Finally gave in and picked up an M&P .22 Compact. I've been eyeballing one since before Christmas and finally pulled the trigger (see what I did there).
I ended up at $305 out the door which was $50-$100 cheaper than anywhere else around town.....hows that price compare?
I've put about 400 rounds through it of a few different types of ammo--CCI Minimags, Remington Thunderbolt, and Winchester Super X . Did fine with everything except Winchester which had 2 misfeeds out of only about 50 rounds.
I'm a relatively inexperienced shooter, but out of the box I was able to have 2" groups from 7 yards but I was about 2" high and right. Sights were very easy to adjust and I dialed it in.
Overall it's what I want it to be, fun.