I like the S&W Bodyguard .380 for this purpose.
Yes, the .357 is much more potent than the .38Spl, even from a short barrel. However, it ain't free and you pay for it in recoil and muzzle blast. I'd rather spend all day shooting .44Mags and heavy .45Colts than shoot a single box through a .357 snubby.
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