I had the opportunity to attend the Gettysburg gun show today, and I found a slick looking Smith & Wesson Model 640 in .357 Magnum flavor with a 2" barrel. It was a great looking piece, and I almost impulse bought it for $499.99 (I am assuming this price was fair?)

Problem is, I'd really like to make sure there aren't any other revolvers in this caliber I should be looking at. Ideally, I am looking for a concealed carry revolver in .357 Magnum. So what I need to know is this:

1) Was the Model 640 I saw at the gun show a good price? Condition was 85-90%.
2) What other .357 Magnum revolvers do you guys recommend?
3) Is it true you can use .357 Magnum and .38 S&W Special interchangeably in this revolver?

Thanks!