If I were to carry here is my choice. M65 3 inch loaded with LSWCHP +P 38 special in either Winchester, Remington and Buffalo Bore. This round is rated one of the best in self defense rounds. The M65 can shoot 357 or 38s so if you have to have a 357 round I would recommend Remingtons Golden Saber 125G HP. This is a medium power round that has less recoil than the full house 357 round. I am not a light weight revolver fan. The M65 is strong enough and also will have less felt recoil than the light weight revolver. How much is the M65 or the M64? You might look around again in the used market. A Ruger Speed Six 2 3/4 barrel is actually stronger than the S&W 65. Its a 357 revolver so you can shoot either 357s or 38 specials. I believe the strongest small revolver on the market is the Ruger SP101. Again, a 357/38 revolver that is steel but smaller than the M65 K frame Smith. A lot of gun experts agree that the Ruger SP101 is stronger than the Smith K frame. I hope this helps in your decision.

Regards,
roaddog28