BlkHawk73

Buy a used one and yes, it's very much possible. I can buy used, sell off the stock, barrel, barrel band and then have maybe $100-125 in the receiver, bolt assembly and trigger assembly. Extras such as a scope, or other unwanted accessories can bring that down less than $100. It is very doable.
Even buying new, you'll have $225 in the gun. Sell off the barrel and stock, you have $175 in it, barrel band...$165 or so. Buy an aftermarket receiver and you'll got that plus you'll pay shipping and transfer costs - already back up to $200 or more and you've got the trigger, bolt assembly still to go where as buying complete, you're ahead that far. Kinda forced to spend $80 minimum for a trigger assembly. Add in shipping you're at $100 +/-. Bolt...another $50+, handle $35+/-. So now with that starting from scratch you're up past what a new complete one costs and still haven't gotten to the stock and barrel yet. Figure $150 for a stock and you're at $350 +/- and lacking a barrel. Now the budget's started to take a hit and concessions and compromise kicks in and a lesser barrel than hoped for is all that's do-able. Figure $100-150 for a base level barrel. Up to $450-500 now and not done yet. Won't see the full potential of those fancy named parts with a lesser barrel. If the budget makes it this far, the scope, mount and rings still aren't done. This is where many really compromise and go cheap. Yup, makes sense...spend all the $$$ for fancy high-level parts and then cheap out on a scope.

So...does it really make sense for the casual plinker and informal target shooter to spend that extra $300+ when spending 1/3 less - or more - would get as good if not better end results at the range?

ZommyGun

Yep...it all comes down to budget and what parts you plan to replace the ones that are on the gun you buy with...simple as that...

Red already knows what he wants, how much it costs...he just wants to see what other people think...

shipoke

the most accurate 10/22 (3/4" @ 50yards) was one I bought at a mexican flea market in L.A. in 87, man it was rough, but I got it for $40, of my 3 10/22's, it was the most accurate. the last one I got ( a 97 model) was from outside a gunshow in B'ham Al. it was a mismatch, a take off version, silver receiver, blue barrel, and a beautiful birch stock, trigger work was already done. I gave $150 for it, shoots within a inch at 50yds , same as the new one I bought in 06 for $139. Each of these carbines are the same, but different. I gave away 2 of them to family members (young squirrel hunters) but kept the mismatched one, I just like it better, must be the color combo + trigger Anyway, cruise around gun shows on the lookout for bargains, these 10/22's are completely rebuild able so don't worry to much about appearances, use it to get a better price. Also look at the scope rail mounting holes on receiver, they can be bunged up, just drill & tap next size up and mount a pictinny rail. that alone can cut the price a lot. If the price is right I wouldn't be afraid to buy any 10/22. I'll make it my own anyway.

Red Green

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm having to put this on hold as I have a chance to purchase a 1954 Russian SKS in mint condition from a friend of mine. He has only put about 50 rounds through it and has been sitting in his gun safe. His eyesight is getting too bad, so he is selling some of his guns.