BiggFoot44: I must say it's surprising to see M60 , SP101 , and M66 used in the same sentence , unironically , as they are so different . So , I'll repeat back how I interpret the OP's parameters , and further input , so that I'm on the same , or nearby page :
This is an excellent paragraph you wrote, and deserves some interpretation on my part. I like differing aspects of each of those models: Weight for recoil vs weight for comfort carry, refinement vs build strength, at at least partially, just the looks of the gun. I was asking for those with good experience to chime in and offer up facts that would swing me to their way of thinking, based on what they had seen/felt/learned. I have been quite gratified at the results so far, as everyone has gone out of their way to offer up good advice and unexpected extras (.327, 44 Special, etc). The main purpose of my question was to arrive at an answer that wasn't pre-conceived on my part, but rather that would make me think (and rethink) all that I had considered as an absolute before. I am perhaps 70% commited to a Ruger SP, 3" barrel, with hammer, and I still lean towards Novak sights.
BUT... I am enjoying all the comments I am hearing so far about pros and cons of each contributor's choices. Defintely worth my time to read all of these comments! Please keep the advice coming, I promise it is not going to be wasted on me. Knowing me, I am probably going to buy 2-3 options and carry them all for a while, to help decide.