So, I may have lucked into a 10/22 Target

Personally, I'd avoid the target model, and start out with a base model, and customize to suit your needs. I've found that one can get a more accurate rifle better suited to ones individual tastes this way.


Also, this article is worth a read
http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/jun97bargain.html

I'd look out for a cheaper alternative like a $200 bone stock special and the aforementioned customizing to meet your needs. $400 is not an princely sum for the used target version but if it's not been treated to some work in the area of chamber, trigger, crown and proper cleaning you'll likely find it doesn't shoot any better than its half-priced cousin. Only way to discern condition is a careful inspection and a borescope.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but what I'm reading is: "It caught my eye, I've heard it's a rare bird known for accuracy and I'm interested at the asking price". I'd be wary with my money, your call on whether it might serve your purpose and if you've got the money to finess it if it does not. If you could inspect and try it first...maybe...maybe.

Just an FYI: Ruger warns against using longercase--than-spec hypervelocity rounds (Stingers) in older 10/22s and current 10/22s with match chambers (the target and tactical versions).

Mike

Warning or no, the 10/22T, and all other 10/22 variants do not come with match dimension chambers. Ruger cuts one dimension for all of their .22 barrels (should stress over-cuts) regardless of diameter or length. You can have it re-cut to a Bentz ("match dimensions" for an auto loader) but it won't have come from the factory with a chamber that favors accuracy.

As far as Stingers and the like, many people do shoot them but I prefer .22 WMR for increased velocity over odd spec ammo.

Try to find a nice beater for less money as a starting point. Buy a barrel from Kidd or F J fedderson do a couple basic trigger up your self . If you have any wood working skills open up the stock for a larger diameter barrel grades and start shooting small groups.

Fedderson and kidd both sell a tapered barrel and those in a 16" to 18" .22lr are all you need for a very accurate rifle.

I really liked the look of the 10/22T, especially the blued model. The spiral hammer forged barrel just looked cool! I also liked the laminated stock. I never owned one. I hear what the others are saying - that the same $ can be spent more efficiently to achieve better results, but for a factory option, a sub-$400 10/22T is a good deal where I'm from.

BridgeTooFar, is it blued or stainless?

For what it's worth, I did own a heavy barreled 10/22 for a while and found the heavy barrel to be, well, too heavy. If I were to go that route again, I'd find a lightweight target profile barrel.

$400 ish sounds high for a used 10/22 Target. I have one and despite what some say it will come pretty close to keeping up with my CZ452 Varmint and 52 pre-A. Just last week I picked up a 10/22 LVT (light varmint / target) it weighs the same as a Target but has a 20" tapered barrel, 4lb target trigger and close to a full size stock for $320 delivered. I'm hoping to do a test shoot next week.

I have a 10/22 Target model and I really enjoy it. I've had to work on the trigger to get it to shoot like I thought it should. Like AHFo3, I really like the spiral hammer forged barrel and the laminate stock. It is a heavy rifle and I wouldn't want to tote it around chasing squirrels all day.

Wow no one likes 10/22T?

I have one I bought in 2005 new, stainless with laminated stock. Love it, very accurate and trigger has worn in very nicely. Lotsa a good shooters gave given it a shot and it surprises them with accuracy and trigger feel. I know everyone always hears about the "bad" examples so here is a good story. I'm sure a custom with trigger work, etc could be made more precise...but this one is better than I am.

I like mine, it will stay as is.