Ultimately it comes down to what you want to use it for. I used to have more handguns than I could count and keep track of. Now I only have a few, and each one has a special place/function.
Are you looking for a carry gun, hunting gun, plinking gun, all around one gun for every type use?
An all around gun would probably be something in .45 Cal like a 1911, Sig, Glock, etc... You can carry it, it's just big and heavy, but will kill nearly anything you want to shoot, and works great at the range also...
im not really lookin for a plinking gun. but i would like to practice with it at the range when i do go. im lookin for an all around gun. somethin i can carry if i want, bring it huntin with me if i want, and shoot some rounds at the range.
my personal favorite for the moment is a sig 220 in 45 acp, but BEST all around I think I'd give to the 357 mag revolver. good stopping power with hot 180 gr loads, cheap/accurate target loads in 38 special, better long distance accuracy with a 4-6"bbl than most semi's. would like to get the 22 cal conversion for the 45 sig so I could afford to practice more with it. and to me the recoil feels worse with the 40 than the 45. the 40 is moving so much faster it has a fast sharp snappy recoil , the 45 is a heavier slower shove imo, but my 45 in solid stainless weighs a ton. Crock hows that snubbie handle hot 44 mag loads? I wouldn't mind a 45 long colt revolver at all.
Ruger SP 101 in 357 stainless 2 inch is what I'd recommend based off what you said you want it for! 38 Spcl for the range and 180 grain HP for concealed carry and 158 grain 357 Mag Leverution, spelling is wrong, for hunting IMHO!
the sp-101 hammerless stainless is a great gun and is also avail with a 3" bbl. having owned both the 3" delivers a lot more accuracy than you would think, is realy no different to carry/conceal anywhere but maybe in a pocket.
I am still looking for a hammerless 357
