I own a couple of Heritages (6 and 9 shot) which are great for the money. Never had an issue with any of them. EEA has some nice mid-priced ones ($300 range) in both 6 and 8 shot. I bought the 8-shot. Then you can always to back to Ruger for more $$$$.

I have a Ruger New Single Six, and a Rough Rider. My Rough Rider is only two years old, and I have had trouble with it (a broken part in the cylinder locking mechanism). My Single Six is over twenty years old, and I have shot it a TON, and it has never given me any trouble. I don't like the safety on the frame of the Heritage. I also prefer an adjustable site like the rear site on the Ruger. You might be disappointed with the Heritage, since you've already owned the Ruger, and have experienced that kind of quality.

If you were familiar with the Ruger and could consistently hit what you shot at you should replace it with a like Ruger. A bit more money but remember you get what you pay for.

For snakes you can not beat the NAA Mini so light and small you forget its there and perfect to have handy when mowing the grass. If your more for the target shooting as well the price on the Heritage is hard to beat but if you would carry it to go hiking and out and about take a look at the NAA Mini I have dispatched many snakes with mine so far but not a gun your going to go target plinking with.

I only have experience with the Heritage Rough Rider 6RD 22LR/22MAG 6.5 but can assure you that you won't regret going with it. One thing of note is that you have to load and unload each round separately as the cylinder doesn't flip out of the frame. Not a big deal to me, but something to be aware of. Overall I have been very pleased with the purchase and would buy it again.
budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/87905

For the money a heritage would be your best bet, but you can also check out Rossi, Chiappa, Taurus, and charter arms to see what they offer as they are all reasonable priced guns as well. But for the money heritage would be the best

You might check out Chiappa as well. Roughly the same price range as the rough riders and they have some good reviews.