Used Rugers at Gun Shows
Yeah... it takes pretty creative abuse to wear out or damage Rugers - in general, particularly the New Model Blackhawks. Since most people don't shoot any sort of competition with SAs (yes, there IS the SASS crowd, but they shoot light loads) it's a rare used Ruger SA that shows any signs of real wear.
They're not expensive new, but I've seen a pretty fair number of used Rugers at gun shows at $300 or less. We're talking firearms that were built to last into the next millenium that have fewer than a thousand rounds through them.
I wouldn't hesitate to pick up one after giving it a good looking over. Your milsurp stuff from our old enemies is fairly cheap - the Makarov is wonderfully reliable and a good shooter. The CZ52 is, well, weird but fun to shoot. And as one guy mentioned, the S&W M10 as well as many LE 9mm trade-ins (since most have up-gunned to .40 caliber) are plentiful at decent prices. I paid $350 for an almost NIB Glock 17 a couple years ago, and could have had one that didn't look quite so pristine for $300. You'll find a lot in the under $400 range, and a fair number at $300. I'd cruise the gun shows and not be bashful about the pawn shops, either. If you're not experienced at closely inspecting used firearms, take a buddy with you, just like you were buying a used car.