RE: dad wants a pistol
About the best bang for the buck you can get is in a used ruger blackhawk. It's almost impossible to hurt them with normal use and won't wear out. I have seen gunshops and pawn shops around here sell blued blackhawks and super blackhawks for $250-300. They are available used in .357 mag,.41 mag,45Lc,44 mag and will suit purpose oh hunting/shooting nicely.