$300 for a handgun?

Save it. If you already have a handgun, save your money and wait till you have more.
I used to be about getting as many as I could, but realized, I only have 2 hands. I'd rather have fewer higher quality guns, than more average to mediocre quality guns.

But if you are he'll bent on it, look for a taurus snub nose .38 or old ruger p89.

You, maybe...
Used Bersa Thunder .380 ACP.
Model 10 turn-in at Bud's.

Me...
Buy ammo and shoot the guns I have.

Get a Smith and Wesson Model 10. One of the sweetest handling guns I've ever owned.

If I bought a handgun for $300 (or more like $320), it would be a Ruger LCP. Like others have suggested, though, I would be spending that to feed your 1911. If you don't reload, $300 would be a good start to buy a press and some equipment, although you will probably be hard-pressed to find components at this exact moment.

Probably just save it, but...

If you really needing to spend the cash, look at a HiPoint, a KelTec P32, P3AT, PF-9, P-11. Or try a SA type .22lr revolver from Heritage. Or maybe A Marlin or Mossberg .22lr rifle. Or if you get real lucky, a gun show or pawn shop special.

I would go with either a Polish P64 or a S&W Model 10 trade in from Buds.

My suggestion would be for a Masterpiece Arms .380 Protector. You'll need another 50.00, but that's my 2cts. and I'm stickin' to it.

Don't know where you live or if you have a carry permit but if you do I would pick up one of the many reliable 380's out there. It is a niche gun that you don't have covered and if you carry you won't believe how often you will find it in your pocket even while you might have a bigger gun on your belt.

You've got a full size duty pistol, a .22 target pistol, in my mind you're only missing a discrete carry gun for when the 1911 isn't an option.

I would look at a good .38 snub nose, preferably hammerless like a Ruger LCR or S&W 642. The ultimate pocket/backup guns, they can be carried in a pocket or on an ankle with no one being the wiser. Only problem is, $300 might not get you there, though it will get you a large way towards it.

$300 will get you a nice Ruger P89D (check the sale forum)

As two others have noted, the S&W Model 10 police trade-ins at Buds for $279 are an awesome deal. They don't make them anymore, the price is reasonable, and you will get a great gun that will only go up in value.

S&W Model 10.
I can't think of anything better at that pricepoint.

Fourteen replies, and no one has asked you what you'd like to do with it yet. A couple have assumed you might want a carry piece; is this the case or not?

It is true you're lacking a revolver, but I cannot recommend you go get one without knowing you more. You might be someone who would not enjoy it.

Me? I, uh, owned several handguns. Before my "tragic boating accident", I think I was up to fourteen. Missing from my collection "was" a 1911 and a service-type 9mm pistol. The latter is probably what I'd get, such as a secondhand Ruger (P95 or SR9.)

Fourteen replies, and no one has asked you what you'd like to do with it yet. A couple have assumed you might want a carry piece; is this the case or not?

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Well, we really don't need to ask. He wants to know what WE'D do with it...

What would you do with an extra $300 for a handgun?

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I have a 1911 that I enjoy shooting. I also have a Browning Buckmark so target .22lr is covered as well. I am just looking to see how anyone else would spend their "free money" if they were in my position.

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Add my vote for a Model 10.

If you can get your hands on .22LR ammo, I'd grab a used Ruger Mark I/II/III. They're perfect for a quick trip to the pond to keep the bullfrog population in check. Haha!

I don't think buying a $300 handgun, means your deciding on a sub standard weapon, by no means. SCCY offers their 9mm for $279, and it is a real nice piece of work in my opinion. I have two of them, and they are put together very well, ambidextrous safety, very small and light weight, accurate, fully supported chamber, very clean design, carbon steel self lubricating contact points at frame to slide, and an unconditional life time warranty. I have had one very small issue with one that turned out to be a piece of cleaning patch I over looked while cleaning that got lodged in the safety lever, no fault of the manufacturer what so ever. I think their the best NIB $300 handgun I've ever come across at current day retail prices.

And there are some other fine offerings out there to be had for $300 that will do more than just suffice.

GS

IF (and that is a HUGE 'IF') I could find a decent used Ruger Service/Security/Speed Six, that would be my $300 purchase.

Not very likely; A LOT of people are discovering how good this series of revolvers really are.

I'd use the $300 to buy a really top-notch holster and belt for the 1911. A great belt and holster will make that 1911 disappear with almost any style of dress.

Whatever was left would go to spare mags.

In order (leaving off buying ammo, training, & accessories for guns already owned.)

-Don't have a .22LR pistol? Buy one.
-Don't have a decent revolver in .357/.38? Buy one (I found my S&W 13 for $300.)
-Don't have a good carry piece? Buy one.

Plenty of deals out there if you do your research and buy used.

I'd get a Zastava m57 or the like.