Going to play the contrarian on this one. I've never liked 3" barrels on the N-frame S&Ws. They just look un-balanced to me. Ever since I first saw one (a Model 27) I've thought the 3.5" is more balanced and the shortest barrel acceptable.
I was lucky enough to get this 3.5" 44 Special (624) recently.
It almost immediately became one of my favorites...and yes, the butt has been rounded.
Dave