This is where I'd look around for a good used M10 Smith in good shooting shape.
If you want magnum capability, sure, M686/586 or a K frame M66 or M19 or a Taurus equivalent. The Ruger GP100 is another option. I'd want adjustable sights on a .357 range gun so you can regulate it easily for a light .38 or heavy .357 load. Really, no gun collection is complete IMHO without a good .357 4" or 6" DA revolver. they are just so useful as well as fun and accurate.
Yeah, I went through three .357s before I found on a fourth try one that would shoot .38s to my liking. I wouldn't call 'em inaccurate, though. Most any .357 can put good .38 loads into 2.5-3", just that getting 'em down under 2" is hard to do. For some, that's plenty accurate. Me, I wanted better. My M10, a .38 chambered gun built for the .38 on a K frame, puts wadcutters into 1.5" and a good 158 grain SWC into 2" at 25 yards. The bullet has to jump less space out of a .38 case to do its job. I guess since I handload, I could have tried loading light loads in .357 cases, but that can get confusing with two loads using the same bullet and I have .38s to load for, rather be able to shoot my .38 loads well in the .357. I have a Blackhawk that shoots well with both, 6.5" barrel single action and my Taurus M66. I cannot tell you that if you buy a Taurus M66 it will be accurate with .38s, though. It's a gun to gun thing and I got lucky with that little jewel. I really don't know what makes it accurate with wadcutters and my Ruger Security Six, Smith M19, and Rossi M971 all mediocre with .38s. I figure it must be mojo or something. But, there are .357s out there that shoot very well with .38s, just that most don't in my experience. Like I say, it depends on your wants. 3" at 25 yards is plenty good enough groups for practice and self defense. I wanted my .357 to do better, though.
