I bought my S&W model-386PD, Dec. 2001 for $590.00 how much did you pay. I love this gun, it has a very smooth trigger, but will hammer the palm of your hand. I changed my grip to a Uncle-Mike's Combat grip that covers the backstrap of the gun. You will only be able to shoot the 386PD in double-action becouse the Scandium/Titanium guns have an odd flip to them when fired in single-action that can beat-up your trigger finger but this dose not happen in double-action. Read your owners manual! it will explain a whole lot more. I suggest you start with .38's and move up to .357's. It's a great gun and I think you will love it,let me know how it go's with a range report.