It is all your decision, find something you like, not necessarily what someone else wants. Follow Craig's advice and try several. I believe there is a good gun shop in Farmington. Further north is Dunn's and then Denny Dennis, I think Top Gun on the outer road in Arnold lets you rent guns and fire them at their indoor range. If you are thinking about a bear gun bigger is probably better, but then you have to carry it. You mentioned having both guns with similar frames, that is available both in revolvers and semi-autos. As Craig states nothing is more reliable than a revolver but thousands of police depend on semis. I tend to find fullsize auto frames a little big for my hands and I am about your size.