If you want an inexpensive J frame for shooting .38 Special, try the Model 637 Airweight with the 1.875-inch barrel (SKU 163050). Gilbert's Guns lists it for $389.95 and there is a $50.00 rebate through December 31.
Gilbert's Guns has the newer M637 with the 2.5-inch barrel (SKU 162522) in stock at $429.95 also with the $50.00 rebate.
I have a current M637 and it has been a great little gun. Nice trigger, no problems with the lock (such issues were pretty rare anyway and seemed to involve hot ammo in lightweight guns) and all the MIM parts work just fine. It does kick a bit (think Missouri mule) with +P ammo but is no problem with .38 Special.
The Model 60 with the 3-inch barrel everyone is recommending is also a sweet revolver. It's a bit heavier, being stainless steel, but it soaks up recoil much better. I got one of those not long after I got my M637 and have enjoyed both. The downside is that it's going to be closer to $700 than $600 in most places.
IMHO, the M637 is fine, but the M60 is worth the extra.
The Uncle Mike's Boot Grips that come on the M637 are cute and I suppose they're good if you actually plan to carry the gun in a boot, but they're pretty much useless otherwise. I prefer a grip that lets me use all my fingers to hang onto the gun. I replaced the Uncle Mike's grips with the S&W grips made for the Model 60 Pro. They add just 0.56 inch to the height of the gun but allow a decent grip. The Hogue Monogrips are also good.
Since I do shoot .357 Magnum in the Model 60 I switched the standard Hogue Monogrip for the Pachmayr SJ-G Gripper. You may find the Hogue is just as good or better for you.