Bruce,
I support the S&W ban and abide by it myself. However, that being said, I think when it comes to protecting your life, I would get the best that is available. I think that honor lies with the Model 60. I don't have one myself, but a good friend has one, and loves it. It combines a short barrel, small frame, great accuracy, and suberb feel. I have handled Taurus handguns before, and have not been impressed with their quality. Get the M60, used if possible, new if not. BTW, if you do buy a S&W, pay penance by writing S&W telling that while you may have purchased one of their guns, you will never buy another (and then stand by this committment!). If this was just for plinking, I'd agree with the rest of the folks, but in this case I'll dissent.
sox,
Please consider not leaving your gun in your car. Many, many guns have been stolen this way, and I am sure you would not want yours to end up in the hands of a criminal.