How about a 5 shot J frame shrouded hammer S&W Bodyguard either the all steel blue model 49 or a stainless model 649 or the light weight alloy version (aluminum frame/steel cylinder and barrel) S&W model 38 (blue) and model 638 (stainless) that are about perfect for pocket carry ? For a small snub revolver they are exceptionaly accurate with the right load......also there is the all steel hammerless stainless S&W model 640 and their relatives the lighter weight alloy frame model S&W 442 (blue) and model 642 (stainless). If it were me I would look at used older models in .38 Special made before S&W began installing their "infernal"...oops...I mean internal locks. Why....I prefer the older ones because in my personal experience they are built a little better and have a bit more "character" than what is currently coming off the S&W assemly line; I find anything more powerful that .38 Special +p out of a S&W J frame too much for me to control for effective and accurate follow up shots; also I find them no fun to practice with. Others like their new S&W's just fine or think the .357 mag. is a better caliber choice for personal protection. ( If I was convinced I wanted to carry a smallish 5 shot revolver chambered for the .357 mag I would seriously consider a Ruger SP 101, heavier and beefier than the S&W 5 shot revolvers; Ruger manufacturers a "hammerless" model. I own a SP101 and don't mind shooting mag. rounds in it very much at all.)
There are plenty of good, used, older hammerless/shrouded hammer S&W J frames in fine shape on the market.....expect to pay $275-$350 for one in excellent shape. Patience is the key to finding a nice one. Take care of it and you will be able to get your money out of it in resale if you choose.....no problem !
If I were going to buy a new 5 shot hammerless/concealed hammer snub I would look hard at a the Taurus models.......model 85CH (concealed hammer) and the models 850 (hammerless) and 851 (shrouded hammer); I believe Taurus makes most of these models in ultralight aluminum alloy and titanium versions also. I think in general Taurus is currently manufacturing great little 5 shot snub revolvers with fit and finish in my opinion a litter nice than current S&W J frames......the 5 shot Taurus revolver triggers I have tried lately where much smoother than the brand new J frame Smith's I tried. An added plus is that the Taurus revolvers tend to sell for at least $50 less than new S&W's if you shop around. However there are plenty of folks on this forum who like their new S&W J frames and would take issue with me.....we all have our opinions and am only offering mine as such...I am cetainly no source authority !
Alernatively you could look at used J frame S&W M36's, M60's, M37's, M637's and have the hammer bobbed. I once found a nice used, inexpensive, S&W M36-2 and had a reputable gunsmith install a bobbed hammed.....total cost for gun, parts and work was probably not much more than $250. I still carry it from time to time.
A used D frame Colt Detective Special or alloy Cobra/Agent with a hammer shroud installed will work. Added plus : six rounds.
Of course the S&W M15 in the above picture is awful nice ( a 2" S&W M10 with a bobbed hammer would do as well ! ), if you arn't looking for something smaller than a K frame.
These are my insignificant musings.
-regards
