Handy,
You are going to love wheelgunning! Take a look at
Jim March's Revolver Checkout and learn to do it well. Then hit the Pawn Shops.
If you want a classic, my best suggestion is a S&W K38. Here is mine, that I scored in a hock shop for under $150.
Another great classic S&W is the M&P. This one ran me all of $120.
If you want nice at a good price, there is no subsitute for a hands on inspection. You might even get lucky and find a deal on a Model 27, but regardless, the Pawn Shops are where I'm finding my deals. I've yet to see a better wheelgun deal in a gun shop or a gun show. Carry your blue book along for the ride, memorize the Revolver Checkout, and have fun! It's a whole new addiction!
If you really get hooked, buy The Standard catalog of Smith and Wesson. It's indispensible.
I'm eyeballing a Colt King Cobra at the moment. Great price, but I'm wondering if I want to open that door........
There's such a thing as guitar shows?