The 18 (4" medium K-frame) would be a great choice, I sure like mine, but it's blued. Of course, it could always be cerakoted.
Just my totally subjective opinion, but a blued older Model 17 - 6" K frame (medium frame) with no underlug, is just about unbeatable for a combination of accuracy, great sights, good sight radius and great trigger pull in a revolver that, while heavy for a .22, won't drag your pants down. Then have it cerakoted for rust protection.
They are a used market proposition only and folks are proud of them, but there are enough out there in good mechanical shape but with bluing wear that it wouldn't break the bank to buy one and then have it refinished with a protective coating anyway.
Smith still makes the 6" 17.
Travis
