I'm thinking about finally picking one up, but reading quite a bit about how they've used cheaper component to keep costs down. Are these as rugged as I remember from when I was a kid? (I'm especially interested in the Mannlicher, but don't know how I'd feel about a plastic band at the end of it...)
Sounds like something a lot of old guys will bitch about with no proof. Sure the trigger groups have lots of plastic, compared to my 42 year old metal trigger, but they are tighter and better, though pretty much all 10/22 triggers suck.
I have 42 year old and 5 year old 10/22's, no problems with any and I haven't seen any decrease.