RE: high point firearms
If you want something reasonable in price, but true jack of all trades good for darn near anything you'll need-look for a good used .357 revolver w/4"-6" barrel. Rugers are stronger and cheaper than S&W, but S&Ws are smoother out of box. Taurus is MUCH improved over what they used to be and deserve a look too. You should be able to look around and find an used Ruger Security Six or used GP100 for 200-300$.