I'd look hard at the S&W in that price range, the Rugers around here are a little outside your range. I have a Palmetto PA10 that works well, and can be accurate and cost a lot less than your price range. Only issue is the trigger sucks. also, it's not finished as nicely as the smiths I've handled. I also like the 18" barrel on the S&W, my PA10 has a 16" tube, and it makes people move away when I'm on the range. Muzzle blast is impressive.
