I've a Model 12-2 round butt 4" pencil barrel that about fits the bill. Has very nice balance and the light slim barrel doesn't feel clunky...

Recoil however is snappy for a .38 even with standard loads. A couple cylinder full of +P a year isn't going to kill anything.

Only thing I don't like about the gun is the slim frame that causes a limited selection of grips options... From what I have read a -3 takes standard size K-frame grips...

Holster wise I use a DeSantis Speed Scabbard...much faster and lighter than a SR...

Bob