I am a big fan of the .357 cartridge. I own a number of different .357s including the two model 19s that are in transit as we speak. Among that group are the S&W 27, 28, 627PC, 686, Ruger Blackhawk, Ruger Redhawk, SP-101, GP-100 among others. If I for some reason had to limit myself to just one, it would be the GP-100. Mine is a 4" stainless with the full lug. Most of my .357s are just for personal satisfaction and I won't even put most of them in a holster. But, my GP-100 is my "go to" gun. When I am 4 wheeling, hunting, hiking or doing anything off the beaten path, odds are, the GP is on my hip. It is accurate, it is tough as nails, it is just the right size for what I use it for. On top of all that, it is easily taken down to the frame for detailed cleaning and drying (if you were out in the rain). My Smiths have some very nice triggers. I had my Model 29 done by Jack Weigand and sent several to the S&W Performance Center. I honestly feel that the trigger on my GP is right there with them. My GP is bone stock. I didn't have a trigger job done on it, I didn't change the springs, all I did was fire perhaps 5000 rounds through it. Actually to be honest, the single action pull isn't quite as nice as the Smiths but the double action is just as good; plus I like the fact that you can stage the Ruger in double action. I even like the factory stocks and it is one of the few guns I own sporting the factory stocks. There is absolutely nothing negetive I can say about it. Obviously I give the Ruger GP-100 a strong buy recomendation, and I would leave it stock.