Duke,
I agree with you. I have several Charter snubbies but,don't laugh,the most carried piece is a North American Arms Black Widow in 22 mag.
A 22 mag mini was always in my had when I would be "interviewing" an unsavory character in a dark alley on the job.

Is it equal to your 38 snubbies? Of course not,but it would afford me the time to get to the bigger piece.

Every motor vehicle stop,I had it in the palm of my hand. Everything checks out OK? Then it is slid in behind the belt buckle.

I do "Jelly Bryce Drills" with it. Playing card size target at 6 feet. Unload all 5 rounds as fast as possible.

6 feet? Yep,that's the average combat distance.

Probably snake distance too???

Wayne