From what I have read the carbines are decent for the money and fun to shoot. Simular to getting a good deal on a SKS or something. However I have also read the handguns are crap and to stay away from them all together. And certainly not to have your life depend on one.

They are cheap because, well, they are cheap.

I agree with Red, a nice used taurus would be my choice. If you could find a nice taurus .357 revolver the price should be good and they are great guns. I have a friend that has one of the compact 9mm that looks like a beretta but smaller and it is a pretty nice weapon in my opinion.

What do you want to do with the gun? Are you looking for a carbine or a pistol?

Paul