If your gonna do upgrades, look into the 10/22T model. Out of the box, with all the goodies you would install in a Carbine model. My 10/22T will out shoot, and out perform the my carbine model. From the factory. And cheaper than building one. I got a buddy that has over $1000 into his 10/22.
It's either that or you buy a carbine and fix it up.