I was issued a 3 inch barreled S&W model 13 .357 magnum, when I first got into law enforcement. It was a great carry gun, compact and fast from the holster and relatively light, but the barrel was too short for .357 magnum and I turned it in and never replaced it with a 3 inch. My next .357 duty gun was a private purchase S&W L-frame with a four inch barrel. It was heavy, slower on the draw and a much better all around gun for my needs! I had the action slicked and the barrel MAGNA-PORTED and I still shoot it.
All of my .357 magnums are 4 inch or longer. The flash, muzzle blast and noise are worse with a shorter barrel and they are bad enough with a 4 inch, in my opinion. Also, you lose velocity and that is the reason to use a .357 magnum in the first place.
I also had a 3 inch COLT DS VI. It was a really nice gun, but heavy for a .38 Special snub nose and I would rather have a 4 inch which is not much harder to conceal and will shoot more accurately (in most cases) and give me higher velocity.
I have several 2 inch barreled guns, all but one are 5 shot J-frame styles. They can be pocketed and carried in deep concealment holsters like an ankle holster. Their are few, if any ankle or pocket holsters for 3 inch gun.
To me, the three inch is either too much or too little, but never right.
Just my experiences.
Jim