Wouldn't really say the best. Maybe the best in terms of quality and affordability combined. But there's better options out there if you're willing to pay a little more. Plenty of options for 8 round 357 magnums these days. If I was going for a 5 round 357 I'd just go for an LCR since it's smaller and lighter. These medium-small frame revolvers are kind of an oddity to me anyway. I hear the 327 Fed Magnum is a stout little round though if you're willing to go out of your way to find ammo for one of these medium-small Ruger revolvers.