There's a lot of argument here and most of it seems to be based in opinion. How many .22 rifles have the folks here had that were NOT "rugged and reliable", whatever that means??? I can say that I have worn out a Marlin 60 but that's about it. I can also say that I have never had an issue with boltguns, pumps, leverguns or Ruger 10/22's. Although I must temper that with the fact that I have never abused my guns, intentionally or otherwise. I have never run over one with a truck, dropped one in the river for a few weeks or dropped one off a mountain. Bottom line is that a firearm is a mechanical device and any mechanical device can malfunction or become damaged to the point of being inoperable. Virtually any good quality .22 rifle, with sensible maintenance and care, will last at least lifetime of use. If not several.