The gun calls to me, has since it was announced; I do like the .22WMR round.
I've tried it out (borrowed at the range), and the build and ergonomics don't suit my preferences (a.k.a., boo on plastic guns). That said, it functioned perfectly a hundred times, I shot it accurately, and the fellow that owns it also hasn't complained. Price is right, so if the design wasn't so hideous I'd have one!
The ammunition situation has improved starting almost a year ago, but it was dry for a couple before that when everybody was hoarding regular .22 and the manufacturers didn't make the magnum. Best is to scope Cabela's or some other big stores, they get some CCI Maxi Mags in the Troy Landry ‘Choot Em’ bulk boxes from time to time, and CCI has held their pricing better than others.
They changed the specification, so the early barrel should only be an issue if you grab it used, no?
If I did buy one, it would be my most serious temptation to remove a rivet…