let's get back to the real world for a second and leave all these intrinsic accuracy *facts* to the side for a moment, K? There is not now, nor has there ever been, nor it there likely to EVER be anyone,,and I mean anyone,,that will be able to tell the difference between a .38 Special fired from a KSP-831X,,the 3 1/16 in fixed sight small frame Ruger in .38 Special or the KSP-331X,,the 3 1/16 in fixed sight small frame Ruger in .357 Magnum. PROVIDED both are in proper spec!!!
IT AIN"T GONNA HAPPEN!
I'll even go so far as to say that given the choices listed, there won't be a practical difference between them fired from a rested position.
Maybe, just maybe, if you clamp them into a machine rest the .38 Only will show an edge.
Yes,,,in a medium or large frame,,6 inch barrel,,.38 Specail vs a .357 Mag,,,there's going to be bunches of people that can tell the difference. Yes, I've shot a full race Clark heavy barrel Smith model 10 ( a .38 Special only and tuned for 148gr HBWC),,,,at a price of about 2 and a half grand,, I might add,,and I've shot my own Model 19's (.38/.357) in both 4" and 6" barrels at the same range and on the same day. Yes, the race gun outshot my box stock 19's. We're talking about 1 inch vs 1/2 inch offhand at 25 feet here though!
NE20quail,
Given the choices you narrowed it down to I'd have to say the Ruger,,being a heavier and slightly larger gun than the Model 60 would be a better choice for a beginner. Speaking oly for myself, I'm rather immune to recoil and muzzle blast. It usually doesn't bother me in the least. HOWEVER, if I'd have started out with a small, light frame, semi snub nose like a Model 60 I highly doubt if I'd have bought another D/A revolver. Look real close at both, and dry fire the heck out of them in the store if they let you. Personally, I find the small frame Smiths uncomfortable and the trigger pull all outta proprortion.
Oh yeah, and FWIW, I've been stuffing a fired .357 case into the chambers for years as part of the cleaning process. Prior to that I used a bronze brush chucked into a drill. ( Also use a .44mag when shooting specials and a .22 Stinger when shooting .22lr). It doesn't cost anything to try it.