BearGriz, there are a lot of 22 revolver threads floating around. For the price, a new Ruger SP-101 is hard to beat, but it will have a heavy (but generally smooth) trigger pull. $500 is about right on them give or take.
Arguably the best 22 revolver currently manufactured is the S&W 617. I prefer the 4" over the 6". I have a 6" S&W M17 that is a great revolver. The current 617 is a 10-shot versus the older ones that have a six hole cylinder. To me that makes little difference. But it is something to consider.
The other Smith & Wesson products currently made is the 3" Model 63 which has a smaller frame than the 617. Many like it, but it seems to be very difficult to find on. S&W previously made a 5" which was discontinued a couple years ago. I have one of those. I like it but have been constantly looking for it's sister a 3" to acquire also.
There are old M63's (usually 4") around in 22 and the snubbie M34 which many like. There was also the M18 which was a 4" (same frame as the M17) which is a great 22 revolver. During the transition from M17 to M617 (blue or nickel > stainless), there are some 4" M17's around with the full underlug.
The M317 is a alloy frame revolver (2" and 3") in 22. They are pocket sized but I lean toward steel framed 22 DA revolvers in general.
All of the older Colts are 6-shooters in 22. The least expensive of them is the Trooper Mark III which came in 4, 6, and 8" barrel lengths in nickel and blue. It is a great revolver, but many feel it is too big (and heavy) for a 22 but great in 357 mag. The Colt Diamondback and Officers Model Match are probably the best shooters but are generally more costly. The Diamondbacks have become collector items now and I guess the other Colts are as well to Colt collectors. Other Colts are the Cobra which is fairly hard to find in 22, and of course the single actions which are quite good. But I would probably buy a Ruger Single Six or Single-Ten if I wanted a new single action 22.
The Ruger LCR in 22 is also very good for a pocket sized 22 revolver.
Charter Arms makes the Pathfinder in 22LR. I have heard fairly good things about it for a less expensive revolver, but have no personal experience with them.
Taurus makes a couple 22 revolvers. Taurus quality seems to be hit or miss with their DA 22 revolvers. One is great and the next one makes multiple trips back to the factory for repairs. But they are fairly inexpensive as these things go.
There are old H&R DA 22 revolvers around for a modest price. They tend to be more utiltarian with a lesser fit and finish (as compared to S&W and Colt) and have a heavy trigger, but are reliable and many like them due to their cost.
So, it depends on your pocket book and what you are going to use it for in terms of barrel length and manufacturer.
