For those on a tight budget but want/need a tough and reliable semiautomatic, the first pistol I bought a couple years ago was a Smith and Wesson SD9VE. It's clearly a stripped-down entry-level firearm and not pretty by any means, but it's remained my favorite. Every time I consider trading it for something a bit sexier, I pick it up and immediately change my mind. It serves as my bedside bump-in-the-night and carry weapon.
Biggest complaint from most owners I see is a heavy, gritty trigger pull. It's never bothered me, but that could be my being used to beat-up M9 pistols in the military.
9mm, DAO, 16 round magazine (capacity 17 with a round chambered), rail for flashlight mounts, has eaten everything from top-quality hollow points to the cheapest steel-cased FMJ junk without a hiccup. Bought it for just over $300 a couple years ago; not sure what they're going for now. I love it.
![[Image: 223900_01_lg.jpg]](http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson2/upload/images/firearms/zoom_lg/223900_01_lg.jpg)
Biggest complaint from most owners I see is a heavy, gritty trigger pull. It's never bothered me, but that could be my being used to beat-up M9 pistols in the military.
9mm, DAO, 16 round magazine (capacity 17 with a round chambered), rail for flashlight mounts, has eaten everything from top-quality hollow points to the cheapest steel-cased FMJ junk without a hiccup. Bought it for just over $300 a couple years ago; not sure what they're going for now. I love it.