Rugers can absorb a lot more abuse and neglect than any other revolver. Personally, I like Rugers but that has never stopped me from buy a S&W or my Pythons (yes, I have a 4" and a 6").
But I take it that you're a private citizen who will be purchasing it from your own funds. The issue of which gun takes more abuse has to be taken into context that within law enforcement, many cops don't care about their guns. It's a tool. A department has to find something that works and can take abuse. Since the gun will be your own, the amount of care it will receive will be much greater. So, if you choose S&W, be sure to periodically check to see that the grip screws and exposed screws for the sideplate and thumbpiece are tight. If you shoot it a lot, take it in to have the internals cleaned and inspected once a year. You'll have no problems with the S&W (or virtually any other well cared for revolver). Besides, a 7 shot revolver sure is tempting and I would consider that unique quality too.
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