I tend to fall into the "I like older Smiths camp," but the last .22 lr I bought was brand new. It's a Model 43C, which fits your short-barrel preference.
It's an all-aluminum Centennial so easy, no-snag carry and, oh, so light. I put on Hogue Tamer grips, and it's simply a pleasure to shoot. There is a .22 mag equivalent, but they don't have interchangeable cylinders.
If you truly wouldn't mind changing calibers and going back some years, I'd heartily recommend a Model 30 (round butt) or 31 (square butt) in .32 Long. Nothing but fun to shoot! Before Model numbers (about '58) these were called .32 Hand Ejector and .32 Regulation Police, respectively. They were built on the I-frame, and their J-frame equivalents became the Models 30-1 and 31-1.
One guy's thoughts.
Bob
__________________
Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
|