Getting a first handgun

[keenkeen]

Check with the store first, some will only give the test if you are purchasing the gun from them.
As for the price, with taxes and fees you will have a small selection of revolvers, unless the store sells used guns.

This^^^

p.s.
If you happen to find one of those shops who won't let you take the HSC test unless you are purchasing a gun from them that day please make sure and take your business to another, better shop.

[Moonshine]

Up you budget by $100 and you can have a nice Sig PRO 2022. In general though you're looking at $500 minimum to have an effective handgun. If you don't have more than $300 save more and wait you'll be glad you did!

[Demonicspire]

I live in Davis, near the university and a veritable minefield of gun free zones. The only gun shop in town is the Big 5, and they are only really secondarily a gun shop. I know there are some shops in SAC, but unfortunately I don't have a car at the moment.

In that case, a 22 is pretty much out. At least it is in my book for a HD gun. You can debate all you want about which caliber is better for stopping power. But you can't debate which is cheaper to shoot, and 9mm wins that one (reloading aside - I'm assuming you don't reload.)

I know nothing of Hi Points, so I can't speak for them. I'd probably go with a M&P, XD, Glock, SigPro if I were trying to go with something that is on the less expensive side and I would still trust my life with.

Where are you located? Oaktree has a big rental wall in Los Angeles. One of those will probably "speak to you". My tastes have changed over time as well, and I wouldn't sweat it if yours do too. You can always sell a gun and you won't lose your butt like you would like a car for instance. My wife spent 3 range trips before she got it down to a Sig P226 and an M&P. She went with the M&P. Later she bought the Sig. After that she bought a Colt 1911 series 70. It's an expensive hobby