I've got my 40th birthday coming up next week and I've decided that now is a good time to get into shooting revolvers. Which means I'm revolver shopping and I need some help. My wheelgun experience is limited to SAAs, a 2.5" 629PC, and a 2.5" GP100 (still have that one). I am completely ignorant of the Ruger vs S&W vs Colt comparisons, and equally clueless about revolver maintenance.
Basic requirements:
1. Decent trigger or can be made to have one at the end-user level
2. Will hold up to a lot of dry practice. I only shoot 3-400 rounds a month these days, but I dry practice 2-3 times a week
3. 3" barrel. This will not replace my P229 as my carry gun, but I could see it as a hiking gun.
4. Under $1200ish
5. .38 special or larger
6. Aesthetically pleasing (no King Cobra)
Just from browsing, I'm a big fan of the S&W 625 in 45ACP with a 3" barrel. I see a few "model of 1989" on GB within my budget. I also like what I see from Ruger with the GP100 3" 10mm. I would be interested in a Python if they made a 3", though slightly over budget.
Anything in particular that I should be aware of? Any certain years of production to avoid, or specific models that stand out as exceptional?