So true, and a whole other discussion.Another direction is to influence the boys to shoot accurately at longer distances. .22LR bolt gun, decent glass, bipod, rear bag. Spotting scope for the spotter.
Anyone can pull the trigger fast. It takes real marksmanship and discipline to shoot well accurately.
The S&W M&P 15 in 22lr is a proven platform.
Thank you for the suggestion coincidentally I just realized I had over looked the M&P 15/22LR as a very viable and reliable platform.
I also considered the 10/22 and still might end up with it as its as good a GP semi-auto 22 as can be bought. I asked about the 597 and the GSG-16 as I have no real 1st hand experience with either. I have many friends who own 10/22's and all have been quite satisfied. I was just looking for something different as long as it equaled the 10/22's reliability and durability. Not looking to do any custom work at this point.