3" J frame-great little trail gun. My full lug adjustable sight 60-4 serves perfectly as a house gun for my wife. Less recoil than a snub nose and the medium frame six shooters are too heavy for her. Outclassed though as a concealed carry gun I would agree.
10mm IMO not the perfect choice for any application.
17 cal varmint cartridges, I would agree with the OP on the centerfire versions but the rimfire 17 HMR is perfect and cheap for small varmints out to 150 yards.
5 shot .44 mag (smith 69). Has no advantage and gives up 1 round. My 629 mountain weighs about the same and is just as easy to pack as my 4" 686.
IMO the 69 is also one of the ugliest revolvers Smith has ever produced.
