I would go used for a Smith & Wesson. Here is a pic of two that I picked up used. The stainless is a 4 inch model 67-1 chambered in .38 Special. Price was marked at $325. I got a deal with a bunch of other stuff thrown in. The other one is a model 28-2 6 inch chambered in .357 Mag price was $300 cash on the barrel head. Both are superb shooters capable of accuracy far beyond my ability.
Oh and with speed loaders I can actualy load as fast or faster than I can with moon clips. Grampa said "you get good with what you have, or you get dead."