I’ve been shooting since I was about 8-my close-at-hand/carry weapon is a Taurus .38 Special I’ve had for over 30 years-I also have a .357, but my .38 is the one I keep near-I live in a remote area-not all of the neighbors are law abiding folks so keeping a firearm close is common practice...
My .38 S&W 2” Special is nearly 50 years old. IIRC I paid $50 (+/-) for it new. It’s my carry and it works as flawlessly today as it did back in ‘68. I keep a Taurus Judge in my nightstand just in case someone makes a serious mistake.