I carry a S&W J Frame model 340in .357 Mag. The retired police officer that recommended the J frame had some pretty good advice for me- buy something that you won't leave at home just because it's inconvienent to carry.
I'm a big fan of S&W revolvers and have a number of them that always go bang.
I will say that shooting lots of .357's in amodel 340isn't pleasant, but isn't any worse than shooting .44's in a large frame (IMO). I do the majority of my target practice with handloaded .38's, but keep it loaded with .357's for personal protection.