[Rick_A]

The J frames new or old in alloy or steel will handle more shooting than most owners can in a lifetime.

The steel J magnums work quite well with the right grips.

Even the 340PD isn't too bad with a proper hold.

I've shooting and carrying a 649 (also 23oz) for a month and quite enjoy it. The single action pull is a crisp 3lbs (the best stock trigger pull I've had) and the double is very smooth. Shooting +P's was a disappointment as the recoil was minimal. Shooting magnums is much more exciting and fairly controllable. I wouldn't want to shoot them all day, but for a few cylinders full it's just fine.

It's carried IWB and has been perfect for the part.

A proper boot grip or rubber combat grip would aid shooting comfort tremendously.

Mine is a 2013 production. You usually only hear the bad news online. It's my third new Smith in the past couple years and they've all been stellar. My only changes have been grips and "The Plug."