I am not a condition buyer, quite the opposite. I carry and use my guns so one that comes with some dings and finish wear is fine by me, and that makes them affordable. My last one I picked up a couple weeks ago, came home for under $300. Not shiny clean or pretty but perfect function and accuracy. If you are going to shoot and carry it and induce wear, get one already rough on the outside for an affordable price. The key is PATIENCE ! To find my sub $300 model 10-5 I lurked on auction sites and combed over gun shop and show racks for a couple years. The distinct possibility of getting 2 model 10's for less than the price of the current classic to me is a no brainer. Now if S&W was smart and brought out a 3" 13 in the new classic line, I would happily pay the current rate, and that is about where prices on good condition older ones are, and they are tough to find in any condition