TarDevil - several years ago, while looking for a .357, I tried various guns ranging from 4-6" barrels. These included S&W, Colt, Ruger, and Taurus. Every one of the longer barrels, I found to be "nose heavy" and unwieldy. All of the 4" were much better balanced and, because of the costs, I found a used GP-100 at a pawn shop. If the shop will let you, load the gun and test its weight and balance that way, not just empty.
Good luck.