In addition to the Ruger 10/22, I'd encourage you to look at the Marlin model 60. The Marlin 60 is the world's highest selling sporting/commercial firearm, with over TWICE the sales as the Ruger 10/22 (yes, it has out sold the Winchester 94 too). Fantastically accurate, reliable, durable, and inexpensive. I can't say enough good about the Marlin 60.

I'm a huge 10/22 fan, but if I were forced to have only ONE 22, it would be a Marlin 60. The only downside to the Marlin is the tube magazine, which is only a downside if you consider it to be so. Takes me longer to reload 10/22 box mags than it does the Marlin tube magazine, so unless I REALLY need 20+ rnds all at once. The Marlin DOES hold 15, vs 10.

And the Marlin doesn't have a bad habit of dropping the magazine (and resultantly losing it) by snagging the mag release while you have it slung over your shoulder.