Many variations have been made over the years. As noted they have not made a 357 Max for many years. Today you can only buy a 357 Mag - if you want a Max you have to ream it. I know that some gunsmiths have over stamped the G with an X after reaming. You can buy laminated stocks and put on guns or you can buy the laminated sets and put them on. I believe that today you can only get a 357 MAG with a SB1 frame, but you can send in a SB2 frame and have it fitted for a 357 MAG barrel and have it reamed to 357 MAX. As far as used gun prices and for that matter new gun prices, a good deal is in the eye of the beholder. If the one you were looking at was a modern SB2 frame with the laminated stocks, I think it is a good deal. A new Ultra costs some where between $350 - $400 in these parts. I am sure you will find someone that will say that they bought one for $275 or what ever. But again the is only my opinion, you have to decide if it is a good deal or not. I do not care how good of a deal I make, there is always someone that has made a better one - cheaper price for the same model gun. So I do not beat myself up too much - as long as I do not think I got really taken, but that has not happened yet, because I walk away from those. Good Luck and Good Shooting