contender
Ruger Guru
It's funny about your purposes of use. When Miss Penny started showing real estate years ago, she too decided that she needed a gun for that gosh forbid, bad occurrence with a thug. She wasn't really a gun girl at that time,, so I allowed her to try different guns.
We even borrowed a S&W model 60, and a Colt Det Spl.
She tried , the Ruger GP-100, a SP-101, and a Security-Six as well.
Now,, the S&W had a shorter barrel than the GP & Security-Six. The SP-101 was similar in length.
She too was a "carry a lot but shoot little" in attitude.
You mentioned wanting .357,, so that right there takes the 38 Spl guns out.
You mentioned preferring adjustable sights. this may affect the final decision.
You want a smooth action. As noted, both can be made smooth easily enough. (I can attest to the fact that if a physical confrontation where it'd have to be used,, you won't notice the action. Too much other stuff going on.)
Quality issues; Both companies make good guns. Just check one over prior to purchase for any issues. And, if one happens to show up after the purchase,, both companies have good customer service. But even your statement of "newer Rugers vs. older S&W's" isn't a fair comparison.
Carrying, since how you carry is a big factor,, I'd strongly suggest you truly look at several options of different holsters that will assist in your daily comfort. I had several discussions long ago with many LEO's on what holster they prefer,, since they carry a second gun, AND a lot of other equipment for 8, 10, 12, or more hours daily. Quite a few have strongly supported the N82 Tactical holsters for just such reasons.
So, real world opinions?
Miss Penny chose the Ruger 4" Security-Six. She liked the variety of ammo she COULD choose to use. It fit her hands. The gun was comfortable to wear AND carry to her. Later on, our oldest son gave her an option (about 4 years later,) and bought her a SP-101,, because it had been her second choice.
She started carrying it more than the Security-Six as it "fit more outfits, and wasn't quite as heavy," in her opinion.
But she still enjoys both. Now, many years later, she has a few other options she chooses depending upon where she's going & what she's doing. But she no longer sells RE.
We even borrowed a S&W model 60, and a Colt Det Spl.
She tried , the Ruger GP-100, a SP-101, and a Security-Six as well.
Now,, the S&W had a shorter barrel than the GP & Security-Six. The SP-101 was similar in length.
She too was a "carry a lot but shoot little" in attitude.
You mentioned wanting .357,, so that right there takes the 38 Spl guns out.
You mentioned preferring adjustable sights. this may affect the final decision.
You want a smooth action. As noted, both can be made smooth easily enough. (I can attest to the fact that if a physical confrontation where it'd have to be used,, you won't notice the action. Too much other stuff going on.)
Quality issues; Both companies make good guns. Just check one over prior to purchase for any issues. And, if one happens to show up after the purchase,, both companies have good customer service. But even your statement of "newer Rugers vs. older S&W's" isn't a fair comparison.
Carrying, since how you carry is a big factor,, I'd strongly suggest you truly look at several options of different holsters that will assist in your daily comfort. I had several discussions long ago with many LEO's on what holster they prefer,, since they carry a second gun, AND a lot of other equipment for 8, 10, 12, or more hours daily. Quite a few have strongly supported the N82 Tactical holsters for just such reasons.
So, real world opinions?
Miss Penny chose the Ruger 4" Security-Six. She liked the variety of ammo she COULD choose to use. It fit her hands. The gun was comfortable to wear AND carry to her. Later on, our oldest son gave her an option (about 4 years later,) and bought her a SP-101,, because it had been her second choice.
She started carrying it more than the Security-Six as it "fit more outfits, and wasn't quite as heavy," in her opinion.
But she still enjoys both. Now, many years later, she has a few other options she chooses depending upon where she's going & what she's doing. But she no longer sells RE.