A point to consider, for all who recommend the L frame S&W and say the N frame is too heavy, with equal barrel lengths, they weigh the same.
The L frame balances differently, more weight in the barrel less in the frame than the N frame, that, and the actual frame size are the only real differences.
I'm an oldschool kind of guy about some things, and my "outside" .357 is either a 6" Highway Patrolman, or a 6 (or 6.5?) Ruger Blackhawk.
When it comes to handling heavy loads, these guns are "hell for stout". I have shot, and ejected normally, from my M28, loads that I had to use a mallet to extract the cases from a lighter framed gun.
There is no free lunch. Heavier guns take more effort to pack around, but pay dividends when shooting. Lighter guns pack better, but kick more. And the lightest guns are actually harmful if shot too much.
Most people won't even come close to "too much" but I know someone who did. Put several thousand rounds through several .357 snubbies one summer, doing testing and load development, as well as fun shooting.
He developed nerve damage in his wrists and arms, which nearly ended his shooting days. He is recovering, slowly, but now, years later, still cannot shoot magnums, but can manage about a box of 9mm before he has to quit.
A mid size 4" Ruger or S&W would do what you want, pretty well. Personally, I would go for a 6" over a 4, since you say concealment isn't a requirement.
The L frame balances differently, more weight in the barrel less in the frame than the N frame, that, and the actual frame size are the only real differences.
I'm an oldschool kind of guy about some things, and my "outside" .357 is either a 6" Highway Patrolman, or a 6 (or 6.5?) Ruger Blackhawk.
When it comes to handling heavy loads, these guns are "hell for stout". I have shot, and ejected normally, from my M28, loads that I had to use a mallet to extract the cases from a lighter framed gun.
There is no free lunch. Heavier guns take more effort to pack around, but pay dividends when shooting. Lighter guns pack better, but kick more. And the lightest guns are actually harmful if shot too much.
Most people won't even come close to "too much" but I know someone who did. Put several thousand rounds through several .357 snubbies one summer, doing testing and load development, as well as fun shooting.
He developed nerve damage in his wrists and arms, which nearly ended his shooting days. He is recovering, slowly, but now, years later, still cannot shoot magnums, but can manage about a box of 9mm before he has to quit.
A mid size 4" Ruger or S&W would do what you want, pretty well. Personally, I would go for a 6" over a 4, since you say concealment isn't a requirement.
That was good!