The 629 from the S&W Performance Center would be the right size and it does have enough "bark".
The barrel length is right and also the sights and grip.



What I'd like is the handgun with scandium alloy frame and titanium alloy cylinder, like the 329PD.
The 329PD Alaska Backpacker IV would be about right if it had the round grip, titanium cylinder, dovetailed red ramp front sight, and adjustable white outline rear sight.

I'd be happy with a S&W M&P 10mm, 3rd gen Model 1013 or 10mm Tactical pistol...being those don't exist yet I have to carry a Glock-29.

I know about the 44mag and how big and powerful they are, but they are limited in capacity and shorter lighter guns become recoil cumbersum. The 10mm would bring ballistic potential, flexability, controlability and capacity to the situations to be a tactical advantage...

Shadow1006,

I don't view 6 shots from a .44mag as being limited in capacity. But, I do view anything smaller than a .44 for a defensive gun to be undersized.
And if you can't draw your pistol and put 6 shots in a pie plate at 15 feet in under 5 seconds... the recoil may not be the only thing that's cumbersome!