For years the official FBI issue pistol was a S&W 3 inch "K" frame Model 13 in blue.
I "think" they later used the Model 65 which was the same gun in stainless.
The 3 inch Model 65 is an absolute prime CCW revolver, and "possibly" the best of the short barrel concealed carry revolvers.
It's powerful, accurate, totally reliable, durable, has excellent sights, an action that can be highly tuned for a smoother pull, and has an intimidating appearance.
If you're armed with a Model 65 you're VERY well armed.
There are many after market grips available in woods, synthetics, and rubber that make it even easier to shoot well.
One of the best loads for it is the Buffalo Bore +P lead, semi wadcutter, hollow point.
This is a very hot +P load using a very soft lead hollow point bullet with a gas check.
The gas check allows pushing the soft lead bullet very fast without excessive leading.
This is what the original idea of the +P load was and the Buffalo Bore version is pushing Magnum velocities.
"Back in the day" the street cops called the earlier hotter +P load the ".38 SPLAT", for the sound it supposedly made when it hit.
It was famous for stopping fights.
This gives you more power then a standard .38 Special but without the massive muzzle blast of the Magnum.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/17...mi-wadcutter-hollow-point-gas-check-box-of-20
Due to possible problems with cracks developing in the rear of the barrel in the forcing cone, you may not want to use the hot 125 grain jacketed Magnum loads in the S&W"K" frame revolvers.