The 10/22 was immediately popular upon its release.
It was designed as a quality adult gun with adult ergonomics and not a stereotypically cheap "youth rifle".
 It was styled as reminiscent of the U.S. 30 caliber M1 carbine adding to its appeal.
Its easy handling characteristics, negligible recoil, and inexpensive ammunition nonetheless make it ideal for young or inexperienced shooters.
It is very popular for small-game hunters and those who want an inexpensive rifle for firing inexpensive ammunition for target and plinking use.
This popularity has led to many after-market modifications being available to improve performance, augment the rifle's looks, or increase its magazine capacity, making the 10/22 one of the most customizable firearms ever made.

Custom manufacturers also make "clones" of the 10/22, which are similar in design (most parts will interchange) but built to much higher specifications and costs.
The 10/22 barrel uses a unique two-screw, V-block system to attach the barrel to the receiver, making removal and replacement of the barrel (which would require a gunsmith's work with most other rifles) very easy.
This, when combined with the simple construction of the rest of the components, means that the average person can easily replace any part in the gun with nothing more than a screwdriver, a hex key and simple punches.
The 10/22 was immediately popular upon its release. It was designed as a quality adult gun with adult ergonomics and not a stereotypically cheap "youth rifle".  It was styled as reminiscent of the U.S. 30 caliber M1 carbine adding to its appeal. Its easy handling characteristics, negligible recoil, and inexpensive ammunition nonetheless make it ideal for young or inexperienced shooters. It is very popular for small-game hunters and those who want an inexpensive rifle for firing inexpensive ammunition for target and plinking use. This popularity has led to many after-market modifications being available to improve performance, augment the rifle's looks, or increase its magazine capacity, making the 10/22 one of the most customizable firearms ever made.
Custom manufacturers also make "clones" of the 10/22, which are similar in design (most parts will interchange) but built to much higher specifications and costs. The 10/22 barrel uses a unique two-screw, V-block system to attach the barrel to the receiver, making removal and replacement of the barrel (which would require a gunsmith's work with most other rifles) very easy. This, when combined with the simple construction of the rest of the components, means that the average person can easily replace any part in the gun with nothing more than a screwdriver, a hex key and simple punches.
Ruger 10/22