Capt John,
I spent a lot of years building up CAS competition guns. When I started, there was essentially Uberti. Those earlier guns were atrocious.
For all practical purposes, so poorly assembled, it was dump the internals and start over. They were a lot of work. Then Pietta started getting into the business and Uberti started to improve. A lot. But .........
Boyd Davis needed a new Great Western. He put out his desires, and he put out his requirements. His requirement was, bring a half dozen or dozen guns. Take em apart and throw the parts in a box. Pull parts without looking and reassemble all the guns. They all had to work. Uberti walked away. Pietta brought him a dozen guns. They all worked after the box test.
I felt, before I retired from 'smithing, the best value for dollar, in an SA was and still is Pietta. The guns are well made. The best bolt in the market, the best Trigger/Bolt Spring, Spring and Plunger Hand. Their Main Spring sucks. Uberti's Main Spring belongs under a truck.
Long way of getting to your answer. Pietta. Well made guns, you can even get your Bisley style hammer on an SA frame. Thunderer Gripframes available, Barrels from 3 1/2 inches. Then, if your somewhat "hamfisted" there is the Alcimista. Army pattern Gripframe, checkered grips, wide trigger. There isn't much not to like.
Sure, I think they still need a little TLC but ALL the SAA copies need a little TLC. Late production Colts on the other hand, heeded a LOT of TLC to get really user friendly.
Back to your question. A Stainless Pietta. A little rubbin n buffin, Change out the Main Spring and you have a really user friendly gun that will last.
Coffinmaker