Isn't it nice we have all these choices?
One day, I'll sit down with current catalogs and count up the different small-to-medium size revolvers. Maybe I'll include those discontinued within the past 20 years - - There's a lot of those still available, too. With ONLY those in caliber .38 and larger, and ONLY counting S&W, Colt, Charter, and Taurus, I bet there'll be 20 or so distinct types and models. I believe this indicates the gun makers figured there was good reason to provide all those alternatives.
I like a couple of different types. Some guys turn up their noses at ANY Colt. Others feel S&Ws are all obsolete since Ruger brought out their short double action types. Hey, I'm just glad we can all choose what suits us best.
I've carried --and liked-- several steel framed snubbies, Colts and Smiths. If I was forced by cirumstances or regulations to carry a .357 and magnum loads, I'd sure use a steel frame piece - - Probably my three-inch Model 65. But for poking around town, I usually have either a Colt Agent or an S&W Model 37 in my pocket. I'm not a part time pistol packer, though. Any time I'm out of my house, I'm armed. Not in my car, not in my brief case. On my person. But since I retired, I don't feel the need to carry a big gun and two reloads.
I think it's nice to have a lightweight sidearm. I'd certainly not try to force my choice on anyone else.
I have no illusions about the power of these little alloy framed monsters. About once a year, I put a cylinderful of my heavyish carry loads through each one. But I regularly practice with downloaded or standard velocity 158 gr. ammo. I'll put all the shots in the five-zone of a silhouette, one handed, double action, at ten feet. Using the sights, two handed, I'll do the same at 15 yards. The longer range stuff is mainly just for fun.
If I feel I need any greater capability than my lightweight revolvers provide, I carry a .45 Commander or a Hi Power.
Best,
Johnny