I too have only owned the later iteration of heavy frame Smiths. I have had several M28 Highway Patrolman. In both 6 inch and 4 inch, bought in the early 80's.
Nice guns, virtually indestructible, and the usual nice Smith DA, and great SA trigger pulls.
Won a few Police competitions with them in the UK, up against some pretty good opposition armed with PPC specials.
I also have a 5" 45acp Mod 25. Love it. And of course I have my Colt '357' circa 1957 (or 1958). Super accurate, great SA, but inferior DA to the Smiths.
Looked at DA Rugers once. Just looked. (Actually bought a Vaquero, too. Hated it.) I find Rugers a bit 'agricultural'.
I am always in the market for a nice Smith, and would particularly like a Mod 29 in 4". (But I'm not 12/6)(What an idiotic law !) And a nice little K22. Mmmmmmmmmmmm.
I have seen and used other makes, Llama, Taurus and the like, but they just don't push my buttons.
TJ