The HM2 is a great little gun. It can be a bit expensive for plinking, but the ammo is not much more than .22 match ammo to be honest.

Much better range than .22 and probably better accuracy. You also have the advantage of reduced ricochet with the V-max ammo.

They make EXCELLENT squirrel guns from what I understand.

I don't believe the prices are any different from a standard .22 either in the same model. I would look at getting her a Savage heavy barrel with the accu trigger if she is looking for an affordable accurate gun. And a mid priced scope, don't get a cheap POS scope for one these guns, they deserve better optics ( you don't need to spend 3 or 4 hunred dollars though).

That being said it's hard to beat the value and fun of a nice Marlin 60 in .22 long rifle. Or a simular .22 rifle.

I feel the 17 HMR is here to stay, I think the jury is till out on how long the HM2 will be around. Looks like a keeper right now though.

Paul