I too started with a Ruger RPR rimfire. I competed in NRL22 and Outlaw 22 matches for about a year. The Ruger shot well, but would throw occasional flyers. I upgraded the barrel, and the flyers were gone. Then upgraded the trigger, added some weight, an Arca rail, etc. I was able to finish top 3 pretty consistently, but began to feel the rifle was holding me back. I fell into a deal on a Vudoo, and set it up to match my PRS rifle. The rifle is no longer limiting, my skill however sometimes is
Sorry for the rambling reply. The 22LR competitions are a blast, and you can compete on whatever level you want. You can go to have fun, you can go to win your class, or you can go to win overall. What you can’t do is buy ability. Decide what your goal is, decide what your budget is, and then practice a lot. As with most skills IMHO there aren’t really any shortcuts.