imported post
Unless you just have to have a 2" barrel, you might want to consider a 3" in either of these calibers. Both offer a standard downloaded "Special" round. The .44 special is a lot more effective than the .38, but either produce a lot less noise and muzzle flip than the magnums the guns can handle.
If you look around you can find the Lew Horton variant of the s&w 629, 3", .44 with unfluted cylinder. They are very nice shooters, and they can be carried easily, especially if you are larger than average.
The .375 is also a good weapon, and can be had in a 3", either from S&W or Ruger. Personally I would go with the ruger SP-101 despite the 5 round capacity, as it is a VERY robust design.
If you ever want to use shot in these for dispatching snakes, I would defiantly go with the .44. I have used both calibers for this purpose and the .44 is definitely the way to go.
My personal preference is for the .44. But I have very specific reasons for that choice. As to the cost of .44 specials, I have not had the same problems others have mentioned in either obtaining it or in finding it at reasonable prices, but I may have just been lucky.
Regards