I have introduced many a new handgun shooter to handgun shooting with a 38 special. 5 years ago, police positive specials, official polices and plain Smith K frames were obtainable for $200, now add 100 to 150 to that fugure. Brass was almost give away. With a cast bullet reload, ammo costs about .05 per round. At least one 38 goes to the range when I am shooting pistols no matter what the flavor is that day.