How is this for a recipe....
Half of my carry options is the S&W 686+ 2.5 inch 7 shooter. It is comfortable, fast, spot on target and deadly accurate. If I had to employ any firearm it would be at 30 feet, is the farthest I would engage it, depending of course. My 2.5" will get it done faithfully. I like the 3" too, but for $850 to add 1/2 inch barrel, it can wait.