Skip the .22 and get yourself one of the limited production RARs in 17HM2 that SAS has at Whittakers.
Their price for these rifles is less than $350 shipped to your local dealer, leaving you a couple hundred dollars left in your budget to optics and ammo.
Once you start shooting tree squirrels with a 17HM2, you will be a convert and will be singing its praises and driving your hunting buddies nuts.
