The 3 that I have been the happiest with are:
S&W K-22 (older one, made in the early 50s)
S&W M-63 Kit Gun
Ruger Mk-2 with Standard barrel.
All around these 3 have been the best for "real world" shooting, in my experience.

I have owned 25-30 others in 22 LR over the last 45 years, including some very expencive and fine ones.

Brownings, (3)
High standards, (2)
Colts, (4)
Berretta, (1)
Walther, (1)
Rugers, (7)
Freedom Arms, (1)
Taurus (2)
S&W (6)
And a few others.

I would still go for those 3 above over all the others.
But that's just me