to the op:
how about a short bbl 38? maybe a LCR or snubbie s&w k frame?
you can reload for it, play with shotshell development, cheap lead bullets, etc.....
I had a similar itch and got a SR-22. It's cool, but the inverse manual safety actuation and da/sa transition is getting old....I coulda done better.
good luck and enjoy the search.
