The single six Ruger is a fine SA revolver, but the S&W 17, 18, 617, and j frame 63 are excellent revolvers.
If lower cost is your only option, by all means get the Ruger over the Taurus, and stay away from Rossi in this situation.
I know you will be happy with the 17, 18 or 617.
Badger, I am an expert or master in most disciplines, but now my eyes, like my body can't cash checks that my brain is used to writing. If an optic can allow you to still let you hit the 10 ring when your eyes can't, then by all means use them. Bless all of you with good eyes and can still do it the HONEST way. Thank God I can still see a rifle sight just like I remember, but handguns NO MAS.