Oldhunter, In my opinion you get what you pay for. While the Rugar is a nice little gun is does not have the quality that a Smith has. In addition, (my opinion) a plastic gun is a throw away gun, I'd be willing to bet, if used, they won't be around as long as the all metal gun will be. If you really plan on going this route, I'd recommend you go with a Smith 649 in .357, it's a little heavier, but it will be here, and functioning, long after the Rugar has ben put to rest.