I keep my bipod folded out on the lowest setting to help with the weight.
I've also got the lighter barrel, I think a varmint barrel on a 22LR is a bit too heavy.
There are after market stocks available, but they are costly. May be someone could help with a butt insert, like you get on shotguns.
Will require some fiddling.
The other thing to get is a gunslinger Corral http://www.gunslingercorral.com/
It attaches to your belt and then clips around the butt of your rifle while it's over your shoulder. I use mine with the 17 which has a 20" varmint barrel.
Good luck.