[Z-man]

I'm a left-hand dominant shooter, which is why ambidextrous controls were a high priority when I purchased my spoon. I chose the HK P30, and after a year and ~3000 rounds, I'm very pleased with it. It is on the higher end of your budget, but it is utterly reliable - it goes bang every time you want it to. And everything is ambi on it - external safety, slide lock, mag release.

The mag release is on the trigger guard, which takes some getting used to. It does have a captured spring on the rod, so it's easier to field strip - less worries. It comes with three different backstraps and sides for the grip, making it easily customizable. The ergonomics of the P30 are amazing -- most comfortable spoon I've fired: it makes a glock feel like a 2x4 in your hand. There are several variants of the HK, including DA only, SA/DA with or without external safety...etc.

Of course a Sig P229 is also a great choice. Or a 1911 variant. And that 92FS mentioned above is dirt cheap for a very reliable Italian spoon. So many choices....

-Z