Working on a Smith & Wesson 686 right now. These are so fun. They were made right and you can really achieve a lot out of them. The slop that is so common in revolvers of the modern vintage is not there. Certainly I work on all the new stuff, but you can tell the difference in the older guns.
What should you buy? I’m glad you asked. If you want a gun that is going to be able to be worked up to a great level, get an older Smith that isn’t shot out. The new guns are perfect for defense and hunting. They will meet all of your needs. But there is still something about that older vintage Smith. MIM parts just don’t quite compare.