They have quite the bark and recoil in .357 but there is new short brl ammo that helps with that. The laser grip is nice but I don't care for them. I can't think of a better revolver for carry than what you have picked. Now, if you can live with .38 dpl +p the Smith 442/642 is what I would go with. .38 spcl +p is more controllable, can have great performance with the sort brl ammo, and is a lot cheaper.