[GarandTd]

Saving up a couple hundred dollars over your original budget will get you a more expensive gun. It may or may not be "decent" or "better". I don't think those suggestions are very helpful. There have been quite a few good suggestions at or near your price range. You need to decide what exactly you want within your budget and what purpose it is going to serve. There are decent options within your budget. When the budget is tight you have to shop around for the best deals. It takes a little more work, but it's doable and worth it. I have purchased 4 handguns in the last 2 years. All have been "decent" and under $300. All purchased brand new.