For some reason, I REALLY don’t like the Ruger. Don’t like the way it looks, don’t like the way it feels in my hand. Don’t know why.
While .22 ammo is certainly cheap for practicing, 9mm is also pretty cheap, and if you went with something like a walther pps, you would probably enjoy shooting it, more than a ladysmith. The Walther PPS is also MA compliant.
I have a PPS, and could shoot it all day long. I also have a Smith & Wesson 642, and even changing the trigger spring, my hand gets tired after about forty rds. The Walther, I can go seventy rds before my trigger finger is exhausted.
Or you could just buy both guns because one isn’t really enough...