RE: What pistol for self defense?
For your price range a small revolver would do well.38spl or 357mag.If you can come up with a little more money look at one of the Baby Glock's.I prefer the 40S&W over a 9mm. One of my favorite defense rounds is the 45ACP.My carry gun is a Glock M-27 in 40S&W mainly because of the size and reliablity of the Glock's.The Ruger SP101's are available in several different calibers.Go to gun shops and handle as many as you can. See which one feels good to you and within your budget.When it comes to a defense gun it's doesn't pay to skimp when you life may depend on it.
Ruger Redhawk