22 is the way to go, as you said its cheap shooting. I have 3 Ruger 22's 2autos a mark II NRA I bought because I liked the looks, turned out my wife liked the way it shoots. I then got an older Mark I with a bull barrell I put a red dot on that one. My dad passed away and I now have his single six whichcomes withtwo cylinders, 1 for the magnum.I dont use the magnums too much, they cost more and a 22 LRworks just as good on small game IMHO.We sometimes shoot silhoutte in the winter and I usally use one of the 22s. We also have a couple of SW's 357 & 38 and PPK 380 a 1911 45 cal and 30 cal luger. Hands down the 22's get the most use. I am a ruger fan because of I like them and they have tons of accesories available for them. Good luck with your quest!