I see 3" 686's and 686+'s fairly often. Either one would be a fine choice. I also love the GP100's but have yet to ever see a 3" for sale in a store. The short Lett rubber with wood inserts grip for the 3" GP100's is a fantastic grip. But there are only a thousand plus options for the K/L frame Smiths. I really wish Ruger would both ramp up production on their 3" GP's and also add an adjustable rear sight as an option. Heck, I would drop the fixed rear and make a sight similar to what D&L Sports / C&S are making for the S&W Night Guard series. I have often thought of making my first L frame a three inch 686+ with the D&L rear sight added. That would make me a great bedside gun and carry gun in one package. But as always, that's my personal perspective.