I am not sure why folks don't want to pay much for 'only' a .22. A good .22 will be shot more than any firearm you own. Excellence in workmanship, fine triggers, and superior accuracy are worth a premium in a gun that will be used this much. I may be nuts, but many of my .22s (rifle and handguns) cost more than most (but not all) of my centerfires. A cheap .22 looks and feels, well, CHEAP.