My choice would be the old model ruger redhawk, if you can find one. If you can afford a new s&w, then by all means do it. I settled on a super redhawk in 454. It's not a true 45lc and it wasn't what i wanted but i stumbled upon it in a pawn shop and he price was too low to pass up. Someday I'll get my redhawk. No offense to the single action blackhawks or freedom arms, but i wrecked my wrist in a motorcycle accident years ago and i just can't shoot single action pistols any more.