The Smith Model 617 is a great revolver and does not run $1000 in stores. Good 22 rimfire revolvers have always been expensive. You get what you pay for pretty much as I started out with Tier II and III guns (H&R, Ruger at that time, High Standard, Charter Arms, etc.) and within a few years moved to Tier I (S&W & Colt) manufactures almost exclusively. Taurus and Charter Arms make double action 22 revolvers, but I would suggest you do an honest comparison between a Smith and one of these before you make up your mind. Check out the NEW revolver just like you would a used revolvers as Taurus has a history of problems that require you to ship the gun back for repairs. In my case, a couple years go by and you end up paying even a higher price for the better revolver.
You can find Smith Model 17 and 18's at shows for sale in the $500-$650 price range. They sell pretty easily. So when you find one, you buy it and you have a quality lifetime shooter. The Colt double action 22 revolvers are very good too. The least expensive is the Trooper Mark III which can be found on the auction sites as well as shows and gun shops as used guns. Price is about the same as I mentioned. Colt Diamondbacks and Officers Model Match and others are a bit more expensive, but quality handguns.
Of the single actions, the best currently made is the Ruger Single Six. Colt made some very good ones in the past (Peacemaker and New Frontier). The Heritage Rough Rider is about the least expensive 22 SA revolver available new. They have their supporters and detractors. But for the money and if you don't shoot thousands of rounds through them monthly, they should last a while but probably not a lifetime.