snubbies
I can't speak to the .357 Magnum question, but...
After experimenting with a Colt Detective Special and a Taurus M85, I have settled on a S&W Model 642 Airweight.
The Colt is nice, esp. with six shots, and is well made. But at a compact 22-23 ozs. is heavy for a pocket gun.
The Taurus was also a good deal, and shot to point of aim for me. But its stainless construction was still a tad heavy. Heavy = don't carry as often = why have a CCW permit in the first place?
The S&W is the best of all worlds, IMHO. Gunsmiths like them, too. Good fit, finish, reliability, and warranty.
The enclosed hammer means it can be fired from a coat pocket, and there is no hammer to snag on a pocket draw.
(I don't worry about cocking the hammer on a snubbie for
a "long shot.")
I like aluminum over titanium because it is rust resistant but still allows enough weight to fire "serious" .38 rounds with no loss of control. I've heard from several people (though I don't know firsthand) the titanium S&W's are a real pain with hot loads.
I carry my 642 in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. It's inexpensive, well-made, lightweight, breaks up the outline of the gun, and can be washed. Plus it has a strip of rough fabric to keep the holster in my pocket. If I ruin the holster, I buy another one for $11.
I shoot 158-gr. Plus-P SWC's. I know M1911 says they are a pain, but I have grown fond of them. Plus, I have confidence
in the slow-moving mid-weight. God forbid if I ever have to pull the trigger the last thought I want going through my mind is "I wonder if this is going to work?..."
My vote is for a S&W 642 in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster stoked with 158-gr. Plus-P Lead Hollow Points. It's in my pocket right now, as usual, along with a back-up Bianchi Speed Strip or two. Or three.