The "Kit Guns" (M-34, 35, 43, 51 and the stainless equivalents) and M17 are totally different in feel and use; they just work the same.
You need to handle both types and decide what you want to use your .22 for, and then how the two types feel in your hands.
In general, if you are mainly interested in a compact, light revolver for plinking and casual outdoor carry, the J-framed ("Kit") .22s will probably seem best. If you are also going to be shooting paper for score or hunting small game, the K-frames are much steadier platforms.
I don't plink or paper punch much any more, so my current Smith .22 holdings are a 4" M651 .22 WRM (in my hiking and fishing kit) and an 8 3/8" M48 .22 WRM for small game hunting and pest control (a kinda "baby rifle").
