in regard to your first question. You should be able to get a real humdinger. You in my opinion should look for an all matching pistol that has been refinished or has cosmetic deficiency's and you should be able to find one of those for around 800.00 online or perhaps locally in your area. If you buy online factor in the ffl transfer fee and shipping wich runs between 35-100$ depending on how you do it.
As long as it is not a rare variation paying more then that for a shooter is pointless in my humble opinion its not like they are colt single actions or something
. Your best bet is on this forum becuase simsons ltd is charging 900 minimum on anything.