Good, inexpensive, first handgun

[twoguns?]

Theres a nice Charter Arms 38 in the Classified/with holsters and ammo for $300

 

[Glock 'em down]

Yeah, I was just fixin' to suggest that one too.

http://www.okshooters.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75633

 

[okie98]

+1 for GED

 

[billet93]

Taurus Millenium pro or 24/7. Have had both with no problems. May also look at a wheel gun. Some real sexy .38s and 357s have been showing up...

I second that, I love the Taurus PT111 Millenium Pro I just bought... 12+1 capacity, handles real nicely, small enough to conceal easily, awesome gun IMO... and can be had used for $300 or less if you shop a little...

 

[sdsconcrete]

+1 S&W sigma.

 

[Sturgell]

I would go with a Hipoint 45 and a Jennings 9mm, you should come in under your 350 mark.

 

[Zombie]

+1 sigma, +1 38 special revolver,

also options as mentioned keltec, bersa, etc. can get them for under your goal easily

 

[ldp4570]

I'm basically looking for a decent sidearm to be used as a CCW. I was considering Springfield XD Compacts or a sub-compact but these are a little out of my price-range (I'd like to cap the price of the gun at about $350).

Any recommendations? I'd like something that'd work well in a pocket-holster or an ankle holster, but would be generally reliable, and accepting of .40S&W.

My only current experience with firearms (as mentioned here quite some time ago) is with a Ruger 10/22, and a few shots with Glock 9mm at a gun range.

It may not be sexy, and might have a very low cool factor around your friends, but a good S&W K-frame .38spl revolver would be your best bet to start out with. Manual of Arms is easy to learn, recoil is mild, .38spl is a respectable cartridge, and the K-frame is easy to conceal. Most if not all K-frame revolvers are extreamly accurate. These three rules apply regardless of the gun used.
1. Shot placement is whats its all about.
2. Penetration is whats needed. If the round doesn't get to the vital areas your not going to stop the threat.
3. Hollowpoints....... They are not the "majic pill", sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Always refer to rule #1, an #2.

 

[338LapuaMagnum]

S&W Sigma. Good auto for the money. A lot of people don't like the trigger pull, but they are still good guns.

 

[aeropb]

K-Frame. $199

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...ery-good-condition/cPath/487/products_id/2441

CZ-82. $209

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...n,-one-mag-c-r-/cPath/16_155/products_id/3050

Or maybe a Makarov?