If you really want to belabor the point the reality is that there are
many slight variables of build quality that make up a complex
mechanism like a S&W revolver that the average owner has no
knowledge of or means of measuring or testing. To pronounce
an S prefix gun "far superior" to an N prefix gun because to
your eye the finish looks a bit better is ludicrous. The idea
that S&W made a decision to lower the standards of N frame
magnum manufacture such as metallurgy and critical dimensions when changing the serial number prefix is a bit
much to swallow.