"Would you prefer a Pre 18 or a more modern vintage?"

Going by the condition of the gun I would gladly have a Mod 18 (up to about a -3 ) or even a newer one if the deal was right.

I'm getting where it's all about the older ones but I never look down my nose at a revolver at a good price.

Consider this as far as you being ready, keep the cash on hand and watch the gunshows, online auctions and classifieds. Wait for a good gun and be a bidder/ or make an offer up to where you're comfortable with. The guns I posted above are the only two Combat Masterpieces I own and it took me about four years of looking before I found them.
In the meantime I did find a nice 18-3 that was newer than what I wanted, but at 5 bills it was to good to leave on the table.

So... I guess it's all about condition first - at a reasonable price in your opinion ( and NOBODY else's ) and the hard part is to wait & hunt for both!

GF