I am looking to buy my first hand gun, probably a semiauto pistol. I would prefer to spend under $400, but I would spend up to $550 if it made a significant difference. What is the best gun I can get for my money?

I like Glock but you will have trouble getting a new one for under $400 unless you are able to get the LEO discount. I carry a Beretta as a duty weapon every day and would not hesitate to buy a Beretta, although it will cost more than $400 as well. You can also add Sig Sauer and H&K to the same list of excellent pistold.

Your best bet would be to go to some gunstores and handle different pistols and pick one that feels good to you. You may feel the difference between the pistols and find one that you are willing to spend a little extra for.

I really like the Ruger SR9's and you can get them for not much over $400.

IF you want a .22 rimfire (best idea for a "first" handgun), go on the auction sites and get a Colt Woodsman or one of the High Standard target pistols.....

I second that the Ruger SR9 is very good

Before making an intelligent reccomendation for you,we need to know how/what you're going to use it for. Also,after you determine the caliber and type you want,you'll need to decide which action type ( dao,sa,sa/da) you want. Then go to a gun store and handle/shoot as many as you can to determine which fits you best. ONLY THEN will you be assured of making THE optimum choice that you'll be proud of from now on.

Im looking for an all around pistol I can use for home protection and take out in the field. I've been thinking about a 9 mm or .45 I have no idea what the different actions are, I know I want something that is semi-auto

buy a springfield xd. they are around $500, i believe, and they are some of the most reliable guns out there. plus they are accurate as well. plus you get an extra magazine, magazine loader, and a holster all in the box. its a good deal.

If you want the 9mm then the SR9 as I mentioned earlier is something I'd take a look at. Rugers guns are accurate enough to just shoot for fun or for most anything you want however, they aren't the most accurate but then again they are a lot cheaper than the ones that shoot a lot better. At 25 yards you should be able to hit cans. I'd say a 3" group or so like that is plenty accurate enough for a 9mm. The other plus to Rugers is they have a reputation for being very reliable. They seem to shoot just about any ammo okay for the most part.
The SR9 is one of the better feeling handguns I've shot.

Glock. Good luck.