OP if you are looking for a HD gun get a 4 inch bbl. Smith&Wesson model 686 or 66 in .357 mag. For a CCW gun the S&W 60 or other J-frame is a good choice. YMMV. Good luck in your search. tom
Summitgunbroker, a seller of used guns (mostly police trade-ins or estate sale guns) has a lot of used guns in stock in your price range. I've bought several from him and the service and product is top-rate. Check out his website at www.summitgunbroker.com. Good luck.
best wishes- oldandslow