The Browing Buckmark is a winner in my book, my dad has one and it has been a fun gun, the price (iirc) is good too.

My father-in-law got a Bretta Neos I think it is ULGY, and was a tad bit small for my big hands, but a good shooter, and would be easy to put a scope/red-dot on if you wanted.

I myself want/need a .22 pistol as well and will check this post to see what Our fellow dods recomend. I love the look and feel of SIG misquito, they had some problems first year or two but fixed everything from what I have heard, and it is a SIG. Another one that looks cool is the Walter P-22 lots of mixed reports on this one, it may be QC flaws or ammo pickky, but many love them, I find it a little "snug" in my hand which is almost comfortable on that pistol, but have never shot one. You mentioned the Rugers, there are a lot of models to chose from, so I can't say which one, but, the 22/45 has a 1911 style grip and many like that for cheap practice and/or a springboard to a real 1911. Another one that I just about never gets a bad rap is the CZ Kadet (yes with a "K"). Happy hunting P.O.P., and of course let us know what you get.