I'm a history buff, so I'll break up my choices into different eras:
-Prior to 1919: 5 inch Colt New Service in .45 LC or as a distant second place, a S&W 2nd model hand ejector in .44 spl. I think the S&Ws were better revolvers, but I would prefer the .45 Colt with smokeless ammo.
-1919 to 1950 or 1955: S&W M1917 revolver in .45 ACP. You can't beat the reloading ability of moon (I guess half moon clips, when did Full moon clips come out?). I've often wondered why old timers didn't use these revolvers. You could even keep the clips in the old dump pouches for fast reloads. Since I have big hands, I would special order a target grip, which I'm not sure came on all Model 1950 or 1955's.
-1950 or 1955 to 1988: Move over the pinnacle of revolver design; the S&W N frame target sighted pistol, again in .45 ACP with moon clips.
-1988 to 1996: With the advent of the S&W 625, move over to stainless. I've always preferred stainless pistols, not so much for the ease of care (I live in a dry climate), but I HATE it when I do stuff that rubs the bluing off my guns. I'm WAY too protective of my guns to feel good about carrying a blued gun on duty.
-1996 to 2004: Split evenly between a S&W 627PC or a 610. Maybe, just maybe, a 646. I think the 10mm in the proper loading approximates most .357 loadings and the edge would go to the 627, with 2 more rounds. However, I think the 610 is built on an L frame, which is a bit easier to pack. Cheaper, too.
-2004 to present: By this time, I figure I'm pretty much ROAD--Retired On Active Duty, so I'd probably downscale to an S&W 386 or 325. The edge would go to the L frame of the 386. As a desk jockey running the range or working in procurement or something, I'd need a light weight pistol that still meant business.
As you can tell, I'm REALLY like the idea of moon clips. In the last 25 years or so, speedloaders have come close to moonclips in terms of speed and reliability, but I thinkthe round retention and simultaneous ejection that moon clips offer is clearly superior. The only downside is the possibility of bent moon clips, but I can't really assess the field risks, since I don't actually carry one.
-John