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Well, the 581 with its fixed sights would be the least prone to snagging on stuff. It and the 686 could certainly deal with any loads you might care to pump through them. I imagine the Ruger would, too, but I personally don't care for ported guns. They're audibly rude. Keep in mind that the full lug barrel on the L-frame Smiths make them just about the same weight as the N-frame. The price on the 686 sounds like a pretty good deal in my area.

The model 19, in my opinion, is the most nimble, and the easiest to carry. The price on it doesn't sound that great, but they're not making any more. If you want to shoot lots and lots of full-powered magnums (especially in 125 gr.) then the K-frame probably isn't for you.

Personally, I carry a 4" nickel 19-5 or a 4" blue 13-1 in an El Paso Saddlery Tortilla most of the time. I like thae way they carry and the way they handle. I've never noticed any real problem with the finish being fragile. I just wipe them down with a silicone cloth at night.

For loads, I like the Buffalo Bore 158gr +p .38 Spl LSWCHP. It thinks it's a magnum, and the shorter cases fall clear a little easier. I think it might be a little better on the ears indoors, too (although I hope I never get the chance to test that out!) When I head out to the country, I like the Fiocchi Extrema .357 with the 158 gr XTP. It seems like a good, consistent load, and it shoots great out of my Marlin 1894, also.