If you could find a used 10-22 with a good broken in trigger for $150 and added a Green Mountain factory contour barrel (don't use the barrel band) you would have a really nice .22 auto for around $300
Definitely one of the best "bang for your buck" options.
I've never done it but I bet that tuning a stock 10-22 could turn out a good shooter too. Sounds like fun if I had the time, and maybe I will in the future. But the GM barrels (and others) are very good quality and a big head start.
You'll still need to try different types of ammo though.
