In today's market your budget is limiting your selection.
It's also limiting the efficacy to protect your life.
The following is strictly
my opinion and is expressed exactly as such.

It is my process and intended to be applied in a perfect world.
(But then in a perfect world why would you need to carry?)

I know I’m going to get flack from any number of members on the forum but gun ownership is an entirely different animal from the selection of a personal defense gun.
I will approach this subject by using a man-woman* relationship analogy.
A man (Gun Owner) needs numerous opposite-sex (Gun) relationships to be fulfilled as a man (GO). It’s fun to repeatedly experience, and experiment with the opposite-sex (Gun) to gain the knowledge required to formulate his ultimate selection of The One (Personal Defense Gun) he will live with, in a trusting partnership for the rest of his life.
Now with that said, and for those of us blessed with a good marriage, we have made the correct selection of The One (PDG)!
For the rest of you mooks, divorce is a remedy and for some, you will continue to search forever. (Not making any judgments but if the holster fits…)

Once you have selected the one (PDG) there is no problem should you want to buy her a new dress (grips) or new boobs (beavertail safety) or even send her to a day spa (gunsmith) every once in a while.
This relationship will endure only if the man (GO) has complete and unwavering trust in The One (PDG).
With all metaphors aside, if you are truly selecting The One, I would go with a 1911 LW Commander chambered in 45ACP.
In order to do this, even if your search includes used, you will need to add another $200.
Bottom line, if your life is in danger, run out and buy the first gun that goes bang, load it and carry it!
Good luck and thanks for putting up with my silliness.
* Note Benning Boy this DOES NOT include Sasquatch! (you had to be there)