Does anyone besides Smith and Taurus make a DA .22 LR revolver? I am thinking about getting rid of my Single Six and MK 2 and replacing it with a single pistol. A 9 or 10 shot DA pistol would be the best of both worlds. I would like a Smith but have a hard time shelling out 600 for a 22 pistol especially for like 10 bucks more I could get a 686.
This is a common misconception with double action 22 revolvers. It costs the manufacturer just as much to make the quality 22 as a 357 or whatever. It is always beyond my understanding why people think a quality 22 should cost less. Ammunition is a lot less and you'll probably shoot it 10x as much as the centerfire.
I would forget about Taurus. Forget about H&R's, Charter Arms, and the Ruger SP101. The Smiths and Colts are just so much better overall. What happened for me is I shot a H&R a lot for a coupe years. Then I shot a couple Colts and it became very clear that I was putting up with very poor triggers, average accuracy, and lots of burnt powder and lead fragments for a couple $100's at the time. With inflation, add more $$ to make up the difference, but the preformance is generally the same for the lesser quality double action revolvers. Never shot the H&R again after getting my first Colt. It sat for 4-5 years until I figured I would never shoot it again, so I dumped it.
I was looking at a new Model 63 Smith; 8 or 10 shot and 5" barrel. The grips were a bit small for me, but I like the gun and the trigger was much better than I expected on a J-Frame. Take a look at it. Yes, $600ish.
I really like the 4" Smith 617 also. Nice revolver!
Bought a Model 17 and Model 18 Smiths last year. They're good. Don't have a Model 34. You can still find good ones but the price has been climbing steadily as the retail price of the other Smith's climb.
I'ver heard that some of the old Dan Wessons were good, but are hard to find. Never shot one, but have handled them.
Buy a quality double action and it will last you a lifetime and more. Buy junk and you'll be replacing it in two years.
My only other thought is why do you have to "get rid of" your Ruger Single Six and Mark II? Both are very good 22's. The more the better as you can take a friend shooting.
Alternatives? My only alternative is a Colt. My choice would be a 4" Diamondback. Price is a bit more than the Smith's however. Still worth the price at $1000. The Colt Trooper Mark III costs less and is still a very very good 22 revolver. It is a lot heavier than the D-frame Diamondback, but is very good.
I don't believe you can go wrong with either one; it boils down to whether you want a J- or K-frame and how many shots you are ok with. Put them both in your hands and choose from there. Don't feel bad about the price tag, as you're saving money in the long run on ammunition. 
