"-------not trying to compare the two--------"
It strikes me as entirely acceptable to compare any target grade N frame of the era to a Registered Magnum----and having said that, I'm stuck trying to think of anything other than the checkered rib that's any different.
Ralph Tremaine
I imagine that if you were alive at the time, the extra cost of the RM gave you the option to specify a variety of custom options such as barrel length, sight choices, hammer type, and set-up specifications.
Today, those variations have created an appealing field for the advanced collector. (I doubt that was the original intent, though!)
But, the fundamental aspects of quality workmanship and high order shoot-ability leaves little to quibble about amongst the entire field of pre-war target N-frames.