I'd highly recommend laying hands on both. I was in the same boat back in the late 90s early 2000. I wound up picking up a 686-3 for a decent price from a buddy who had purchased it as an estate gun. I found the Smith to "feel" better and more streamlined. I've ran hand loads and hot factory loads 180gr through it without issue. I prefer smaller grips and I swapped out the pachmyers it came with to a rubber Hogue grip. The L frame uses K frame grips IIRC. Ruger makes a good gun albeit a little bulkier. I'd also look for reviews from reputable sources on late model S&Ws.