My advice to you is obtain some of each and enjoy them both.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
I think that's the way forward. I have a 17 HMR right now, but no 22 LR rifle.
Doesn't everybody NEED at least one personalized Ruger 10/22?
For under $500 you could get a 10/22 with a modular copper mica stock from CDNN for $219, a replacement high comb stock module for around $20 on eBay, a replacement BX trigger for around $55, and a replacement barrel from Green Mountain for around $200.