[Corysllw]

What about the Taurus 905? 9mm and it's around $500

[Irish725]

Sub 600, best pistols in your price range, puts you at approximately the Smith and Wesson M&P price range, the Glock price range, and possibly the Springfield XD's if you can find a good deal.

Let me start by saying I am a HUGE Glock Fanboy. I have shot Glocks since I was young and they always felt right to me. For first time gun owners, it has its plus's and minuses.

Pros:

Stupid Simple to clean and take apart, literally has 4 moving parts in the action
Relatively inexpensive, come in a wide variety of calibers and sizes (for personal concealment or defense of the home)
Damn near fool proof, and very reliable. There is a reason 26 countries across the world use them as their main military/police handgun.

Cons:
There is no real weapon safety. They have a pressure trigger on the main trigger, that has to depressed before it will fire, so you really have to commit to pulling the trigger before it fires.
Mags are relatively expensive compared to some other companies.


I would recommend getting a Glock and just educating yourself on the use, I own a Glock in 40 caliber for my concealed carry piece (I have a full size Glock 22C), my wife carries a Glock 26 (9mm sub compact) in her purse when she goes out.

If you are dead set on getting a .45, check out Kimber Arms, sometimes you can get a really nice concealable pistol for cheap. They are much higher quality then Springfield XD's in my opinion. Only problem with anything based on a 1911, its gonna be a BITCH to clean and take apart.

Avoid Beretta's at all costs. Period.


M&P's are basically cheap Glock Knock offs, actions almost the same, but slightly cheaper feeling polymer used in its construction. They are nice for the price, but if you can afford better, get better.


Ever thought of looking at a wheel gun? I love my Smith and Wesson J Frame .357 magnum that I occasionally will carry in my car when I go out, and my wife has a Ruger LCR in 38 special for when she is out and about, since its so small she can easily conceal it.