Listen to Dave-0 and magsnubby. Both have good advise. IMHO, a Ruger SP101 .357 magnum with the 3" barrel is a good choice. You get to practice with cheap (relatively) .38spl ammo, and have the .357 velocity for defense. The more you can afford to practice, the more proficient you will become with your new firearm, this can save your life. AND the 3" barrel will give you added velocity over a 2" barrel due to more powder burn (with both .38+p and .357 Mag). Another advantage to the longer barrel would be less muzzle-flash, again due to more powder burn IN the barrel. I don't know much about Charter's reliability, but fit and finish seems shoddy to me (sorry to say), from the ones I've seen or handled. Rugers are known for their ruggedness and ability to shoot MANY rounds and never go out of time. Rugers and Smiths ARE more money, but in the long-run, you will be happier with a higher quality product.