A recent Gun Tests magazine (last month's I think) tested the S&W Model 21a, the Browning Buckmark, and the Ruger MKII.
They loved the Ruger, liked the S&W, and hated the Buckmark. (One criticism of the Buckmark was that if you removed the grips, parts and springs flew everywhere. They thought this was particularly poor design.)
In the shooting tests, the MKII edged the S&W slightly, and both beat the Buckmark. They felt that with a scope, the S&W might be the better gun.
I have a Ruger MKII Target Competition. I love it. (I loved it more after I got rid of the fancy walnut grips and added Hogue wraparounds...)
[This message has been edited by Walt Sherrill (edited August 17, 1999).]