Anything can be slicked up. The question is how easy can it be slicked up and what parts are available. Stick with Uberti, Pietta or Ruger as they all tune well and there are parts available. For a new shooter steer away from Open Tops, Schofields or any of the off-the-wall models as these are not well supported and have peculiarites most new shooters are not going to want to deal with. In the price range you are looking you are pretty much limited to Uberti and Pietta. Even used Rugers are generally going for more than your price range these days.