I've had good luck I suppose.
Taurus 85 early 2000s model nice shiny blueing. Lots of lead down range, that gun could shoot. Very accurate.
Several model 92 variants - always went bang, always had the correct frame mount safety
great accuracy.
Judge - good to go for lots of rounds , cylinder fell off cleaning. 7 dollar local gunsmith fix
12 round compact -pt-something /millennium pro? I don't remember the model. It shared mags with p226. It shot fine, no jams no issues. Didn't like the trigger. Knock around gun and sometimes carry for awhile.
Ply-22: fed the crappiest bulk ammo and asked for more. More accurate at ten yards than a heavy double action should be. Good putz around yard carry. Pop up barrel is great. More reliable than the bobcat it replaced.
Tcp-tiny little bugger, no jams. Several hundred rounds. Friends wife needed it more than me.
That's all I can recall. But that is a pretty good sampling. Enough so that I don't automatically write the brand off. I shop for deals. I use my guns. I take good care, I change springs, I fix what I can. They get cleaned after every shoot. I have a good relationship with a local gunsmith. I'm not sure I would try the warranty route if the internet is even half honest.
Like them enough I grabbed a new 856 stainless.
3 inch barrel and 6 shot 38+p with a big shiny night site? I paid 350. A real bargain in covid- Biden -pacalypse 2022.
I've carried it hiking loaded with hardcast wadcutters. I've kept it on the nightstand loaded with critical defense or buffalo bore 158 gr std pressure lswc hps.
I can't shoot it as well as my 642 yet. It is heavier and carries an extra round. The trigger is different than a Smith, I am still figuring out how to stage it and fire as fast as site picture but I shoot 99% sw revolvers. It's a heavy double action trigger.
Lock up is perfect, great timing. Several hundred rounds, nice throw on the ejector rod.
If I have to loose it, I'll miss it less than any Smith. I dislike the new finish but the build quality and fitment of my 2022 856 is superior to my late 90s/2000s 85.
If they build their 44s like this 38, it would serve you well.