I like the versatility of the .357. You can shoot .38’s fairly cheap with low recoil, but always have the option of the .357. My opinion: better to have and not need than to need and not have. With the right revolver you can have an even mix of options; hunting, defense, plinking, correct grip size for smaller hands. . . . You can always get one of the pistols mentioned later if interested but arguably most will agree that if you had one handgun only, the .357 will fill many roles, just my opinion.
*** One advantage of the revolver, MUCH less likely to jam.