I've always had S&W revolvers. Have had 3 Taurus snubbies (still have 2). As Jim said above, the Taurus and Smith J-frame size guns are essentially the same size BUT the Taurus seems to be just a little too big for Kydex, and I imagine other plastic, holsters. All my leather j-frame holsters worked just fine with the Taurus 85s (had a carbon steel and currently have titanium). Now, my 650 Taurus CIA in .357 is will not fit in any holster that fits my 640 S&W Centennial (the 650 fits in holsters made for SP101). I've not had problems with either Taurus or Smith snubbies, so I can't comment on factory repair issues. Workmanship: Smith takes the edge. S&W tend to be just a bit better in fit and finish areas compared to Taurus. Try a few out (handle them and shoot them if you can) in each brand and see what you like. Smith, Taurus, or Ruger - you'll probably do well with any. If Colt was still a player in defensive revolvers, then their Magnum Carry was promising, but I can't recommend it since it is out of production at least for the near future.