Moving up just a little, I'd look at the KelTecs.

I've heard of too many people having problems with the Kel-Tecs failing to function properly. A Taurus or a Ruger sounds a lot more reliable.

[edit: .. and a hundred dollars more expensive, I know.]

So, I was thinking .."what trouble can I cause today?" and concluded that it is always fun to argue about recommendations!

I often am asked "what gun to buy" if there is not much $$ available.

Without getting into what "not much $$ means", I tend to suggest the following (OK, let's use the figure $200 as the base for discussion).

I remember seeing an ad in a magazine for motorcycle helmets with the tagline, "If you have a cheap head, buy a cheap helmet." It's not hard to agree with that sentiment, and in some ways I think the sentiment can be applied to self defense weapons.

Sure, for some people something is better than nothing, but running away (free), locks and heavy doors can be a better investment of their $200 if it upgrades their defenses to reduce their exposure.

I'm not saying "you can't have one unless it's $1000", but I am saying that steering people to the cheapest possible guns might actually be a poor defense choice.

If it's just to have to exposed to shooting, then anything's on the table. I'd say look for a Ruger P series -- there's a million of them. Ugly but reliable and available in several different calibers, and pretty inexpensive.

I think you're conflating "cheap" and "inexpensive". An old, ugly Model 10 might well be inexpensive, but it's not cheap. Ditto for the Makarov, or, for that matter, a KelTec that's been successfully put through its paces. (Far as I can tell, most of the problems that people have with the KTs are easily solved by a little cleaning and polishing, although there certainly are counterexamples.)

And, that said, how to spend one's money depends on the situation. Some years ago, a friend of mine was considering getting a gun, but wasn't certain that she would use it, even if necessary. Instead, she spent about the same amount of money on an airconditioner unit, and was able to sleep in the summer with her windows closed and locked. In her case, I think she definitely spent her money more wisely.

I like the Ruger P series, too, by the way. But, even used, they are a step up in price from a new KelTec, and even moreso from an ugly used revolver.

(One of my own carry guns, by the way, is an old Bulldog .44. Cosmetically very ugly, but very reliable -- and at $150, a bargain.)

I'd say look for a Ruger P series -- there's a million of them. Ugly but reliable and available in several different calibers, and pretty inexpensive.

So, I was thinking .."what trouble can I cause today?" and concluded that it is always fun to argue about recommendations!

I often am asked "what gun to buy" if there is not much $$ available.

Without getting into what "not much $$ means", I tend to suggest the following (OK, let's use the figure $200 as the base for discussion).

1. something used

2. perhaps a Taurus model 85 snubby; often available in the sub $200 range

3. lots of S&W model 10's out there also sub-$200

4. if not a handgun, perhaps Remington 870...new just over the $200 range

5. you might find an older Taurus 92 for $200-$250

6. and God help me, I have no problem if money is really tight, to suggest Hi Point

7. once you get into the $300 range, there are all sorts of Ruger semi-autos, Taurus, even an occassional used Glock

(Note that I also have seen goodluck with Charter Arms, but not much supply up in my area)

Your suggestions?

My 2 1/2 cents is what is your life worth? that should then be your price of a good firearm.

Man, I'm not worth much, because lately I've been carrying a handgun I got for free.