I love them to shoot but many of the guys just wrecked them in one season of shooting. I have had several and use them for hunting but I am careful to keep hot loads away from them. I never could even create a problem with a Dan Wesson and they were ready to shoot from the box. I didn't use the Rugers much for silhouettes but have used them for hunting. My Favorite to carry and for short range shooting of medium game is the 5 inch S&W Classic but I only shoot Specials in it except for hunting. The Smiths are built better now than they were 15 years ago or so. I am not knocking them but they don't have the Strength of the Ruger or Dan Wessons.