A word on handguns: Read your state laws regarding owning and carrying handguns. Also, if your state requires a license or permit to acquire or own a handgun, this will increase the total cost.
This list is hardly all-inclusive. It's not representative of all the quality inexpensive handguns available; rather, it's to provide some examples of handguns the reader "can't go wrong with".
Walther P1:
The Walther P1 is the post-World War II upgrade of the venerable P38 pistol, with an aluminum alloy frame. These were the standard sidearms of the German and Austrian militaries until the 1980s, and in Austria, they are still very popular for civilian self-defense.
When these pistols first hit the surplus market a few years ago, they sold for about $200. Many of them are still available in the under-$300 price point. The above photo is from AMMOMAN, who occasionally has them for sale within this price range.
As far as ammunition cost, the cheapest centerfire ammunition available is 9mm Parabellum (Luger) ammunition, which this handgun uses. It is also the standard pistol caliber for NATO countries. Lucky Gunner currently sells 1,000 rounds of 9mm practice ammunition for $205.
CZ-82 and CZ-83:
These pistols are produced in the Czech Republic. Those offered for sale inexpensively are typically Czech military surplus, from before the fall of Communism in Europe. They are well-made, reliable handguns.
The difference between the two models is the caliber. The '82 fires the 9mm Makarov cartridge (not to be confused with 9mm NATO, see above); whereas the '83 fires the .380 ACP cartridge. Makarov ammunition is cheaper in bulk, but that bulk supply is former Communist surplus, and will eventually dry up; .380, on the other hand, is an American cartridge, commonly found in gun stores (and every Walmart I have ever been to).
J&G Sales is currently offering surplus CZ-82s for $199, and CZ-83s for $230- including shipping to your local dealer, and a reasonable transfer fee, this still puts the price in our price range. Accessories such as holsters are also cheap and easy to find.
On the subject of 9mm Makarov ammunition, let's consider the pistol for which is is named:
Makarov PM
The Makarov PM pistol was the standard sidearm of the Soviet military, and many other Warsaw Pact nations, for 50 years. It is still commonly used throughout the world. Basically, it is a beefed-up rendition of the Walther PPK of James Bond fame.
It is simple to use and maintain, rugged, and inexpensive. Virtually all Makarovs for sale in the United States are available for under $300. Accessories are cheap as well.
Smith & Wesson Model 64:
Once a standard-issue sidearm for the NYPD, these wheelguns are now available inexpensively all over the country. For example, AIM Surplus recently offered them for $249. The .38 Special ammunition it fires is relatively cheap and very plentiful.
Large numbers of police trade-in revolvers are available on the used handgun market. They are very affordable, and are a good choice for the fact that they have often been "carried alot and shot a little"- the discount in price is usually due to surface blemishes from holster wear, rather than mechanical defects.
Also, accessories such as speedloaders and holsters are inexpensive for these revolvers.
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