Just this year I've purchased a 6" & 4" Ruger Security Sixes and a Speed Six with a 2 3/4" barrel. Also, a Ruger SP101, all are chambered in .357 Magnum, which from your original post is the caliber you have the permit to buy. The weight of the Ruger helps a heck of a lot with the recoil, and .38 Special is like a puppy dog to practice with. Depending on how much you want to spend, a good used S&W in .357, I don't think you can go wrong either. I'm really liking these plane Jane Rugers though for shooting. For looks, that's a different story!