My first real pistol when I got out of high school was a .44 Spec. but the trajectory and penetration was like throwing a brick. I tried a .38 Spec., .45 Colt, ACP and a 9m/m but when I discovered the .357Mag. I knew I had hit the mother lode.
I can't see or hold good enough now to shoot any distance so for the last few years I have been using a 3 in. M29 loaded down to 1000fps.
Lately I've been thinking about a 2 1/2 in. M19 because it is easier to carry and I still think the .357 Mag. is the best pistol cartridge ever made.
I still own more .357 Mags. than any other cartridge. Larry