I missed the snubby qualifier, and few old the older 5 screw S&W 38s will be found for $500 ish. I guess really my suggestions are not what you are looking for MWM, but they are guns you could perhaps consider after getting a 38 snub. I know I never regretted getting any of the guns I pictured, esp that outdoorman - that is one sweet revolver.
Maybe you could look for a baby chief (aka early pre 36) but that also will be hard to find for $500 ish. They have a smaller trigger guard than the later pre 36 and model 36 guns. They're very sought after and high quality, being made in the 1950s. The baby chief and a diamondback snub (because they're rare) are at the top of my snubnose list.
