there is a dan wesson on gunbroker in the price range today with an extra bbl and some accessories.4" is minimum legal length for hunting. 6" would be better for hunting.
Ruger GP100 was my first though too. 4" and 6" are available, a blued gun will come in under his price.
A used Smith and Wesson Model 19 would come in that price range too, about $350-$450
A used Ruger Security Six (not Speed Six or Service Six, no adjustable sights) also came in 4" and 6" and you can find them for $250-$400.
Also there are .357/9mm convertible Blackhawks and .45Colt/45ACP convertibles, single action is preferred by many for hunting, but I wouldn't want a single action for home defense. I don't know whether you can get a .357 Blackhawk that will take scope mounts, I know there is a Super Blackhawk in .44 Mag that does.
NOT LEGAL for hunting in IN
Shotguns, handguns, rifles with pistol cartridges, muzzleloading long guns and muzzleloading handguns are legal during the firearms season.
Handguns[FONT=Wingdings,Wingdings][FONT=Wingdings,Wingdings] [/FONT][/FONT]Full metal-jacketed bullets are not permitted.
Handguns, other than muzzleloading, must have a barrel at least 4 inches long and must fire a bullet of .243-inch diameter or larger. The handgun cartridge case, without the bullet, must be at least 1.16 inches long.
[FONT=Wingdings,Wingdings][FONT=Wingdings,Wingdings] [/FONT]
[/FONT]Handguns are not permitted on any military areas.
Some types of handgun cartridges legal for deer hunting include:
.357 Magnum
.41 Magnum
.44 Magnum
.44 Special
.45 Colt
.45 Long Colt
.45 Winchester Magnum
.35 Remington
.357 Herrett.
Some illegal handgun cartridges for deer hunting are 38 Special, 38 Smith and Wesson, 38 Colt New Police, 38/200, 38 Long Colt, 38 Super, 38 ACP, 38 Colt Auto, 45 ACP, 45 Automatic and 45 Auto Rim. All 25/20, 32/20 and 30 carbine ammunition is prohibited also.
I don't know whether you can get a .357 Blackhawk that will take scope mounts