Thinking outside the box. I didn't even know these existed until a few weeks ago.
Model 396-1 in 44 Special. Five shot, alloy "L" frame, titanium cylinder, 3" barrel, round butt, fiber optic front sight with a wide V adjustable rear. Weight is 18 ounces. Recoil is no worse than a Charter Arms Bulldog. I'm sure you could up the load and make it kick like a mule, but if you stay with normal 44 Special loads, you'll be OK.
They were only made for a few years, so they probably aren't real common. I paid $550.00 for this one. No idea if that was good, bad, or indifferent.