Another vote for a .38 revolver, but with a twist.
http://www.gunsinternational.com/S-W-MODEL-10-5-revolver-97-with-BOX.cfm?gun_id=100510674
This is a good example of what can be found on the used market if you look. A Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 from 1962 that clearly hasn’t had more than a box or two of ammo through it. It still has the original box, tools, and papers which means it was cared for. It will be considerably better made and smoother than anything “new” in it’s price range. I would not feed it a steady diet of +P ammo, but it will handle it.
I prefer to get a .357 snub nose but keep it loaded with 38 +p rounds when carrying. Just because if I find myself in a situation where .357 is the only ammo available I'm still good to go. (ie. keeping a SHTF scenario in mind)