Oh, as for best .38 snub (and, like others, I'll add .357 to the mix since a .357 can also shoot a .38), I guess it really depends on your needs.
In many ways the best snub is a K-frame (or equivelent) with a 2", 2 1/2" or 3" barrel. It is on a medium frame so it is heavy enough to be very comfortable to shoot (especially a consideration if you think you may ever want to shoot .357s with it or if you are recoil sensitive). However, it is still small enough to be easily concealable for most concealment methods and for most body types.
If you want a J-frame sized gun Taurus is probably your best bet. Their revolvers are as good as any these days (a new Taurus is probably a better gun than a new J-frame S&W). The trigger on my 605 is great (better than the trigger on my S&W 65LS). I've had no mechanical trouble of any kind. Lockup is good and there is little play in the cylinder. They also offer incredible diversity so they have something for all needs. There are bobbed hammer models in most of their snubs, concealed hammer .38s and .357s, standard stainless and blued steel, lighter aluminum guns, even lighter "Total Titanium" and even lighter aluminum and titanium guns. Also, the 617 (.357) and 817 (.38) hold 7 rounds, much better than the standard small snub 5 round capacity (though you lose some concealability).