This pistol has served me well for many years.
Squirrel gun. Raccoon gun. Rabbit gun. Barnyard pest gun and good ol'plinker.
It is a mkll ruger bull barrel circa 1985ish.
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(Don't let my unimpressive target fool you....the gun is a good shooter)
I am a ruger guy so my choice was predetermined when I wanted an auto pistol. Along about the same time my good friend bought a 6" buckmark. It is equally good shooter but his came with a rail for optics.(I think the ruger does too,now). I have 0 experience with the s&w offering. I'm sure it is good too.
If I were starting over now, I would get a stainless MKIV 7½ and put a good red dot sight on it and be done.
It's never a bad idea to buy a browning either.
Another option is a ruger charger. It's a fun little gun. Optic ready.
My rambling probably didn't help much...
The ruger MK line has a huge following and aftermarket accessories galore.