You don’t want to increase this enough to cause it to strike the rear of the barrel, which can cause damage over time. Tony usually reduces the depth of the bolt face recess to 0.043"-0.044" to tighten headspace; obviously, if this modification is to be performed, it should be done before any changes to the firing pin protrusion, as it will affect the relationship of the firing pin to the breech face. Tony also adds a synthetic recoil buffer pin to soften the feel of the bolt slapping back and forth as the rifle cycles, and customarily drills the action for cleaning from the rear, although this isn’t difficult for the shade-tree gunplumber to do at home. Occasionally, Tony has found that 10/22 extractor hooks need to be adjusted to hold the cartridge rim closer to the bolt face for optimum functioning. This he accomplishes by heating the extractor, peening the hook down, and then hand-fitting it to the bolt. The 10/22, when fitted with a top-quality barrel, ergonomically correct stock, glass-bedding and the other tweaks mentioned above, can become a top-notch silhouette rifle capable of cleaning banks of targets at will. The KID trigger gives a light, crisp and predictable 2-stage pull, and the semi-automatic 10/22 allows the shooter the maximum possible time to hold, aim and squeeze, uninterrupted by working the bolt of his rifle.
So, Let's Meet The KID!
The KID 10/22 match trigger is a two-stage design, and arrives ready to drop in to your rifle without fitting or adjustment required. After ensuring that the rifle is unloaded, simply remove the barreled action from the stock, slide out the two trigger retaining pins, install the (cocked) KID trigger, replace the pins, and you're ready to roll! KID triggers are offered in 3 versions – Super Match, Match, and Sportsman (Now the is only one KID trigger fully adjustable from 6oz to 3lbs). Curved triggers are standard, while straight triggers are available as an option at slight extra cost. Super-Match triggers typically offer a 6-8 ounce first stage weight and a 6-ounce second stage, for a total weight of about 14 ounces, while Match triggers are about 14 ounces on the first stage and adjustable second stage. Tony usually sets the Match trigger’s second stage at about 14 ounces, but lighter settings are available. The Sportsman trigger arrives with a 1.25 lb. first stage, and a 1.25 lb. second stage, for 2.5 lbs. total weight. KID triggers have a 50% lighter hammer weight for faster lock-time, and the trigger adjusts for length of pull, cant and over-travel. An automatic bolt release is offered on both Match models, and all three versions have an extended magazine release."
"One question that immediately came to mind was about the long-term reliability and durability of the KID trigger. The trigger housing is machined from a 6061-T6 billet and parts are manufactured using CNC and EDM processes that allow keeping fine tolerances – it reeks precision, but how durable would it be over time? I set to work with my 10/22, with a goal of firing at least 1000 rounds using the new trigger before writing this article, in order to have some data on its durability. Fortunately, this was hardly an onerous chore -- with its superb trigger, excellent accuracy, incredibly smooth cycling and near-total lack of recoil, the little rifle is an absolute joy to shoot, inviting marathon plinking sessions in addition to the usual practice and matches. The KID trigger is rated for both standard and high (but not hyper) velocity ammo, and my Shilen barrel shoots much better with high-velocity fodder than most other high-grade .22’s I’ve tested, making it cheap, as well as fun to shoot. When shooting standard velocity ammo using ear plugs, and particularly with the synthetic recoil buffer installed, one doesn’t really hear a “crack” when it fires – the sound is more of a muted “ka-TICKA!”, which is almost always accompanied by the desired result downrange. This thing is a plinking MACHINE!! In addition, the truly accurate 10/22 is a perfect test-bed for checking rifle scopes, as it makes short work of verifying their reliability of elevation/windage adjustments and return to zero. Soon, a procession of Leupolds and Weaver T's danced a veritable tarantella across the top of the little silhouette rifle, each helping me expend about 100 rounds in the course of testing. I was racking up the rounds at a lively pace, and the KID trigger never faltered. I’m now fast closing in on 1500 rounds fired with no trigger changes, problems or malfunctions noted whatsoever. Speaking of reliability, Tony reports he’s sold numerous triggers to ground-squirrel shooters and other varminters who are using highly-accurate 10/22’s. In addition, several report they’ve been using the KID trigger in .22 Magnum 10/22’s with no problems noted – just big grins! My own KID trigger is working great, and my new self-loading silhouette rifle has finally come of age -- only a dozen years after I first wistfully conceived of it! At last, I have a rifle with the ergonomics, speed, accuracy and trigger to help me clean bank after bank of targets. It looks like I'm fresh out of excuses.... the rest is up to me!'
