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The Ruger Security-Six is about the same size and weight as the S&W 66/19. And here's something else. The Security-Six revolvers sometimes have clearances cut into its forcing cones. But they shoot tens of thousands of rounds without forcing cone breakages. I've seen some that are so black with soot from shootings and yet they aren't cracked. Yet they're about the same size. That said, yeah, I’ve seen some Rugers that do have cracked forcing cones, but they've been shot with many hot hand loads that also have cut into the top straps. No problem with the Rugers, but the forcing cones aren't usually cracked, even with the 6'oclock cuts. So why are the S&W 66 forcing cones cracked and not the Ruger's?Budget and intended use? Do you want new-production only, with easily accessible customer service, or would you look at older guns that, to varying degrees, could be difficult to service, should the need arise? There's a vast range of options.I f you want the finest DA .357 Magnum revolvers ever made, then you're looking at Ratzeburg-made Korth Sports and Combats and Mulhouse-made Manurhin MR73s, with a well-preserved example of any of them coming in at several times the cost of a new S&W or Ruger. If you want the finest DA revolver currently made, you're looking at the aesthetically challenged Lollar-made Korths (imported by Nighthawk). There also are the K-frame S&W Model 19 and 66 (and others), but these are smaller and lighter revolvers, just like your Model 10. Many of them will not hold up very well to a steady diet of full-power .357 Mag. ammo. In recent-production guns, S&W eliminated the flat gas-ring clearance cut on the bottom of the barrel at the forcing cone, thus strengthening the barrels and increasing longevity. You'll have to determine whether they are too light to make pleasant shooters.
The Ruger Security-Six is a great gun because they wear almost forever. Gun writer Skeeter Skelton said he knew of three Security-Six revolvers, each of which had some 300K of magnum loads (most likely factory) through them. One was a little out of time, but, he said, they were completely shootable condition.
Locks are an eye sore, but they don't affect the shootability. Some people put a drop of Super-Glue in the lock holes and toss the keys, but the internal firing pins are seen by many as an improvement. I have a S&W 686-no dash that's beautiful. And it's got class. But the new ones with the locks are arguably better.66-2. Any way you go - go S&W pre-lock.
True. So true. As my dear old departed daddy used to always say, "Marry whoever you want. Just remember, you're gonna have to sleep with her the rest of your life."OP- If you shop around, ask around or shoot around, I think your 357 sweetheart will FIND YOU! What we tell you on THR wont make anything feel better in your hand or shoot more accurately for you...take the Ruger vs. Smith opinionators with a small grain of salt. Theyre both going to serve you well.