An all-around favorite, not favorite for a particular use? That's a tough one.
I guess it'd have to be the Ruger SP-101. I particularly like it in a 3" 357, as it can do a bit of everything.
In a survival hunting situation, I could hunt big game with a heavy 357 load and the laser grip sight. (not ideal, but I think it'd put a deer down with a lung shot and some tracking)
In a survival SHTF/riot scenario, it would be good with 38+P hollow points and a few speed loaders, or even regular 38 wadcutters.
At the range, it's pretty accurate.
As a concealed carry gun, it's not TOO big or heavy.
It's my Goldilocks handgun.
Mine looks like this, but with the CTC laser grip that accommodates the pinky:
If I were to buy one nowaday$, I think I'd get the Lipsey's Distributor model; blued with a shorter under lug, wood grip insert and adjustable sights:
As someone said earlier, Rugers using this type of action aren't hard to improve at home. I polished up the internals on mine, polished the sides of the hammer, radiused the trigger corners a bit, and installed a Wolff spring kit and it is a nice shooter.
I almost said "S&W K", as they have better actions from the factory, but they're too big to CC.
A new Colt King Cobra (3") might be in the mix, but I've not shot one. Trigger & build quality seem nice.