As stated above, the 686/686+ (depending on your likes regarding capacity) are likely the best wheel gun going, if you ever had to just pick one. Shoot .38s all day long for fun, shoot all the .357 you can handle and when carrying for defense or hunting, stuff it with whatever load you like.

In my opinion, the late 90s 686+ Mountain Gun is the best of the pack for a carry and shooting gun! It's profile cuts a few ounces off and the trigger is oooohhhh so smooth right from the box. I absolutely love mine and while I don't carry it much now, it will likely never go away until I do. Never know when the bug will bite to strap it back on or send some lead downrange.