The only diffrence that i see is that there is a metal "band" wrapping around the barrel and forend of the stock with a place to attach a sling. i think it is on the carbine. i ask because i will probably do a bunch of crazy things to it.( pistol grip/folding stock, rail, electronic sight, MAYBE a laser for shits and giggles, stuff like that). Its just going to be a fun gun for cheap shooting. i may even get another one in the summer and try that gattling gun conversion thing i say in cabelas. I just dont want to get the rifle and then have all the afterparts fit the carbine or vise versa. Thanks for the help.

barrel length, stock and the barrel band are the difference.

all 10/22's can share parts with other 10/22's

on the rifle:

the reciever is marked rifle.
no barrel band
longer bbl.
flat shoulder on the stock
differnt stock (usually much nicer)

carbine:
reciever marked carbine
bbl. band
shorter bbl.
curved shoulder on the stock

thanks

is one better then the other for any reason or is it personal prefrence?

Both good.  

Please don't Tasco-ize it too much.  

If you add anything other then a few (metal lip) 30rd mags, and maybe a folding stock, baby Jesus will cry and hold you accountable for your sins.

Quoted: Both good.   Please don't Tasco-ize it too much.   If you add anything other then a few (metal lip) 30rd mags, and maybe a folding stock, baby Jesus will cry and hold you accountable for your sins.

dont worry. a folding stock and maby a scope are all that im plaing on. NO light or lasers or bipods or anything like that.