I know SS materials in general have improved quality in the last half century. From what I have read, back in the 60s and earlier they just had too many problems working the SS to make a reliable firearm and as materials improved you started seeing their use in firearms more often. I would say in 3 decades the material grade options and quality have improved overall and that has transferred over to the gun world.

As for pistols I had a Taurus Model 44 in polished SS with an 8-3/8" barrel in 44 Mag that was smooth and crisp and shot great.