Take 2hrs of Range Time and call us in the morning.
You are only getting started.
The factory barrel will surprise you. It is only when it heats up that accuracy will suffer. They don't shoot bad out of the box.
A scope will allow you to see better at range, but the iron sights are good practice and effective.
Before you swap the barrel, do something with the trigger. The stock trigger pull is way too heavy, so put an aftermarket one in it.(also think about a bolt buffer, ext. mag release while you are at it.)
After that, ask yourself what you are using it for. If you want to hunt with it, don't put a 10lb Thumbhole laminated wood silouhette stock on it.(bling,bling!) You have to be able to carry it. You can find a variety of stock/barrel combos available that will fit your needs. A synthetic stock/fluted barrel will hunt well, but will be a little more money.
The beauty of a 10/22 is that it is almost as modular as an AR. Have fun with it. Your rifle will evolve into the tool you need for the events you participate in. Who knows, you may find that you need another one!
