My wife has a Taurus Judge 410/45...really likes it. It's ok, but for me it kicks too much (wheel gun). I prefer a SA since the cycling takes a lot of the kick out, plus, you have more firepower.
When I carry, I use a Baretta 96 (.40)...without too much effort, I can knock off 1 round per second...or 3 in 2 seconds
IMO, the "best" SA's are:
Para Ordnance, Sig Sauer, Baretta, H&K, Glock, etc. Very reliable pieces. For personal protection you want something very good... [6 in a wheel is good...10+1 in a clip is better...lol].
I wouldn't consider anything smaller than a .380 for personal protection. Better still, a 9mm, .40, or .45 You want "stopping power"...not "tickling event"...lol.
For those toters that use a .22, .25, or .32...well, you better be a crack shot and hit a serious vital organ [e.g., brain or heart] with the first shot...want to stop the Pit Bull...NOW!