I've always owned a .22 rifle and pistol. My current ones are both Rugers. I have 30 year old Mark I ( I know, they didn't call them that when they were new but since they've come out with the Mark II and III I feel like it's appropriate) and I've put thousands of rounds through it. I recently had to buy a new magazine because the original had a weak spring (after 30 years) and I was having feed problems. It's a very accurate pistol. The rifle is a 10-22. I recently added a cheap Simmons scope and bought a 25 round after market magazine. Lots of fun and an excellent way to learn to shoot.
I had my dealer return it to Ruger and they refinished it to where it looked new for only $25. They even included a new box.
I like the 10/22 and there are so many accessories for it that it is pretty much the standard. They can be made to shoot great by experts but as they come are usually just so-so. The little Marlin model 60 is much cheaper and usually a lot more accurate. I do like the Ruger mag system better tho.