[bpeezer]

I am considering buying my first 10/22, and I am looking for a little help with selection. I am willing to put a little money into it, but the availability of accessories is overwhelming. I know that I want a stainless steel bull barrel and a laminate thumbhole stock, but everything else is getting away from me.

Would it be better to buy the cheapest 10/22 I can find, and put my money towards a higher end stainless barrel? Or should I buy one of the target models that already come with a stainless bull barrel? If I do buy a separate barrel, how difficult can I expect installation to be?

I am planning on getting the stock from Boyds for ~$100. For the rifle+stock+barrel I would like to stay under $700. Does this seem reasonable enough? Thanks for your help!