Well, if I didn't live on the other side of our country from you I'd love to go shooting with you. I have a model 27-2 6" and a model 66-1 6"; I carried both waaaaayyyy back as a leo. I wonder if a "L" frame would work for you? The N frame is a bit heavy and I agree the K frame is not for lots of shooting. The L frame would give you the strength with less weight to hold up. Now you just have to find one! ((I am a bit behind on the frame types of the new S&W's so if those that people have been suggesting are in the L frame area just ignore me!!))