:cb2: Jim, I know the sticker shock of a new S&W 617 is rough, but I promise--if you save up and get one you will never be sorry you did. It is the best DA .22 revolver on the market. Believe it or not, it is worth the money. It is really accurate and I have taken more squirrels with mine than with any other gun I own, and that includes my two .22 rifles. (But then I'd rather hunt with a handgun any day!)
If you just can't see paying that much for a .22, I'll throw out two alternatives. One is the Ruger SP101 (like pastorp suggested). The longest barrel it comes in is a 4" but it is a really fun plinker. Like the S&W 617 it is built on a .357 frame and will last for several generations. The other is also a Ruger, the SA .22 Bisley. If you are used to shooting DA revolvers, you'll like the longer Bisley grip. It has the longer barrel, 6.5", you are looking for, and it is a great way to ease into SA shooting. However, I must warn you. Once you get a SA .22, there is no way to stop the SA bug once you've been bitten. You will have to get another in a larger caliber. And then another . . . and another . . . and another . . . . :eek: