I'm fortunate to be able to choose carry S&Ws from a large collection. My favorite varmint hunting, woods pistol is the 629-6 "Classic" pictured below.

You don't even need to "pony up" the extra money for the "DX" version unless you want the barrel stamping. The front sight blade is easily interchangeable on all the 629 "Classics."

Once you own a 5" N frame you'll be hooked....