Ok, I've basically narrowed-down my options to these firearms:
- S&W Sigma
- S&W K-Frame Model 10 or 12 (a co-worker and ex-leo working as security at my place of employment highly-suggested this, but he also said he'd leap for a Springfield XD40 for $400
*snip*
I can speak on these directly - the sigma is as reliable as I could ask for no matter what rounds I have put down it. The trigger isn't great but not horrid either.
A wheelie especially s&w is always a good choice. Yes you may be more limited on initial rounds, but I never worry when I have mine. I know it won't jam or fail to feed in any circumstance.
You could look at a Rossi or Taurus as well
I have always heard good things on springfields but no direct experience with them