1. If a 357 is a chambering that you desire, it might be a good place to start, depending on price and avaiability.

2. This would be my path.

3. 16-1/4" factory tapered barrels accept the carbine forends. The carbine forend has a longer screw spacing than the 12"-14" Contender forends. G2 forends use the 12"-14" screw spacing.

Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.