I have on good authority [my dad] who has been selling guns for 35 years the Ruger hand guns are alot stronger than the Smith&Wesson guns
A lot of guys think this because the Rugers are heavier with thicker metal in the frame. But, that's NOT the whole story.
Rugers are a "casting", (pouring liguid metal into a mould) S&W "hammer forges" there frames. (beating a lump of hot metal into shape) Hammer forgeing is a MUCH stronger way to make a frame, so the Rugers HAVE tohave thicker metal, just to be as strong as the S&W's.
Drilling Man