The response to my OP has been interesting and the number of responses/views totally unexpected. I went back and read all the responses and do appreciate the helpful suggestions/thoughts. No, I'm not Ruger-connected and looking for advocacy. Just looking for a fun .22 auto with hunting accuracy that can be tricked out at my option - not because it is necessary.
After cleaning the barrel, as much else as possible without a total take down, and loading/unloading the rotary mag a few times, I made it to the range last night. Took a variety of ammo and spent about 3 hours having fun. Shooting was from a bench with my two elbows as the rests. The 10/22 was in a new Shooter's Ridge aftermarket thumbhole stock (very good fit) with a Bushnell 3-9-40 package scope on top. I had dropped the parallax - hopefully to about 60-75 yds. The scope had been installed/bore sighted at the shop.
The first 3 shots with Federal 510 were within a 3" circle at 25 yds. and the action functioned fine. Better than I expected and fine for me. Another five shots were in and around - no flyers and no malfunctions. Had a few American Eagle on hand and they also shot nice. Ran a patch through, then used some hollow point Remington Game Loads as these were good in a revolver. Not so good. Out of about 30, had two fail to loads and one fail to fire. Accuracy-wise they were OK and good enough to work the scope as it was about 6" low. Switched to mini-mags and CCI-SV once the scope was close. Both of these shot well and no problem with the action. By the end of the session and at 35 yds - I had a 10 shot group inside of a 2"x2" square and another 5 shot group inside of a 2"x1" square - both where I wanted them on the target.
Yes, there is a lot of creep in the trigger - but at least it was consistent. Not unlike the feel of the accu trigger on my Savage. Yes the pull is a little heavy - but I've had worse and it is not all that bad. For hunting and plinking, o.k. but for me, not as nice as my Mark 11. For now, I will shoot it as is.
My issue with the bolt lock release stands. I'm used to a handy, one thumb, positive release on my MP9 and imo, this should be expected from any automatic firearm. The two handed, awkward bolt release on the 10/22 is, imo, totally bush. I'll use it sparingly - only to clear a malfunction or when there is a delay on the firing line. I really like the safety on the front of the trigger guard.
Looking forward to bumping the accuracy a bit, but this probably has more to do with me than the 10/22. As the point has been made by others - if you want really high accuracy either be prepared to do lots of mods or look at a different rifle. $200-$300 rifles are what they are.
