From a functional standpoint, they're not any better platform to start with than a std. carbine.
I bought this particular one for several reasons:
1) I wanted to start this project with a SS, and (IIRC) this one costs about the same at Walmart as a SS std. carbine does at the gunshop.
2) The full-size stock..... with adult LOP, full-length forearm, no barrel band, rubber buttpad, slightly higher comb, etc.
3) I liked the idea of having a 22" barrel to tinker with, with a front sight dovetail already on it.
I plan to buy a set of Williams WGRS rear peeps and Lyman 17A hooded (higher) front sight, and a set of Shaver inserts. The 4" longer sight radius should aid accuracy when using the peep sights. I also plan to send this barrel to Randy at CPC to have his set-back/re-chamber job, and either handlap the bore myself or at least polish it with Bore Paste and treat with MolyFusion. I already have another receiver and Hogue OM stock with std. barrel channel to put it in.
I'm slowly building up my "cache" of 10/22 parts, esp. diff. stocks and barrels, every chance I get. It's such a "modular" platform that changing out stocks, barrels, sights, and scopes to get diff. configurations makes it a tinkerers dream!!
Oh, about that stock..... I sanded out the barrel channel to fit the GM .920 barrel, using a ~15" piece of 3/4" CPVC pipe wrapped with one layer of double-stick tape and one layer of 60 grit sandpaper. Came out to just the right diameter. It's birch wood, relatively soft, so it's not as hard to sand out as if it were walnut. If you do this, be sure and seal the sanded surfaces, to keep out moisture. I just used some Tung Oil I already had.
Good Luck, Good Shootin'
