1badman, I know where you are coming from because I am from the same camp. I really do not like buying used; you never know how many rounds are left in the gun before a critical part breaks. This is not such a problem for range toys, so I do make an exception for pure range toys/target/fun guns. But, for a gun that might be used in self defense, it just makes me feel better to know exactly how much wear is on the gun.
That being said, beyond the range toys, I do make two exceptions to this philosophy. First is for milsurps, since to buy new would be hard, expensive, and largely defeat the purpose. The other time I will buy used is for certain guns where the used options are SIGNIFICANTLY better than the new options.
The revolver world is one such facet of the gun world. Beyond new Rugers, there is no other good new option in my opinion. The older S&W revolvers are built very well, much better than any new options. To make S&W's of the quality of old would be very expensive; its like getting a super premium gun for normal prices.
For example, I know there has been a lot said about MIM parts, but I'd still feel more comfortable with a used S&W where I can see the wear (and replace the part before breakage) than having a new MIM part unexpectedly break. For a revolver, I would not hesitate to buy a used S&W over any new Charter, Armscor, EAA, Taurus, etc. revolver. Check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL3jfhM2mYM
Then check out his video on how to check out a revolver as well as the stickied thread in this forum. This way you can be assured of a decent gun, at least as sure as you will be that a new ____ is decent.
You are entitled to your opinion certainly, and I hope this doesn't come off as beating a dead horse, but I thought I'd add my own $.02 so you could make a more informed decision. If you still want to buy new, then absolutely go ahead.