I went through this myself about a year ago. Ended up going with a 629PC 2 5/8", after handling it, 629 Backpacker (unfluted, laser-etched bear tracks), 629 Alaskan Backpacker (blued w/ stainless fluted), 329NG, 329PD, Ruger Alaskan, and Taurus 44 2.5" Titanium. The 329PD was super light and tempting and I may yet pick one up as I have no 4" 44 Mag in the stable.