Your biggest problem is the "keeping it under $375".
Its not really a problem but you'll be pushing that limit with my first suggestion which is a .38 Special or .357 Magnum S&W revolver. Get a good used J frame (small frame, 5 shooter) or a K frame (medium frame, 6 shooter). Don't buy the new ones, they have those asinine key locks in them (another solution in search of a problem) and they're way beyond your price range.
A Ruger SP101 is also a good choice.
Stick with the 3" barrels, they're a lot easier to shoot accurately than the 2" guns. 3" J frames are pretty easy to come by, the 3" K frames are scarce and more expensive. 3" Rugers are common.
.38 Special ammo is available in a wide variety of loadings and is available everywhere. It is more than adequate for defensive purposes.
I don't like autos for anyone other than "gun people" because most people won't follow through with the extensive training and practice needed to obtain and maintain competence with an auto. Revolvers are a lot more "user friendly". They are cheaper to buy and maintain, easier to learn, and more reliable.
That being said, if you must have an auto, get a Kahr K-9. At least one of the several that I own is always within arm's reach. I don't know of any decent auto that will meet you price limit and the Kahr is no exception. With a holster and a few spare mags you'll have to double your limit just to get started. Glocks are a bit cheaper and they carry more ammo but they have fatter grips that make them harder to hide. However, they are very good guns.
9mm is the cheapest centerfire autopistol cartridge and, like the .38 Special, is available almost anywhere in a wide variety of loadings. It costs quite a bit less than .40 and half as much as .45acp. The .40 and .45 both kick a lot more than a 9, especially in small guns. The 9 is more than adequate for defensive purposes.
I draw these conclusions from 33 years of shooting, 28 years as a cop, and 22 years of teaching other cops to shoot. I also live by my advice. The guns described above are what I carry 90% of the time.
Its not really a problem but you'll be pushing that limit with my first suggestion which is a .38 Special or .357 Magnum S&W revolver. Get a good used J frame (small frame, 5 shooter) or a K frame (medium frame, 6 shooter). Don't buy the new ones, they have those asinine key locks in them (another solution in search of a problem) and they're way beyond your price range.
A Ruger SP101 is also a good choice.
Stick with the 3" barrels, they're a lot easier to shoot accurately than the 2" guns. 3" J frames are pretty easy to come by, the 3" K frames are scarce and more expensive. 3" Rugers are common.
.38 Special ammo is available in a wide variety of loadings and is available everywhere. It is more than adequate for defensive purposes.
I don't like autos for anyone other than "gun people" because most people won't follow through with the extensive training and practice needed to obtain and maintain competence with an auto. Revolvers are a lot more "user friendly". They are cheaper to buy and maintain, easier to learn, and more reliable.
That being said, if you must have an auto, get a Kahr K-9. At least one of the several that I own is always within arm's reach. I don't know of any decent auto that will meet you price limit and the Kahr is no exception. With a holster and a few spare mags you'll have to double your limit just to get started. Glocks are a bit cheaper and they carry more ammo but they have fatter grips that make them harder to hide. However, they are very good guns.
9mm is the cheapest centerfire autopistol cartridge and, like the .38 Special, is available almost anywhere in a wide variety of loadings. It costs quite a bit less than .40 and half as much as .45acp. The .40 and .45 both kick a lot more than a 9, especially in small guns. The 9 is more than adequate for defensive purposes.
I draw these conclusions from 33 years of shooting, 28 years as a cop, and 22 years of teaching other cops to shoot. I also live by my advice. The guns described above are what I carry 90% of the time.