Pick your favorite. S&W vs Ruger

[Ballenxj]

The model 65 is a very sweet revolver.
I miss my 3 incher. Here's a photo of it.

My current go to revolver is the little SP101.

Now here's my reasoning, The Smith has a better trigger, but the Ruger is pretty stout for what it is. Did I intentionally choose the Ruger over the Smith? Not really, but a guy came along and offered me way more than I thought the Smith was worth.
Now that the deal has been long done, I find myself missing that gun.
My favorite revolver of all time?
My old Smith model 19 with a 4 inch barrel.
Honestly? Both Ruger and Smith have a place in my heart.

 

[Ballenxj]

An email to the S&W factory told me flat out to minimize my .357 ammo in those guns.

I have read all those articles about this issue, and that's why if I wanted a pistol to specifically shoot hot .357 loads I would choose Ruger.
The Speer loading manual has a separate section for Ruger and Thompson Center pistols only when it came to reloading for my .45 Colt chambered Blackhawk. I took special note of this.
Having said that, isn't this the reason Smith came out with the "L" frame? Slightly beefier than the K frame, but still having the Smith's well known trigger?

 

[BigBill]

I think that Ruger wins with no side plate screws to come loose. It's strong lie a rock even with my very stout loads that the s&w can't handle.

Who's your daddy I mean the finest revolver? Sorry Ruger my Python was.

 

[S&W1006]

I actually just made that choice. At my local pawn shop he had both, a Ruger Speed 6 with a 2 3\4" and a S&W 65 3". I could have bought the Ruger for $475 but I opted for the S&W 65 for $600. Yes its more money but I prefer the S&W. I had a Ruger Security 6 4" that I liked but I sold it when I got my 66 4". I know the Ruger could handle more magnums long term but I honestly don't shoot that many magnums and I prefer the look and feel of the S&W. I am not knocking the Ruger but I just prefer Smith and Wesson revolvers.

 

[cbore]

I am to set on S&W revolvers to even want any other make. Must admit I do have a Ruger Mark 1, 22 cal for over 35 years. Ruger does have its place.

 

[cisco0072]

Pick whichever you can shoot well*

However for me, it’s the SW Model 66-1 2 ½ inch barrel in stainless with hogue rubber grips and k-frame model 19/66 night sights!

 

[SuperMan]

To the original question...I have one of the pictured 65s and it is truly one of the finest defensive revolvers ever made, especially when the hammer is bobbed off. That said the SS is no slouch either but the round butt of the 65 fits my hand better and also balances better.

That said, if this were the 1980-Present board and I had to choose between a new GP100 and a 686 or a 4" .44 Magnum Redhawk and a 4" 629...my money now goes to Ruger.

Just bought a new 4" Redhawk in .41 Magnum a few months ago...one of the few "new" guns I have ever bought. Extremely smooth DA pull and while not as light a SA pull as a Smith breaks clean. The fit and finish is just about flawless. I shot one of the tightest 50 yard DA standing groups I have ever fired with that gun...5/6 on a 6" paper plate with one just an inch off.

Also sold off a 90s vintage 642 and replaced it with a LCR 9mm...much better trigger pull.

Bob