At 1 time, all I owned were Rugers. handguns/rifles/shotguns. 2 SP 101's etc etc. They 1/2 make a nice gun, but don't go the final distance in smoothing/finishing/polishing, (since app the 6 series IMO). They can become very nice with some out of pocket $ for some smithy work. Sorry JMO. As for a S&W S/D gun, (for me) I don't need/want an exposed hammer, adjustable sights, NOT gonna have the time to get in YOUR perfect stance with perfect sight alignment. You and your attacker are not gonna be standing perfectly still, unless accosted at the OK coral. D/A firing will be the order of the day. DO WANT/APPRECIATE the strength & extra wt of steel. How deep your pockets are (physically not financially) & preference should determine YOUR frame size choice. (I) don't care for shooting full house 357's from a snub, & don't feel the need for at an arms length scenario. (that's me), SO, the enclosed all steel 640 NO DASH get's my vote. WHY the ND? A small factor is the slightly shorter length, but the main reason is the front sight (appearing) solid/stronger, but you give up the 357 option. 2nd choice would be a steel humpback. These would also make nice BUGS for the excellent 19's, 60's, belt carried whatevers.