[elsherono]

I am looking to buy my first handgun. It would be both for defense and at the range. Any suggestions? I am trying to keep it under 300 if possible.

[chloeshooter]

Originally Posted by elsherono

I am looking to buy my first handgun. It would be both for defense and at the range. Any suggestions? I am trying to keep it under 300 if possible.

under $300, I would suggest looking used. Try armslist.com

[mountainman13]

Sounds like a used shotgun to me.

[eatmydust]

There are plenty of threads covering this topic, take a look around.

Good luck.

[Jagermeister]

To be perfectly honest. If it is for defense, is your life worth 300 dollars? I am not trying to be a troll here, I would recommend putting in at least another 200 or 300 dollars for a good handgun. Then, I recommend you try various handguns to see which one you are most comfortable and capable with. This includes calibers. Get the caliber that you can shoot with the most precision. Having a .44 magnum will not help you if you miss the target. You are going to get many opinions here. You just opened a can of worms. I highly recommend a gun that is Double action and single action, has a decocker and safety. This offers various carrying options for different situations, and gives you multi options to find out which you are more comfortable with. All the guns I recommend will cost at least 800 dollars. HK USP has all the above options and comes in 9, 40 and 45 calibers. You can also get as a compact. HK makes weapons for the battlefield, so the gun has acceptable capacity and is made to survive in all environments. The spring greatly reduces recoil on the gun even though it is "polymer gun". The sights are very good with a three dot system. There you go.

[deadsp0t]

Originally Posted by Jagermeister

To be perfectly honest. If it is for defense, is your life worth 300 dollars? I am not trying to be a troll here, I would recommend putting in at least another 200 or 300 dollars for a good handgun. Then, I recommend you try various handguns to see which one you are most comfortable and capable with. This includes calibers. Get the caliber that you can shoot with the most precision. Having a .44 magnum will not help you if you miss the target. You are going to get many opinions here. You just opened a can of worms. I highly recommend a gun that is Double action and single action, has a decocker and safety. This offers various carrying options for different situations, and gives you multi options to find out which you are more comfortable with. All the guns I recommend will cost at least 800 dollars. HK USP has all the above options and comes in 9, 40 and 45 calibers. You can also get as a compact. HK makes weapons for the battlefield, so the gun has acceptable capacity and is made to survive in all environments. The spring greatly reduces recoil on the gun even though it is "polymer gun". The sights are very good with a three dot system. There you go.

Exactly, I'm one those guys who says 'if your life is only worth $XXX.XX amount...' When purchasing NEW.. If you are stuck at this amount firm, I'd suggest looking into a used gun.. There are ranges locally that sell their rentals at a significant discount.
My personal advice is to save more money, even with just a couple hundred more a whole new world of options become available to you.

[Missouribound]

Originally Posted by elsherono

I am looking to buy my first handgun. It would be both for defense and at the range. Any suggestions? I am trying to keep it under 300 if possible.

Have you shot before? Are you experienced in handgun operation, sfety and handling? If shooting is new to you, buy yourself a .22 and practice practice practice. When you achieve a level of confidence and accuracy then and only then should you consider a gun for carry. (I'm assuming you want to carry since you didn't say home defense) There are a lot of carry guns in that price range, most of them .380 and a few 9mm. None will do you much good without proper training. It's a learning process, start slow and keep at it. Owning a gun is a right and a privelege, and with that comes responsibility.

[HOSSFLY]

Get a hi-point-------

[gearhead396]

Originally Posted by HOSSFLY

Get a hi-point-------

Normally id say go look around check out what fits you best but I think in this case I have to agree 300 is not much for a good pistol but at least with hipoint you get a good warranty they retail around 199 for the 9mm good luck with the ammo though the 40 and 45 are not much more like 239

[Gatoragn]

Originally Posted by elsherono

I am looking to buy my first handgun. It would be both for defense and at the range. Any suggestions? I am trying to keep it under 300 if possible.

Check out the pistols on e-sarco.com, Hi Power clones under $300.