Only knock against Ruger that comes to mind is the fact that if anything goes wrong, it's a trip back to the factory. Not sure if the policy has changed, but if you have any aftermarket work done (trigger job) it will be restored to factory config. The rimfire shooters I knew used to loathe having to send their Mark 2s back because it meant having to remove a couple hundred bucks worth of Volquartzen parts before shipping it off. Unless it's changed the situation is: No parts available. Factory service only. No custom work on return.
In contrast, Midway and Brownells are awash in MIM parts for modern S&Ws, and still have most things you might need for the older guns.
If that doesn't phase you, Ruger's a good choice. The last 2 S&Ws I bought slicked up good, but needed work. The Ruger Match Champion I tried seemed good out of the box. The only thing I would have changed was springs. Couple hundred bucks cheaper, too.
Don't know if Ruger is still servicing them, but if so the Six series grandpa used for a duty gun was super nice. There's a few on gunbroker for not much money. And they're closer to K-frame size for easier carry.
http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx...uger+speed+six
edit: I think the Ruger GPs have a spring loaded setup for the front sight? Don't remember for sure. On most S&Ws this is a gunsmith affair (pinned or brazed). Some guns (686SSR, 627PRO, etc) have the classic/DX sight setup that doesn't require tools, but most don't. Point to the Ruger since changing the front sight is kind of a big deal for most folks.