I used to carry a 3 inch barreled SMITH & WESSON model 13 on duty. It is an excellent carry gun, but like most K frames, it is a bit weak with .357 ammo.
The following is what I ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED OR SAW, not a rumor or a second hand story.
1. Of the 47 guns issued to my academy class, 12 had problems. Mine had the sideplate screws torqued, I carried it anyway.
At least 2 guns were not shootable. Several had to be traded in for replacement guns.
2. My agency issued a notice FORBIDDING THE USE OF 125 GRAIN HOLLOW POINTS, AS SEVERAL OF THE GUNS BURST AT THE FORCING CONE.
3. Recoil with the 125 grain load can be severe. My agency went to the 110 grain hollow point. It was a much milder load.
4. None of these problems were listed with the SECURITY SIX that my agency used.
From my own experience, I would carry a model 13 only loaded with 110 grain loads. This is fine by me for a carry gun.
If I intended to shoot the gun a lot, I would go with the RUGER.
Just my experience.
Jim