I looked both of these over when looking for my first ccw. I opted for the S&W 642 because it fit my hand the best. I also found one that did not have the screw to lock it, so that was an added bonus. This is coming from a huge Ruger guy also. A good friend has the Ruger, which someday I may get anyways. The Smith shoots pretty well, just a tad to the left, but that could be me.