Not sure I can give you any sound advise regarding how to proceed, but I can tell you that your receiver serial number, 801477, is not a low number receiver. The cut-off was 800000.
Second, 801477 is in the middle of a lot of USMC related numbers. Makes sense if you step-dad was career Navy.
Finally, I'm do not think you will find going the .22 route any easier them restoring it to 30-06. Parts for either are scarce and the cost will run you about the same. A 1922 barrel will be the challenge. They do show up, but you could wait months. I would look for a sporterized rifle, .22 or .30-06, and use the parts to restore your rifle.
Unfortunately, your tight time frame usually means higher costs.
Art
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