I'm a big fan of the Ruger SP101 in .32H&R mag for home defense. It's as stout as most .38spcl rounds, and considerably flatter shooting. I've got four guns in .32H&R now, two "Vaquerito" single sixes and two SP101's (one blued 4" and one stainless 3")...

I'd trust my life to a ruger anyday, and I absolutely love my SP's for hiking when the small game opportunity comes up.