What would TGO do?

[Jeb48]

I have never shot the 41 but bought my Mark V SS Target soon after it came out and love it. I added a rail and a red dot. I have sold a Hunter and a standard Target for Ruger by letting friends try out mine. My favorite .22 handgun.

[TomInMN]

I don't remember if it was mentioned, but what about a 1911-style custom build?

Of the two alternatives here, definitely the Ruger plus whatever premium ammo, accessories, custom work, or range time your heart desires with the remaining budget. The new-production Smith isn't that much better (if any better) than the Ruger.

[gregintenn]

I’ll toss in a Colt Woodsman or a High Standard for your consideration.

[TomInMN]

Glock 44, obviously.

[MacGyver]

On 12/4/2019 at 11:10 AM, gregintenn said:

I’ll toss in a Colt Woodsman or a High Standard for your consideration.

My dad just picked up a mid-40's Woodsman that is just beautiful. It wasn't that expensive, either. 

I had an old Iver Johnson Trailsman (Woodsman copy) when I was a kid that was a tack driver. If you could see it - that thing would hit it.

If I found the right deal on either of those - or a High Standard clone, I'd look at it seriously.

[stumpy]

My vote would be for the S&W 41.  This model has all the quality one could ever need.  The weight, balance and contour in the hand all speak to the 41. Beyond that, I have both a 41 and a High Standard Supermatic Trophy (along with several other 22s).  During my years in rimfire competition the HS was my first choice.  Sadly these are also getting hard to locate and pricey as well.  If you go with the Ruger you will always have that itch that asks why you chose it.  This is a forecast of a buyers remorse if you take the Ruger.  They are good firearms, while the 41 scores as great.  Pamper yourself and cry only once with the cost of the 41.  You can thank me later for this recommendation.

[ken_mays]

I have a 41 and a MKII.   The trigger on the Mk4 isn’t nearly as good as the MKII.  The Ruger will need a trigger upgrade.  Also, the reliability may not be as good as the 41.   I know a lot of guys who shoot Steel Challenge with their Rutgers and they’re always tweaking or replacing something to get them more reliable.   Not to say the Smith is perfect but at the end of the day, you’ll have pride of ownership and higher resale value.