Though I havent bought mine yet, Smith Wesson 686
.357 so you can shoot .38spl, .38spl+P, .38spl+P+, and of course .357s
6 or 7 shot. Price <$600
barrel length.. 4" seems perfect for you. 6" is the next step up which I think you wont like.
my first handgun was a 1911