Just from my perspective. It is a tank of a pistol, the vast majority of the weight is in the cylinder. I think it is decently balanced, ruger is using a tensioned barrel with outer shroud so not much weight out at the end. One thing I really like is da pull there is a distinct "notch" when the cylinder locks up just before the hammer breaks. I feel like this really helps with the longer shots. Have compared to a stock 929 at local gun shop, best way I can describe is the ruger da pull feels "sluggish" not necessarily heavier. Just my 2 cents but with out a tuned smith to compare to hard to give a real comparison. Have not made up my mind on grips yet, I gravitate towards a switch hand reload being left handed and right eye dominate and shooting right hand. Looking at a set of houge nylons to carve up and see if I can do better.