Nothing wrong with a +p 38 Special load. Full charge, solid base 148 grain wadcutters have great penetration. This is NOT the hollow base target wadcutter load. I am referring to SOLID BASE , hard cast wadcutters, loaded hot ( "full charge").

Then, get a S&W 649-2 snubnose ( stainless "humpback" Bodyguard) in 38 Special. The "dash 2 " version is +P rated . It is heat-treated for higher pressure ( strength). The 649-3 is chambered in 357 mag. The S&W 49/649 have a hammer shroud which makes it "snagless" coming out of pocket),

Or, if you like exposed hammer, consider the S&W 60-4 or 60-7 .
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/470327-s-w-60-7-best-steel-j-ever.html

If you want "more wallop" than a +P 38 Special, find a 649 / 60 in 357 mag. Warning, they can be a handful to shoot with hot 357 mag loads.

https://www.grantcunningham.com/2011/11/ed-harris-revisiting-the-full-charge-wadcutter/

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/sho...l-Charge-quot-38-Special-Wadcutter-Loads

In have a S&W 649-2 (1. 7/8" bbl) and a 3" S&W 60-4 ( both 38 Special, loaded with 148 grain hard-cast, solid-base "full-charge" wadcutters. With 3.5 grains Bullseye). They are fantastic pistols..

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