Steve Redgwell: Bought my first "38 Special" in 1968 (a Smith & Wesson Model 60) shortly thereafter I was "issued" a Smith & Wesson Model 10.
Once I qualified "Expert" I was issued a Smith & Wesson Model 14 (1969) and I have been shooting "38 Specials" ever since.
My favorite "38 Special" to shoot though is a Smith & Wesson Model 66 with 6" barrel!
Qualified "Distinguished Expert" several times with that rig.
Accurate, light of recoil, affordable (used to be anyways!) and reliable - whats not to like about the 38 Special?
And in my experience/opinion it is THE perfect round to teach new/young shooters the ways of centerfire pistol shooting.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
