Once S&W introduced the L frame, I became a convert, personally and professionally.
At the time I was commander of my department's patrol division. Our issue revolver was the 66. We had a lot of problems with them. When I went through the two week CA POST rangemaster course, by the time the course was finished, I was on my third 66, the first two having developed issues with locking up.
About a year after the introduction of the L frame, Bill Davis, among many other accomplishments, owner of the Davis Law Enforcement Equipment Co, came to the various departments with a killer (to me) deal. Straight across trade; our 66s for new 686s, department pays just the sales tax. The reason was that there was such a demand for 66s, that he could make his profit off the resale of the traded in 66s. I was able to swing the deal. Once the new 686s were issued, our prior problems ceased, never to return.
For myself, I bought a 586 with the tall Patridge front sight that I had customized for competitive use. I still think this is S&W's ideal 38/357 size revolver.
During this era, the issues with the 66s were well known. In one of his columns Massad Ayoob wrote that if a LE agency mandated stainless steel revolvers, he recommended the Ruger Six series over the stainless K frames. (Note: Incoming shots at Ayoob stipulated).
On that note, when I wanted a snubby K frame size revolver, but not wanting the 66 problems, I went with a 2 3/4" stainless Ruger Security Six.
I still have both of these revolvers. I don't believe in letting great revolvers (or other guns) go.
I am not an 'only one handgun' advocate. I am in the 'different courses/different horses' category.
It is nice to have choices available and be able to exercise them.
