I admit up front, I am a bit impulsive and I like getting things. So I've got my 1103 Ruger which is fully acceptable and adequate, especially at my probably skill level. But if I wanted to satisfy the getting and having another new toy bug what would be a step up in capability? I'm aware of the Bergara BXR and the Tippmann M4-22 Elite Hunter. I suspect there are others I don't know of though. Bonus points if it uses 10/22 mags but by no means mandatory. Oh, and as nice as KIDD etc. are they are out of my budget range. Max ~$800 OTD to leave room for a scope/mounts.
Oh, and born with two left thumbs so a grab bag of best parts from KIDD etc. isn't ideal as that would add significant fees for gunsmithing I wouldn't want to mess up myself.
Look at the Ruger Custom Shop lineup. They have several iterations of the 10/22. I have two different ones and am pleased with them.
https://ruger.com/micros/customShop/
I would say, staying around your budget this is what I would suggest.
The BXR or the 1022 carbon look to be great models. I would be more interested in the BXR, I like the stock more on the BXR.but they are different rifles with a different philosophy in their design. Christianson Arms also makes the Ranger, bolt action, and it accepts 1022 mags. The Tippmann isn't my cup of tea.
Personally, It looks like Ruger just released some new models and the standard configuration is now coming with the BX trigger and an auto bolt release which is very cool.
Grab the new 32002 which looks like it's about $250 street. Upgrade the stock to something with LoP and cheek adjustment. Cap the price at $300. The Magpul XHunter is ~$150, Victory Company Titan22 ~$200, and MDT makes the field stock at ~$300 which I'm interested in. Throw the rest of your money into a scope, tech sights, ammo and more Appleseed events.
Maybe a green mountain bull or target barrel.
But the BX trigger is a fantastic trigger for the money and now that it's standard, it's a great deal
If you are handy at the gun bench, i use a specific parts for 10/22s that dont cost a fortune and build a very nice gun. the tech sights are awesome if youre not rocking an optic. for the trigger i use the clarke customs drop in kit, 3 lb trigger, cheapst on the mkt. Green Mountain bull barrel( if you do this youll either have to buy a stock or mod your factory stock) and I like the extended mag drop lever, and the extended bolt handle AND the bolt auto release. The clark customs trigger will change the character of the gun, ive used them on several and for many years and always get awesome results(hint, if you polish the engagements before you install, you will get 2.75 lbs. every pull) THe stock i used is a boyds varmint stock with the swelled grip and the high comb with the .920 barrel channel, i got it unfinished from midway. I also glass bedded the stock. :snipersmi
LDB415, I know you said you were born with two left thumbs. I share the affliction. Around the house, if a project calls for anything more than turning a screw or hammering a nail, I call for a pro. Good news! The 10/22 can be worked on with just a good set of hex keys, some punches, and small hammer for driving said punches. Some barrels are easier to fit if you have a heat gun and/or a rubber mallet, but some will just fit in. The barrel is retained by something called the v-block, which in return is held in place by two screws. It's not hard to work on. Since a detail cleaning of the 10/22 requires you to remove the trigger anyway (can't get the bolt out with the trigger installed), you'll need to learn to do a lot of this work anyway.
To be that guy, the best rifle upgrade is a case of ammo and range time. I have seen people with race guns shoot medium qualifying scores and think they are that good, but would not qualify with a rack rifle. You learn a lot more as a shooter with a OK rifle than an awesome rifle.
The 10/22, while it is not the best 22 rifle out of the box, has, due to the aftermarket available, the capability to be the best after minor work. That minor work is sling, then sights. The BX trigger is enough. Perhaps another one that you could slowly drop in whatever parts you prefer is the right way. I would keep a stock 10/22 around to keep yourself honest.
I have 4 "old" 10/22's and the one on the way "new and improved" which will be my Appleseed rifle. The 4 old are 2 1103 hardwood carbines and 2 TD, one an eventual shooter/fun gun and the other a put away and keep NRA edition from some years ago (2014 maybe?). So one of the 1103's could become anything I want, that doesn't ruin the good looks of the stock.