5-19-05 "I just wanted to tell you folks that I installed my Kidd trigger yesterday and it's the finest trigger I've ever had on any gun. You'll be hearing from me again for sure. Pat"
5-18-05 "I received the trigger group yesterday and am completely satisfied! What an awesome product, especially coupled with your bolt buffer pin and locking receiver screws. Thanks again John"
04-11-05 "Picked up my new trigger this morning. Thanks for the quick shipping and handling. This trigger is awesome. The only problem I see with it is, I will have a hard time being satisfied with anything other than Kidd trigger. Thanks again." TC
09-02-04 "Hi! Just received the shipment from you today, and I
must say I like what I see! Your trigger is by far the best I've
tried on a 10/22! As we say in Norway: "No one above, no one
aside"! This is just superb! Thanks a lot! I can guarantee I
will tell people about you any chance I get! Keep up the good work!"
Haakon
07-28-04 "Marypat, Received the trigger today. Thanks for your customer service, and for providing a quality product to the 10/22 community." Michael
06-14-04 "Tony, I received my trigger set for my 10/22 last week and all I can say is WOW! Definitely one of the most worthwhile upgrades to my rifle. After the addition of a bull barrel, laminated stock, glass bedding and recoil buffer it shot better but I still pulled off target during release. I took apart the factory trigger assembly, stoned the hammer and sear, reassembled it, and it was a little better but not much. I then ordered your trigger. Every shot is now where I place it! Everyone who has tried it has the same response, "WOW, what a smooth trigger!" Thanks again, I'm a satisfied customer. Jerome"
06-13-04 "Ok... I got it Saturday and then went to buy a 10/22. Put it in and shot it today... AWESOME!!! I'm not one given to overstatements or the use of superlatives, but this is AWESOME... Michael"
03-12-04 "Tony, Maripat, and Company- I received my order for a KID match trigger for my Ruger 10/22 yesterday. In a word, it is AWESOME. This is the trigger I always wished I could get for a 10/22. I shot Varsity Rifle for The Ohio State University for 4 years while in college (graduated 1982)and got spoiled by the excellent 2 stage triggers on those competition rifles. All triggers I have ever used on sporting 22LR rifles since that time have been disappointing, until now. Thanks for designing and offering such a fine product. Along with the heavy match barrel I had already installed, the KID trigger has transformed my 10/22 into a fine shooting instrument. I look forward to many hours of enjoyable shooting with this fine trigger. Respectfully, Jim Eberhart"
03-5-04 "Your trigger and my Volquartsen Ultralight- the rifle was okay with the VQ trigger, but adding yours made it indispensable! I love it and can't enjoy a 10-22 without it. I like it better than any Anschutz trigger I have tried. Thanks! Jim Davidson"
09-09-03 "Just wanted to drop a line and let you know this is the best product I've ever put on my 10.22's other than my current barrel... Spent years installing and trying different parts, going to gunsmiths, putting different triggers in, polishing them, tuning them, and then going to Volquartsen parts when they came on the market, and the KIDD trigger is the best I've ever had. Bottom line, I wasted hundreds of dollars over the years trying to get that perfect trigger for these click-clacks, and now, here it is....... :) Thanx again..ps... Will be ordering a couple more soon. Need one for Xmas for my jealous buddy after he shot mine this weekend, and will need a modified one for my Volquartsen 10/17 Deluxe with the shorter Volquartsen bolt they put in there...... Thanx again.......... John"
The KID Two-Stage Match Trigger used by Troy Lawton to win: