Shot both , ALOT , kept the Rugers.
Older now & hands hurt a bit from monkeying wrenches .
I know they`re both heavy med framed revolvers But the wrap around grips really help my hands if I go more than 50rnds at the range.
As far as round count/sites/holster style/trigger weather smooth or grooved/hammer bobbed or spurred/grips . THIS is all personal preference.
My suggestion is if your not sure of which 1 to purchase find a range that rents firearms & go shoot as many variants of each brand ya can.
Now my biased opinion.
I`ve shot everything that haves a cyl & 357magnum on the side of it !
S&W side screws always backed out after the initial removal , good short stroked triggers that stack O can be obtained , this has been engineered into S&W design (they changed numerous times)
Rugers are solid cast frames(so are smiths)& have only 3 screw ,grip/sit elevation/windage.
The triggers on Rugers can also be made to be VERY smooth & I like a slight stack in the trigger & this is inherient in the Ruger design as it`s a bit longer than the S&W design.
Had Colts also .
If shot a lot the hand needed regular chiropractic stretching which wasn't bad to do just different as the Colt DA platforms rotate clockwise.
My advise to the consideration of a Colt DA purchase especially if ya gonna shoot it ALOT, find you a smith that can work on it .
The Dan Wesson 15-V is nuttin but a workhorse revolver that was made to shoot. the reason the changeable barrel never caught on & flew was the sheer sise & "clunkiness/clumsiness" for betterwords the DW is not for speed shooting or semi concealment. The ability to change/adjust barrels wound up being a passing fad & it was nice to have it as an option as the DW is a fine range gun , big heavy/ little recoil with full loads (especially with the long barrel)& the DW has a following to this day as CZ revives the model 15 & I hope it surpasses it`s former glory.
I owned a DW pistol pack, both grips with buckle. Enjoyed it a bit , in my opinion the whole thing was 2 notches to large.
Go with the Ruger.
GP