Quite a revolver for sure. This gun as been in the Ruger lineup for many years (1953?). My new stainless-steel version with a 6 1/2" barrel is the most accurate revolver I own and I own many. I did the quick, poor-man's trigger job. You take the grips off, and slip one of the two springs of its spindle. It cuts the trigger pull in half and doesn't harm the gun at all. I've had Rugers in this condition for 15 years without ill effect. I did some test shooting with Blazer 158 grain brass ammo. This is 23 bucks a box ammo, certainly not expensive. I didn't even have to adjust the sight. Right from the get go, I was shooting in the black at 25 yards. Amazing accuracy and groups of three inches with a two hand hold. From a rest at 50 feet I shrunk the groups in half. I then tried 38 special wadcutters but the accuracy wasn't as good. I then tried low velocity 357 cowboy ammo and the accuracy was about the same as the blazer. I need to do further testing with 38 special, but it's not unusual for 357s to have less accuracy than pure 38 revolvers. Recoil is no problem with heavy loads. With the 38 wadcutters it's like a cap gun. There are no rough edges anywhere and the charge holes in the cylinder are chamfered, which Smith & Wesson charges extra for. The grips are no longer solid rosewood but are a beautiful rosewood laminate. They are brighter, more durable and add to the overall appearance. I STRONGLY suggest anyone who wants a great single action revolver to buy this gun. With full power 180 grain Buffalo Bore loads, it will even provide excellent protection from black bear. - JOE
This gun is beautiful, a work of art, I picked it up on thursday, and went right to the range. I fired about 120 357 mag rounds through it, the weapon was perfect, the firing pin was hitting dead center of the rim, I recieved several very nice complements on the weapon, how beautiful it is and what a good deal I got on it. Even my wife liked it and she hates guns. This was the exact gun my hero the lone ranger carried. Thanks Ruger you made an old man very happy. Hi Ho silver away. - MICHAEL
If price is no object, then buy the Smith. My Model 60 is the most fired of my centerfire handguns, and still looks and feels like new. I generally use carefully reloaded ammunition that falls within SAAMI specs for standard 158 grain 38 Specials. I also use 110 grain medium velocity factory 357 ammo when I feel prosperous. With both loads I do quite well at 25 yards. The short barrel is no bar to accuracy.
In spite of the excellent grips, a lot of people aren\'t going to like recoil and the muzzle blast. I say, learn to love them. This handgun is just about the ultimate in reliabity, portability, and small-package power. - J. U.
An absolutely great handgun. This revolver is everything I expected. Handles .357 ammo comfortably and exudes quality. I received this revolver in 1 week from the order date and immediately fired 50 test rounds of 115 grain JHPs at the shooting range that executed the transfer for me. Will fire many more rounds in next few days. This will probably become my main concealed carry weapon. - W. B.
This is a S&W Performance Center model and it lives up to what you would expect for a superior quality hand gun from S&W. I guess the best thing I can say is that there is no buyers remore. Fit, finish, handling and accuracy are top notch. If you can actually find one, buy it, they seem to go fast. The one I was able to purchase was less than 30 days old when I found it.
It's a lot of money for a pistol but you will understand why the price is high after about the first 8 rounds you send into yur target. - J. R.
