You are right. We have a High Standards stub nose, 9 shot .22mag with a 1 inch barrel, double action. The pull through is pretty hard but up close and personal it gets the job done. Much better weapon. But you can hardly find one anymore.
I would not waste my money when I can get SW stubbie in .38 special for around $400 or a Bersa .380 for $299.
22 mag is a far different round than the 22lr and while not the best SD round, it if far better. I have a couple 22wmr handguns, one four inch and one 5 3/4 inch. I also had a 22lr snubbie years ago...... it was near useless for me.