Some straight answers.
The smith is expensive but worth it, it is designed to use the caliber and has the L frame. Can use moon clips for loading, that is an advantage. It isn't convertible, you will be stuck using nine mm forever, with no versatility of larger rounds. that is probably okay, if you intend to buy another one in larger rounds.
Whoever believes that either .38 or .357 can be purchased for an equivalent price of 9mm should just spend some time looking at real world, rather than digging around at discount outlets to cherry pick. Are you going to be more likely to pick it up at a local store, or go online and get it at fred's or another of the mass market places? Getting those through traditional sources in common lot sizes the nine can sell for maybe half the price of either of the rimmed calibers.
I can't in conscience recommend the taurus, and wouldn't, the savings may be tempting, but I just won't do that.
If you like the blackhawk, it's probably the best choice ,IMO. Convertible from high to lower power, superb quality, can run either one in a matter of seconds. Adjustable sights allow you to dial in for either caliber. Nice looking and handles well. about $3-400 less than the smith and available in many options, barrel length, metal, wood.
I can't honestly tell you which I would choose. Either of those two are high performing lifetime investments.
The smith is expensive but worth it, it is designed to use the caliber and has the L frame. Can use moon clips for loading, that is an advantage. It isn't convertible, you will be stuck using nine mm forever, with no versatility of larger rounds. that is probably okay, if you intend to buy another one in larger rounds.
Whoever believes that either .38 or .357 can be purchased for an equivalent price of 9mm should just spend some time looking at real world, rather than digging around at discount outlets to cherry pick. Are you going to be more likely to pick it up at a local store, or go online and get it at fred's or another of the mass market places? Getting those through traditional sources in common lot sizes the nine can sell for maybe half the price of either of the rimmed calibers.
I can't in conscience recommend the taurus, and wouldn't, the savings may be tempting, but I just won't do that.
If you like the blackhawk, it's probably the best choice ,IMO. Convertible from high to lower power, superb quality, can run either one in a matter of seconds. Adjustable sights allow you to dial in for either caliber. Nice looking and handles well. about $3-400 less than the smith and available in many options, barrel length, metal, wood.
I can't honestly tell you which I would choose. Either of those two are high performing lifetime investments.