You could do worse than a 22 - you could be without a gun. To your question about a S&W 22, I don't know the answer. I own a couple but neither is small enough to work as a carry piece. If it had to be a 22 I guess I'd go with the Walther P22 (made in part by S&W). I've really enjoyed mine for casual plinking and target practice. I can dump 10 rounds out of it in the blink of an eye and the muzzle never moves. Assuming all of those went into a live target I imagine it would be all over. About like being hit with a load of #3 buck from a 20 gauge.

Still, there are many better choices available.

Out
West