Ruger 10-22's probably have the biggest variety of aftermarket performance upgrade of any of the .22 rifles. Out of the box, 10-22's tend to have pretty crappy triggers...gritty, creep, and pretty hard pull...so I'd consider getting the trigger worked on. There might be local guys where you are that can do that kind of work, but I've found three different solutions for getting an excellent trigger pull on a 10-22 (I've used all three on the three 10-22's I own):
- Replace the entire trigger group (two-pin drop out, couldn't be simpler). I used a Volquartsen TG2000 trigger group
https://www.volquartsen.com/products/205-tg2000 . I found it on sale at Midway for $179, but they're currently $219. Two pound pull, overtravel and takeup completely adjustable. Another option that's reportedly good is the trigger group from Kidd
http://www.coolguyguns.com/Single-Stage_p_29.html . More expensive at $235
- Rebuild your current polymer trigger group with a drop-in trigger, hammer, and sear replacement from Kidd
http://www.coolguyguns.com/Ruger-1022-t ... _p_95.html . $105, really excellent 2 1/4 lb pull. Simple install - can be done in minutes at your kitchen table.
- Send your trigger group out to have it re-worked. I used Brimstone Gunsmithing
http://www.brimstonegunsmithing.com/rug ... rk-tier-3/ . You can specify the trigger pull. It's not quite as good as the above two options, but it's still excellent and is only $35.
One other thing to consider relative to smooth and reliable function of a 10-22 is sending the bolt out to get re-worked. I've used Que Custom Bolt
http://sites.google.com/site/quesplace/ . For $35, he'll square the face, set the headspace (notoriously variable from the factory), radius the edges, pin the firing pin (to keep it inline for more consistent ignition). For another $10 he'll add a Volquartsen extractor (more consistent extraction), and for an additional $15 he'll jewel the exposed surface (cosmetic).
Both Que and Brimstone are sponsors over at RimfireCentral.com, and have excellent reputations at that very busy rimfire discussion forum.
Relative to scopes, I have several and like them all. If you want a variable 3-9x, consider the Nikon 3-9x40 BDC rimfire $149...(rimfire versions have parallax adjusted to 50 yards instead of the 100-150 yards for a centerfire rifle scope). The bullet drop compensator works great. I also have a Leupold 2-7x28...nice low profile, fine reticle $200, and I have a Mueller 4.5-14x40 APV with adjustable objective, great scope and a bargain at $120.
