I love my 4" 610. It handles like a dream for IPSC, IDPA and ICORE.
Plus , it is just plain fun to shoot anbd plink with. I guess that it would be a good pig and deer gun, too. I have the 6.5" 610, also, which is not nearly as handy for quick shooting.
That 40 S&W brass works just fine and ejects fast. You can load hot, mild or medium. Cast or jacketed, all the ammo I have shot through mine is accurate.
The 4" 610 will fit the holsters for 5" and 6" N-frames, too, although there is a little extra leather below.