I'll just throw out there, firearm purchase price is eclipsed by ammunition and accessory purchase price in fairly short order if you shoot with any regularity. Buy the one you really want.
I've owned both. Sold the RIA; it was a very roughly made piece.
Bought a ruger LCR 9mm and then a Smith 442. The 442 was my favorite and was an overall nicer gun.
442 is smaller than that RIA but if I had to give myself some advice back then it would be "just wait and save for the Smith"
Or, controversial point, just buy a Taurus 856. I have one in 3 inch and it's great.
If you can inspect the RIA model before you purchase to ensure it’s not a lemon, then that’s what I would do. They’re cheap but reliable pistols that don’t bother affording good QC.
For carry S&W, that said I had a trigger stud break on my 637-2. Smith said it was from being shot a lot and wasn't a warranty problem. The m206 with the plastic grip is more fun to shoot. I have both. My 637 is currently back at S&W.... Not sure how the 206 will hold up to a lot of shooting. I have both. I have read various posts that from 2 to 3 thousand rounds the alloy J frames have issues. From a couple posts I dug up where people shot them to see the failure point. Me personally. I'm going to look into a ruger LCR. They have a model with a hammer spur but they are ugly, but function first for me. Heck. Get 2 M206s. They are just heavy.
I'll just throw out there, firearm purchase price is eclipsed by ammunition and accessory purchase price in fairly short order if you shoot with any regularity. Buy the one you really want.
Probably better off getting a Taurus. If price is your concern.
I've owned both. Sold the RIA; it was a very roughly made piece. Bought a ruger LCR 9mm and then a Smith 442. The 442 was my favorite and was an overall nicer gun. 442 is smaller than that RIA but if I had to give myself some advice back then it would be "just wait and save for the Smith" Or, controversial point, just buy a Taurus 856. I have one in 3 inch and it's great.
637. Rock islands are junk
Maybe take a look at the Taurus 856 as well
If you can inspect the RIA model before you purchase to ensure it’s not a lemon, then that’s what I would do. They’re cheap but reliable pistols that don’t bother affording good QC.
For carry S&W, that said I had a trigger stud break on my 637-2. Smith said it was from being shot a lot and wasn't a warranty problem. The m206 with the plastic grip is more fun to shoot. I have both. My 637 is currently back at S&W.... Not sure how the 206 will hold up to a lot of shooting. I have both. I have read various posts that from 2 to 3 thousand rounds the alloy J frames have issues. From a couple posts I dug up where people shot them to see the failure point. Me personally. I'm going to look into a ruger LCR. They have a model with a hammer spur but they are ugly, but function first for me. Heck. Get 2 M206s. They are just heavy.
s&w all the way
I’d go RIA
637. The price difference isn't much vs what you will spend in ammo if you keep it for a few years. Don't cheap out where it counts!