And just how long did you know beforehand that she would be away?
Sounds like you might need to put some priority into Planing Ahead

ROFL! Prior planning prevents poor performance. Or worse still, getting caught.

FQ13 who still says buy the damned Ruger. I know there are Smith fans out there and if it were a .38 or a 2" .357 I'd agree, but for a non-concealable magnum? There is only one call to make. The price difference is just gravy. Just MHO.