$250 to $300 will score you an Astra S&W copy in great shape on Gun Broker.
Lest you scoff, these were the same people who produced the FN Baracuda. Nice revolvers all around.
The Windicator is the Jiminez of the revolver world. Run away screaming!
I have a Windicator .357 and I'm not running away screaming. However, I'm sure if I had it pointed at people they would be the ones running away screaming.
Nevertheless, if it's the snub ones, than I would agree those are the ones to run away from. I have the 4 inch version and based on my research, these are steel frames and not the cheap alloy frame the 2 inch ones are made from. It's a nice revolver (based solely on price point) but overall, I would rather have a Ruger or S&W (just not willing to pay the overpriced cost). I had a Rossi by Interarms decades ago and it was a nice pistol.
Alloy = pot metal.
Alloy is a combination of metals. There are many alloys which pound for pound are much stronger than steel.Alloy = pot metal.
Alloy is a combination of metals. There are many alloys which pound for pound are much stronger than steel.
A good used Ruger SP101 is probably your best bet and right in that price range.
If you need to stay on the lower end of the scale, go with a Taurus.
I have a stainless 6" Taurus 357 and it's never failed to impress.