[RANDY P]

What Rick said.

Go to the range and just pick and choose different handguns to rent. Each one will have a different feel- some you agree with, some you don't. Try out different callibers- of course the larger stuff is going to have a higher cost to shoot.

Find something that you like, and practice, practice and practice- stay out there until you know the gun inside and out. Try different brands of ammo until you find something the gun agrees with. Different guns like different brands- find something that works without hangups and stick to it. I always test both range ammo and my carry ammo to make sure it's a reliable combo.

If this is a gun that is limited use / home defense I'd shy away from anything heavily used or obviously modded. You can buy plenty of good firearms for well under your price range, of course the larger known brands will cost more and may be used at that range but whatever you buy, make sure it's quality. Don't buy a cheap handgun made by an unknown manufacturer. This is your life, buy the best you can afford- and remember to test the combo thoroughly.

Anything mentioned above are all great guns to check out and try. I'd also be looking at Rugers (some may cringe, but they are excellent firearms)- excellent warranty and out of the box every one I've ever shot did better than my 1911's.

I own a Glock 27, have 2 1911 clones (Para 14.45 + S+W), 1 Colt commander 1911 Original series 70, 1 Ruger P345 (great shooter) and a Ithaca 1911.

The one I like the most overall to shoot? The Ruger. It eats any ammo and was perfectly sighted out of the box. They also are single / double action (gun will fire without the hammer cocked if magazine is loaded like a revolver) and have numerous safeties. I paid $389 new at the local pawn shop. Their warranty is legendary too.

PS don't worry about sighting in the gun, do that last (if it really bothers you) after you figure out how to keep your groups tight. That's the most important thing when learning to shoot. Keeping all the holes close together as you fire.

rjp