I have one of the new run of 900
It's my only S&W revolver so I can't really compare it to other very well, but to me the trigger is SWEEET. Double action is smooth and steady, single action has an almost imperceptible take-up before a "glass rod breaking" release. I have a ruger vaquero with a modified power custom trigger and hammer and the S&W single action mode rivals it.
The feel and balance of the thing is exceptional and the nice wide hammer makes thumb cocking a breeze.
I've noted that chrono data tracks closely with my 3.9 inch polygonal barreled eagle. So the barrel gap would appear to cost you only about .1 of an inch of barrel velocity wise (in the rounds I've tested anyway)
And no built in lock either that's nice.
It's a real sweet shooter over all. My only problem with it is I don't like messing with moon clips. In fact I've considered trading it off for some CZ stuff (been getting into those lately) but when I take it out and handle it I want to keep it again.