I'm not a huge fan of the 10/22, but for what you are looking for I would have no trouble suggesting it. If you want to start out plinking it is a fine gun with mid range prices. If later you want to start target shooting the options for this gun are pretty much limitless. It is hands down the best the platform to modify. Sort of the like the 350 chevy of .22's.

I am actually thinking of getting one pretty soon. I just want a beat up POS with a decent reciever so I can start from scratch and change everything else.

Paul