After having owned countless guns of each variety, I have settled mostly on revolvers.
I have an SP-101 I got for under $300. IIRC it was $279. I sold a Makarov for twice what I paid for it (sold for $250), then put the extra $40 to it (after tax) and walked out with the perfect .357.
I agree with sm.
Ammo adds up in automatics with just making sure they are reliable and I have had some that weren't. Revolvers tend to be much more forgiving. If it fits in the chamber and the ammo isn't defective, it pretty much has to work. And if push comes to shove, you really only need a good holster to accessorize. A speedloader is $10 if you want one but not necessary.
I'd try a revolver.
