The Rossi 720 is the most underrated gun out there, but I guess it has a following, since the prices on them used is far above what they should be.
I had a bobbed-hammer one, and had a friend talk me out of it- I kick myself...but I got something good in trade so...
The nice thing about the 720 compared to the 696 is the size and better yet the price- I know many on here love the 696, and I would too, but I wouldn't pay what they are going for now.
Maybe one of the new Taurus 445's (.44 special ultralight) might not be a bad choice, if the price is right.