The 597 would make a nice tent peg.
As far as a nice .22, IMHO, maybe take a look at the Kimber or the T/C .22 target. Both are 1 hole shooters with most ammo and do not reqiure all the extra " gunsmithing" that the Ruger will, to shoot the same.
I have had several Ruger 10/22' s and love them. Mine are all tweeked out and ready to race. Shoot 1 hole groups. Cost and additional $500 to get it that way. (starting with a base model)
If you are absolutely sold on the Ruger, give their 10/22T a serious look. All of the upgrades for not much more $' s.