Glock clone. Price usually starts at around $300, depending on features, size, and accessories. If you don't care about features, vanilla Glocks can be found for ~$400 used. But Glocks with features like optics/carry cuts and threaded barrels are usually going to cost more.
Seems popular among people who like Double Action / Single Action. Haven't been able to try one out myself. imo DA/SA is more fun, but whether it's better or worse is mostly preference.
Comes in 9mm (better ballistics) and 380 (less recoil), with or without a thumb safety.
Lives up to its name in that its very easy to use, but makes some meaningful sacrifices to do so. I'd only recommend this if you've already tried other common guns because other than ease of use there are many better options at this price point.
See this on sale occasionally at big box retailers, if you don't want to deal with shipping to an FFL.
Handguns
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-dagger/handguns.html?product_list_order=price_asc
PSA Dagger
Glock clone. Price usually starts at around $300, depending on features, size, and accessories. If you don't care about features, vanilla Glocks can be found for ~$400 used. But Glocks with features like optics/carry cuts and threaded barrels are usually going to cost more.
Glocks
Gold standard for simple and reliable. Good aftermarket support. Can often find used or police trade-in.
There are small differences between Gen 3, 4, and 5 but any will be functional.
Glock 19 is probably the most common model, but there's a wide variety of different sizes and calibers.
Glock 19 gen 5 $479.99
Glock 17 gen 5 $494.99
CZ P-10
Don't personally know much about them but many people prefer them to Glocks. Come in multiple sizes (M, S, C, F).
P-10 S(ubcompact) $371.90
P-10 C(ompact) $380.62
P-10 F(ull size) $382.20
CZ 75 SP01
Seems popular among people who like Double Action / Single Action. Haven't been able to try one out myself. imo DA/SA is more fun, but whether it's better or worse is mostly preference.
https://dahlonegaarmory.com/product/cz-89153-sp01-tact-9mm-luminescent-sgt-18rd
https://dahlonegaarmory.com/product/cz-89152-sp01-9mm-luminescent-sgt-18rd
$599.51
SAR USA 2000
https://www.kygunco.com/product/sar-usa-2000bl-2000-black-9mm-17rd
$344.67
Reviews seem good. Cheap option for people who want a CZ-like DA/SA
Stoeger Firearms STR-9 9mm 4.17" Barrel 15+1 Black - $240 ($190 after $50 MIR) (Free S/H on Firearms) https://www.kygunco.com/product/stoeger-31720-str-9-4.17-9mm-151-black
I've posted deals for this one before and this is the lowest I've seen. Really really solid budget option.
One of these days I'm gonna have to get one of these to try it out. $200 for a range toy or hand off gun isn't bad
S&W M&P EZ
Comes in 9mm (better ballistics) and 380 (less recoil), with or without a thumb safety.
Lives up to its name in that its very easy to use, but makes some meaningful sacrifices to do so. I'd only recommend this if you've already tried other common guns because other than ease of use there are many better options at this price point.
See this on sale occasionally at big box retailers, if you don't want to deal with shipping to an FFL.
9mm $399.99
9mm w thumb safety $387.99
380 $339.99
380 w thumb safety $329.99