I love the S&W K-frame Combat Masterpiece (Model 15)
with 4-inch barrel in .38 Special.
But it is the same weight as the larger S&W Model 686 plus
with 2.5 inch barrel in .357.
The round-butted 7-shot 686 is as an easy carry as the
Combat Masterpiece albeit with 1.5 inch lesser barrel.
And I get an extra round in the more powerful .357 over
the .38. Even with just .38s, that extra round is of
great benefit, I believe.