And with a 3" heavy barrel and round butt as another option!! Like you, I am enjoying my 22 M&P which shipped in October of 1968. It has become a safe queen lately so I'd like the same gun I can take to the range in the rain and not worry.
I'd vote for one in stainless, tapered barrel and all. I'm for the round butt frame since you can always put conversion grips on it but would fit small hands.