If I'm going to get an 8-shot revolver, it's going to be a S&W M&P R8. .357 Magnum N-frame. It'll set me back about $1100, but it'd be worth it.
I'm going to my LGS today with my wife to look at a handgun for her. Yeah, I've got my preconceived notions (S&W 642 LS or Glock 42), but if she likes something else, that's what we go with.
The other handgun that I considered is the N frame PC 627. I went with the 929 for the extra barrel length and while I'm concerned about the issues some are having with this handgun, the shorter 9mm cartridge makes for a faster reload. This is going to be a competition gun only.
I already have a 686, the standard 6 shot with a 4" barrel. I bought it new and then changed the sights and had trigger work so I have well over a grand in the thing. Shoots great now but out of the box it had a 14# trigger.
My daughter picked out a J frame 442 snubbie for Christmas. This after much thought and discussion. Since Mrs thomas15 has a 637 (with crimson trace laser grip) I had my daughter shoot it a few times. Initially she really wanted a KelTec 32 auto poodle shooter. I don't think that is a good choice for a primary carry gun. In the end the thing that sold her on the 442 was simplicity and compactness. I had to really work at some light handloads to get the bark out of this gun (110g Hornady XTP HP with 3.0g Hodgdon Clays). Even I will admit that a standard load (158g plated RN with 4g AA#2) is quite a manly load for the airweight J frame.
My son got the M&P Shield in 9mm. Nice gun. Let us know Blue State Saint what you get and how you make out.