Let me comment on this as a guy that's carried both the .38 Special snub and a few semi auto pistols for serious purposes. And needed a gun for real a few times BTW.
One can carry a larger semi auto with all of it's advantages and have it hide just as well as the .38 snubs. Their extra weight is a real advantage if you really need a gun.
Drop a revolver, like your smiths and Colts, on the sidewalk and 50% of the time they won't fire when you pick them up. Never saw an auto put of commisson with the same treatment.
Since some have brought up the .44 Special in a small revolver, I will mention the Colt Defender in .45 ACP. Seven vs. five rounds and lots of power. No contest. E
