Its a personal choice. I had the same dilemma. I wanted another 44revolver to add yo the stable, and I wanted a snubby. Money was not the issue, rather the best gun. I chose the S&W PC 629. Contrary to popular belief you lose more velocity to barrel differences than you do just by having a shorter barrel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCsylNLWuW4