The "best" from a pure shooting stand point would have to be the Smith K-22, 6 inch, I had back in the 60's. Hate to admit how many quail, doves, and squirrels I shot with it. Killed a hawk at 125 yds. once. Ground squirrels up to 50 yds. were in real danger. It would put all six into 1 1/2 inches, outside spread at 25 yds.
I couldn't leave it alone. Had a four inch barrel put on it. Big mistake.
On a four inch gun, I like a little extra weight from a full lug barrel.
My current .22 hunting pistol is a Ruger Single Six. Not because it shoots better, it doesn't shoot quite as well. I use it because it can fire the .22 Rimfire Magnum ammo. Makes a real difference on live targets. E
