Super featherweight Ruger 10/22

[RK808]

Hey guys, I was looking to start a new project. It ain't gonna be the prettiest rifle I have, but it'd be fun to do and nice to have during backpacking trips and such. I was thinking about removing as much of the fore end and buttstock on the OEM wood stock on the 10/22 and slapping a small, lightweight scope for it. My question is two-fold: Is this a good idea and if so, could I toss the barrel band and do a cheap free float? I'll photoshop a picture sometime and post what I had in mind. Thanks guys!

[Solid Foundation]

Don't see why not, the barrel is firmly bolted to the receiver. There are plenty of fancy aftermarket stocks that have little to no contact with the barrel beyond the receiver.

[BayouBullets]

Is there a serious cost issue? Blackhawk makes a lightweight adjustable stock for about $80. It's a totally open fore end. You'd have sling mounts already attached. You could always take the wood off, hawg out the interior, and cut down the length a little. I wouldn't cut too much off though. Wood doesn't cope well with being cut off too close to a structurally dependent aperture. You'll end up with the stock cracking off.