I am partial to Ruger's single action 45 Colt ("Long Colt") in a 4 &5/8" barrel for informal target and it will also handle heavier pressure rounds if you need to. Strong, safe, & won't break the budget. It was a nice combo of weight, balance and handling for me. I have had trigger work done on all my Rugers; I am picky there. I would pick up the models and see how they feel to you, since they also have Bisley and Vaquero models available. Single action Rugers behave well in the hand. Even my daughters have fired 240 grain 44 magnums without complaint.