Bearcat, I couldn't agree more...and my budget says Ruger. I've got a top tunesmith that can take it from there as necessary, but am also hearing some good things out of the box. Even so, my .357 NV needed a little bit of timing/action work "just because," though far less than my .44 Mag V did--both now just-so. There are several NV variants Ruger could/should have waiting in the wings, not "even" considering the bad economy, but "because," IMO. With things in a slump all over, now's the time to stir the industry/market pot with new product.
Among these possible projects, this .44 NV, perhaps also in combo with a .44-40 convertible if clearances allow. Also along those lines, a .38-40/.40 S&W, .32-20/.327, .357/9mm, .45LC/.45ACP. The latter two should permit cylinders-only sale as well for the zillions of .357s and .45s out there now. Yes, everyone knows they'd need individual fitting...and any good smith would be happy to oblige. However, if the factory insisted only it "would" permit as a condition of initial sale, Ruger could do that for a nominal fee along with the cylinder purchase--for those willing to part with their NV for a few (?) weeks.
To me all this--but especially the .44 for a start--makes good business sense, to create/maintain market interest in the middle of these otherwise rough times...and create some great firearms in the process. That NV (and now 50th Ann BH) frame has just been waiting there to bust out and show its other potential.