Rimfirecentral is the Ruger 10-22 place. Anything you want to learn about them can be answered over there. I spent a couple of years there learning about 10-22's and now have eight of them. Mine are all tricked out in one form or another.
Your wallet dictates what level you want to get to when modifying a 10-22. You can go from next to nothing invested to $1700 depending on what you can afford.
If you have any specific questions as you proceed with your 10-22, just ask and someone here can help you also. The knowledge isn't only available on RFC as people here my know too.
Oh, one more thing, about barrels. You get what you pay for in terms of accuracy.
Martyn