I saw the write up on this gun in the current Shooting Times and was taken by it. What a cool idea. I like big-bore snubbies but most are not really up to snuff. I have a Taurus 437, but it's kind of awkward and the lack of anyone who will work on it and the lack of aftermarket grips, etc., make it more of an expensive paperweight than anything eles.
This Ruger, however, is another story entirely. I just wish they made it in .44 Mag. That's all the power I need and I'm already set up with dies and components.
As an alternative, however, the .454 Casull when loaded with .45 colt ammo 250/850 should be an ideal defense and plinking load. My favorite under the pillow, bedside table, home defense gun is a 2-2.5" revolver. The .38 Special is not as powerful as I would like. The .357 Magnum is too LOUD for indoor work at night without ear plugs. A .44 special 240/850 or a .45 Colt 250/850 ought to be just right. You can shoot it indoors at night without ear protection and still have some hearing left the next morning.
I'll be curious to see what they charge for this piece.