Forgive my hypocracy here... I am a dyed-in-the-wool revolver fancier. In fact, my only evil-bottom-feeder is a Ruger MKII .22. Even if you can afford a new ten shot S&W 617, which is a very nice revolver, I'd get a MKII first. You just can't have any more fun plinking than you can with a MKII, whether it is a bare-bones blued 4" or the Govt Comp 6 7/8" top-of-the-line model, and some cheap ammo (Federal Lightnings - my MKII loves them - $7.90/brick!). They range new from a bit over $200 to $400 at my local dealer. Extra mags, and they come with two, are economical and readily available. And... talk about dependable - and ready and available hop-up goodies - they are super. No, I am not opionated at all...
The only dissappointing time I have ever had at the range with my MKII was the day I forgot my magazines. They are not so much fun as a one shot... Yeah, I know, the range's store actually had new ones on the wall... but I am frugal (cheap) - and I already had eight. Fortunately, I had my revolvers - and proper ammo... Even a bad day at the range is fun...
Stainz