just got my first 10/22, now what?

[Alan]

Just picked up my first 10/22, and I already get why people love these things. Shoots great right out of the box, but what really sold me is how customizable it is.

I'm trying not to go overboard right away, but I'd like to slowly make it my own. Curious what upgrades or small mods you've done that made the biggest difference — or just made it more fun to shoot.

What's worth doing first?

 

[Cat Herder]

Trigger, always the trigger. The Ruger BX is a real upgrade but Kidd triggers seem to be the sweet spot though they aren't cheap. Just my $.02 worth.

 

[Magus]

It depends. Do you have the metal or the plastic trigger group? if it's metal, leave it be,
If it's plastic, I'd put some money in a quality aftermarket adjustable. How much are you willing to
do? you can free float the barrel channel with a hand rasp and keep the band intact, OR... you can bed the barrel channel with bronze or aluminum strips to see if it increases accuracy, and if so, bed it with Acraglass or epoxy.
Old 10/22 hint:
your scope ought to cost almost as much as your rifle, or you're backing up!
I have a couple of 10/22 rifles, one is practically stock with only a light rail, a Bushnell scope, and 25-round magazines. the other was modified for backpacking back in the 90s with a Ram Line folding stock, an Aimpoint dot scope, 30-round Ram Line mags, and a lightweight barrel, and it weighs 3.5 pounds empty. I'm contemplating buying one of the new Ruger wood and steel stocks; however, I used to be an A-team fanboy, LOL the only real accessory on my radar is a threaded barrel.