The 10-22 is a rimfire rifle and does not fall into the assault weapons catagory.
Yep. You can spend a lot of money on upgrades. Or not. Examples:
Bone stock 10-22 was $125. (My discounted price at the time)
Stainless steel bottom folding stock was $150.
Leopold fixed 6X scope was $210.
Threaded end barrel was $50.
Factory magazines were 10 for $100.
Clip release lever was $5 ( highly recommended)
Adjustable peep sights were $90 ( threaded barrels don't have a front blade)
FWIW:
Probably the most reliable .22 auto ever mass produced when used with 10 round FACTORY made magazines. After market high capacity magazines have been, uh, LESS than reliable.
Barrels and replacement parts of every description and material are available and "bolt in". I got a new steel, threaded end barrel with hard chromed rifling for $50. There is even a barrel that is powered by ram set blanks that fires arrows at 900 fps
I have found that RWS Subsonic long rifle ammo is EXTREMELY accurate out to 50 meters. Remmington subsonic sucks.
The "assault" classification guide for center fire weapons: Any three of the bellow stated characteristics may classify your otherwise legal weapon into an assault weapon catagory.
1. Folding stock, factory or otherwise.
2. Capable of accepting a high volume magazine.
3. Threaded end barrel whether factory or not.
4. Bayonet lug.
5. Pistol style grip ( If the ATF so chooses, even a thumbhole stock can be counted )
On top of the list should be that the 10-22 is fun to shoot, and shoot, and shoot.