38 special

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Currently? I'm not sure. In the past, S&W made some 3" model 10s. There were a bunch on the market last year for a good price, but they're probably going for $400 and up now.
 
You can still find a S&W model 10 3" without too much trouble. Or a model 13 if you don't mind it being a .357.

The short Ruger Speed, Service, and Security Sixes are really 2.75" but fill the same niche.

There are some 3" GP100s.
 
Yes, there are some being made today . . . and MILLIONS of nice used specimens from back "in the day." DON'T SELL THE VINTAGE S&W REVOLVERS SHORT EITHER!!!

I took this one to a steel match right after I bought it a year and a half ago . . . and won the revolver division with this post war S&W M&P model (later called the Model 10 around 1957 and forward).

This one? Absolutely as good as a new one, and no stinking weep-hole lock on the gun either . . . a true classic. It doesn't have all the shortcuts done on it as the new guns . . . still a "five-screw" frame, magna grips that are serial numbered to the frame, and the desirable 5" barrel. The year made? 1950 . . . and tack-driving accurate.

Like I said initially, there are millions out there . . . and in various barrel lengths too . . . plus they are collectable, CHEAPER than the new stuff and they simply go up in value every year!!! Plus, they are way cooler to own and shoot, IMHO!

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+1 on the Colt Det. It doesn't get any better than that IMHO. Also consider the Cobra or Agent. I have all 3 and love them. I also have the snub S&W 10 which is great, just a little large for me.
 
I've got a nice Taurus heavy-barrel 6-shot 3". Nice gun; I've only put a couple dozen rounds through it; kind of a safe queen, but a cool gun.

One of my favorite target guns is a Rossi 851 in stainless, 3", oversized target grips. Really a fun gun to shoot. (I don't know if they're still made or not.)
 
If it has to be a 38 Special S&W made the models 10 and 64 in 3" at one time. I you can go with a 357 Magnum and load it with 38 Special S&W made the models 13 and 65 in 3". S&W also made a short run of 3" 66s. While I have never seen any in person I have seen several photos of them. When I am off duty I usually carry w 3" S&W 65 and highly recommend it.
 
Thanks to all who responded...

Yes, I have a Diamondback in 22LR 6" and a 38 Sp 4" but mine are not as nice as yours. I have used them for more than 35 years and they look it too. I would like to find a Detective special in 3". I do not believe anyone is now making a 3" 6 shot in 38 special unless it it is Charter arms?? Snoop
 
My Ruger GP100s are both 3-inch 6-shooters.

Yeah, they're .357s, but I shoot .38 Special out of them all the time.

Other than that, I recommend a S&W Model 10. I like them enough to own 3 of them.

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Model 10, if you can stumble onto one. They are getting to be more common with the recent police trade ins, but clean ones are getting a little pricey.

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