I don't know what you might already have. If a person could only have one revolver to "do it all", a medium-framed 357 with a 4" barrel would be hard to beat.
You can't really go wrong with a Ruger or a Smith. For SD double-action is probably better, but my favorite 357 for shooting is definitely my Ruger Blackhawk.
And there is nothing wrong with choosing 38 special instead. I shoot way more 38's out of my 357 revolvers than I do 357's. It is a legitimate SD, cheaper to shoot, and has less recoil.
I pretty much just buy used these days. I try to go with the big outfits on GB that sell a lot of guns. My favorites just type up an honest description, add some pictures, start at one cent, and it sells for what it sells for. I have gotten some really good bargains that way. There are still some good police trade-ins showing up every once in a while, too.
And yeah, getting new grips is super easy.
The less in a hurry you are, the better deal you will get. Take your time and get one you really like for a price that is reasonable (or better). If you are willing to go as far as your upper figure, you could get two serviceable used revolvers. I rarely pay more than $300 for a mechanically sound used handgun.
You can't really go wrong with a Ruger or a Smith. For SD double-action is probably better, but my favorite 357 for shooting is definitely my Ruger Blackhawk.
And there is nothing wrong with choosing 38 special instead. I shoot way more 38's out of my 357 revolvers than I do 357's. It is a legitimate SD, cheaper to shoot, and has less recoil.
I pretty much just buy used these days. I try to go with the big outfits on GB that sell a lot of guns. My favorites just type up an honest description, add some pictures, start at one cent, and it sells for what it sells for. I have gotten some really good bargains that way. There are still some good police trade-ins showing up every once in a while, too.
And yeah, getting new grips is super easy.
The less in a hurry you are, the better deal you will get. Take your time and get one you really like for a price that is reasonable (or better). If you are willing to go as far as your upper figure, you could get two serviceable used revolvers. I rarely pay more than $300 for a mechanically sound used handgun.