I agree with most of the previous comments. You really can't go wrong with either 3" or 4" L frame. I own both and wouldn't want to part with either, but for a FIRST revolver (or if you could only have one) I'd probably go for 4" 686+. Balance is near perfect (for me), muzzle flash and recoil are slightly less than in a snubby, and holster choices are more plentiful. Also, since the 4" is more common, you will be able to get one for probably a couple hundred dollars less. If you are like the rest of us it won't be long before you have both, but I'd start with a 4".