Well, I must be an idiot, because I bought one of these.
Earlier this year I decided to make a gun purchase--haven't bought one in a few years. I have all the guns I "need" so I was looking for something I "wanted". I decided to look for a big bore revolver when the American Handgunner came out and I saw the Thunder Ranch .44. I ordered one, sight unseen in October. After a two month wait it came in in mid-December.
I took it out to the range last week for the first time and put 50 rounds through it. The ammo was PMC 180 gr jacket hollow points. I was indoors and put the target at 21'. As long as I did my part, the revolver did its job.
I got consistent 1"-1.25" three shot groups. At times it shot low but that was my fault--I'm not used to the all black sight set up.
Over all, I couldn't be happier. It was well worth the money ($799-and I'm not a wealthy man). And, when I'm pointing it downrange, I can't see the lock or the logo!
If you're letting the logo stop you from buying, you're only hurting yourself. As Clint Smith himself recommended on the Smith forums, you can drop a replacement side plate in and the logo ceases to be an issue. As for the lock, they are here to stay. Even is Smith would bring back some the the "old guns" mentioned in this thread, they'll have locks. It's a fact of life now.
I'm toying with the idea of using it as a carry piece. If I go that route, I'll have the action polished and the hammer spur removed.
Could the gun have been better? Sure, what couldn't? Is is great as is? You bet it is. At least I think so and since I'm the one that dropped the $$$ for it, my opinion is the only one that matters in this case!