If you need to stick with a revolver but not necessarily for carry/concealment, why not something larger to both cut down recoil and get more capacity?
Something like the new 7-shot GP100 or a 686+ perhaps? Better sights, easier to shoot, and can go up to a 357 load if needed.
REI and other brick and mortar retailers aren't going to be around much longer. Amazon is squeezing the life out of them. Not really sure why they're backing down as the retail business model will be undergoing massive upheaval.
Hopefully the mom & pop local gun shops and ranges actually...
Are you looking for a fixed sight no free float rail upper? Or something more fancy?
If just the basic upper I'd say Stag as you can get a chrome lined m4 style barrel.
Thankful that we still have excellent gun related forums out there like this one.
I'm trying to do my part to support the ones I frequent by becoming a paying member, or at least not blocking the ads on their pages. I know it takes revenue to keep the sites up and I don't want to hurt that lest...
Had a 3" and 2 1/4" SP101, much preferred the 3". Never had a 4", but I think I'd still prefer the 3" just for overall balance.
Now, I believe the absolute best 3" revolver had the be the S&W 66 K-frame. Stainless, adjustable sights, and 6 shots.
A trick I learned was to use the 6-round speed strips, but only load 5 rounds, loading 2, skipping a space and loading the other 3. This lets you quickly get the first 2 rounds in the cylinder.
So, I owned the Leupold VX-Hog 1.5-4x before my SWFA. It's definitely lighter weight, but you sacrifice the true 1x on the low end. And I've found I really like the ability to effectively go down to no magnification, even if it means a heavier scope.
But I completely support your buy American...