I like my Ruger LCR.38 as my ‘oops...dey it is.’ gun when carrying concealed. At home my S&W.38 Combat Masterpiece (4” barrel”) and the Mossberg pump action shotgun suffice for me. Not a thing wrong with automatics; personal preference for revolvers.
I prefer revolvers too. Bought the LCP Ruger .380 and I just don’t care for it. Upgraded to the LCR .357. It felt better in my hand than the .38 did . . and I can shoot .38’s out my .357.
The advantage of S&W .38’s is they have been around in huge numbers since the end of the Bronze Age. They are therefore cheap even in almost new condition. $200 bought me what appears to be a cop gun with some holster wear but zero visible barrel wear.