I have been shopping for a Ruger 10/22 and have found out there are many variances. This question may be too vague but what is the differences in the styles? I have been to the website and done some comparing. The biggest difference I am seeing is the style of stock and the barrel length. I was wondering if you had any input and performance notes.

Get the basic model. They are accurate right out of the box. After-market customization parts are readily available. Barrels, stocks, trigger groups, action parts are all out there. Set your own custom rifle up.

What do you want out of the rifle? Just a plinker? A target rifle?

For what it's worth, by the time you buy a standard model and build it up with aftermarket parts to make a target rifle, you have WAY more expense into it than you would have had into the 10/22 Target. Now, if you have VERY high expectations for accuracy and performance, then you'll be looking at a custom rifle anyway, so none of the Ruger models are sufficient from factory.

The target rifle will deliver 1MOA out of the box. A little better ammo and a better trigger and you'll kick under 1MOA pretty easily.

Personally, I have NO use for any rifle with a "barrel band", so that'd be the one that I would avoid. If you're just looking for a plinker, then pretty much any of them will suit you just fine.

The intent of the gun is something for my son to learn on. Something that is accurate and consistent enough to build confidence and also teach fundamentals. Everything I have heard and read says the 10/22 and when I started shopping for one I realized the multiple variations.

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.

+1

Proud owner of the recently released Anniversary Edition.

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/Firear...ding/60DLX.asp

+ 1 ....Marlin also has dual extractors, an inline recoil spring and a much slimmer profile. Not nearly as many upgrades but I prefer them.

I found a used (looks brand new) etched walnut stock Sporter model a couple yrs back at a local gun show for $200. I put a Nikon 4x32 ProStaff scope on it and it will flat drive nails.
I've shot many of the cheaper "band" models and they do shoot good but for me I like to added looks of the Sporter.