I bought one of the very first Ruger 10/22 rifles, serial #66XX. It was a truly great rifle and more accurate than succeeding 10/22s. I have heard that the barrels for the first 10/22, were from a custom barrel maker.
No question, that in my mind, the magazine is without peer.
Well, I passed that rifle to a grandson several years ago..then built up 3 10/22s with custom barrels etc., which I have distributed to grandsons.
A couple years ago, when I was at a low ebb with .22 autos. I purchased a Thompson Center TCR22.
The TCR22 has many features we wish were built into the originals, here's a partial list;
1) Magpul co-branded, ergonomic, lightweight OD Green composite stock with modern contours offers durability and quick handling
2) M-Lok® slots under forend area allow accessory mounting
3) Last shot bolt hold-open when using factory magazine
4) Fully machined 6061 aluminum receiver
5) Fully machined stainless steel bolt
6)Large bolt handle provides easy cycling action 9)
7) Crisp trigger
Button-rifled barrel provides outstanding accuracy..
9) Easy-to-use push-button safety
10) Has proprietary magazine, and accepts 10/22 magazines or any aftermarket
11) Built-in picatinny rail for easy mounting of optic
12) Molded-in sling swivel studs
13) Threaded muzzle for mounting muzzle devices
14) Adjustable peep sight and front sight with fiber optic insert
15) Cleaning from the breech end is possible after field stripping the rifle
16) Compatible with most aftermarket 10/22® parts and accessories The bolt and other machined parts seem to be more refined than the 10/22. Of course, thanks are given for Bill Ruger's original design, without which this rifle could not be made, had some Ruger patents not run out..
The TCR22 comes in a few bucks more than the 10/22, but the above features placed upon the 10/22 would cost
hundreds more. I'm guessing the stock alone would make up any difference.
The rifle handles beautifully..and is very accurate.
https://www.tcarms.com/firearms/semi-automatic/t-cr22