i would stay away from ruger personally, they are really heavy!
you can't go wrong with smith and wesson revolvers, at least .357caliber or higher. nothing wrong with semi-autos, some of the older semi-autos used to jam, but if get a quality brand, and shoot good ammo, you shouldn't have a problem.
I have a springfield armory XD .40cal that has over 1,000rds go thru it, and have never had a problem.
Walther makes a sweet little semi-auto .22 as well