Ruger flat top 44 NMBH vs. S&W 357 649

[silverpelican]

Well folks, I have painted myself into a corner!  My question is, which between two seriously effective and, to me desireable revolvers, should I keep the S&W or trade or sell it in order to obtain the Ruger Lipsey flat top 44 Spec.  I can only have one not both!  The S&W is stainless that has been hihly polished, new XS Big dot front sight, and has Apex spring kit on the trigger.....hair trigger in single action mode.  Note I do not conseal carry at the present time.  Now the Ruger is a blue steel stock, NIB 4 and 5/8th, pistol from the run of guns for Lipsey in 2009. For woods walking, night stand, and close in deer hunting, and of course the balance and overall fun of single action......such a deal....so it must be one only.  If it were you, and you could not whip out the plastic card, which would you have in hand at the end of this week?   Thanks guys!

[gcrank1]

But, but, but........I want to have my cake an eat it too.......
Youve had & handled the S&W so you know what its got for you; have you done the same with a somewhat 'similar' Ruger to the Lipsey's? I know how eye candy can be, but a wise man once told me,"what people think they want and what they really want ain't necessarily the same thing". I used to have to move one to get another, then got some bucks ahead to get what I thought I wanted to try out before getting rid of one or the other. I have to admit that the 'new love' wasnt always the one that stayed (ahhh....the Siren song has led so many men astray.....).

[FPH]

I would keep the S & W.

[silverpelican]

Hello and thank you for the reply, (oh and by the way I have read various replies of yours and highly respect your commentary on various issues!)  Now having said that well yes I have,and the hard rubber grip panels on the Ruger would have to go...after a suitable period of time....read monies save and grip research done.  Oh, and poor me not only do I want to eat the cake and have it...I am after an end piece, double iceing, and lick the pot!  I understand this is apple and orange type of question.  However wich weapon, has the most versatility and the broadest range of applications.  Notice, broadest....not fasest reload or what can be attached in an ankle holster!   Both have great functionality but sorry to say their optimal realm of use does not overlap all that well.  Again thank you Sir.

[gcrank1]

It sounds like you have that S&W set up nicely for yourself, and Im assuming it is a fine shooter too. I am a fan of the 38/357 calibers, they are relatively cheap to feed (reload or buy, if you can find any now) and will do the job you want out to open sight distances. All in all, the S&W does what you want already.
And Im a single action enthusiast......I like the looks of the Lipsey's 44Spl so they keep calling my name, but I have to keep reminding myself that every new gun (new or used) is a 'cat in a bag' until it proves it works.
I guess Im leaning toward suggesting you keep the 649 and start putting a few bucks away regular until you get a stash built up to get your next one.

[silverpelican]

Thank you for the advice and to thosr who read and did not respond...that is instructive also.  After a lot of sol searching and much internal debate....the excellant S&W is gone...to a better place and the Ruger flat top is home.....it sure feels different, but good.....again thanks to all.  Also let's lock this up please Moderator Sir!