I just had such an opportunity and it was an easy one for me. I chose a 'pre-owned' S&W Performance Center 627 V-Comp in all silver finish (the older ones were not black) and pre-lock (although the lock doesn't worry me). It was somewhere around $1K. 8 rounds of 38 or magnum power, space age look, front muzzle brake, an action work over making the PC work look like childs-play. The smoothest operating handgun of any type or size I've ever owned. Thanks again to the seller btw. I realize that the looks may be just too weird for some people and I understand if you feel that way. But it's most excellent.
B