For the last 10 years, I have carried a Smith & Wesson 642 as a back up gun. My duty guns in that time have varied from a colt Govt model .45, an HKP7M8 9mm and currently a Glock 35 .40. Alot of the time, off duty, I carry a 3" S&W model 65 .357 magnum. I can carry anything I want, except on duty now. And, I have alot of choices in my toy room. I have been shooting for over 25 years for fun and in competition. I have, and have always had great faith in the reliability and power of a good revolver, particularly a good .357 revolver. (We won't make this a caliber debate, most any serious handgunner will accept the fact that the .357 will solve the vast majority of problems you may run into) I agree with the others, a Ruger is just stone cold reliable, either the SP-101 (small frame-5 shot) or the GP-100, medium frame 6 shot. The Smith and Wesson L frame is by some measure, by some people, me included, a tad bit more "refined" for lack of a better term and the feel of the action and trigger may be a bit better. I would gladly carry either into just about any situation and feel very well armed. Best of luck, ask away, lots of opinions out here.