Is the Ruger 10/22 still the best .22 rifle?

The 10/22 is still the default for a reason: reliable, affordable, light, and backed by the biggest aftermarket of any rimfire, so it grows with you from stock plinker to tuned target rifle. Alternatives like the Marlin/Savage semi-autos or a CZ bolt gun are great too — a quality .22 bolt gun can be more accurate out of the box. But for value, support, and sheer fun, the 10/22 remains the easy recommendation for a first .22.