Even in .38 Special, they are way too lightweight for the recoil. They will kick so much you won't get enough practice. That severe kick also even limits what kind of ammo you can use in many titanium revolvers.
As for judging reliability by brand, I'd note that recent-production S&W snubbies are poor in design, quality control, or both.
Also, reviews in any gun magazine taking ads tend to be biased by the publisher's addiction to ad money.
GUN REVIEWS free from ad-money bias - emphasizing woman-friendliness of tested guns!