RE: Ruger Hawkey vs. Browning Medallion
The Hawkeye is a great gun and a true savings,
however, I would look at a few of them together, side-by-side, and pick out the one that suits your eye in appearance (color/grain of wood).
I am a Browning fan and own a few. I also own a Ruger 6-shooter and have done much work for Ruger in the past.
The Browning name itself, in my opinion, is a little overpriced in today's market,
as other gun manufacturer's in the recent 5-10 years have stepped up to the plate and are no longer considered below average.
Either one is a great choice, but if you want to put the saved money into something else, like a decent scope, you will probably be a head of the game...