I am looking for a pistol or revolver in the $200 to $400 range for CCW and home defense. I would prefer either a double action revolver or a DA/SA semi auto. Most of my experience is with shooting revolvers, and like the safety given by the heavy first trigger pull for carry. That said, these requirements are not set in stone, would be willing to consider a striker fire.
Some options I was considering are a Beretta 96 that a local pawn shop has had on the shelf since 2016 for $500, will probably go this route if they can be talked down.
A used CZ p-07
Makarov
A Smith and Wesson SD9, while it is striker fired, the price is right.
What are your thoughts on these options, and what else would you recommend I consider? Thanks for your time, it is appreciated.
The Makarov is one of the most under-appreciated pistols ever produced and make excellent inexpensive defensive weapons for carry, CCW, car, home. AK reliability and durability in an accurate pistol form that while compact, fits an adult sized hand. Prices on them have been climbing but you can still occasionally find lightly used Bulgarian military Maks around $300 which will leave you enough for 500+ rounds to get you started. It takes a few hundred rounds for the trigger to smooth out but once it does they are a peach. Don't mess with HP's stick with quality ball.
The 96 would be a good option, but better still would be one of the used/trade-in 92's that are starting to hit the market. Lots of goobers are dumping theirs because the military is switching platforms, huge mistake as the Berettas are outstanding firearms. Their loss is our gain and I've been buying them up at some stupid low prices.
Lightly used SP101s can readily be found in that price range (at least in my areas) and have loads of flexibility, durability, reliability. Get yourself a Lee Classic loader plus a few hand tools (all for under $50) and you can easily and cheaply reload on your kitchen table for more practice per dollar.
You being open to striker fired, so here's something to consider.....
Steyr L9A1
Fantastic firearm!
IMO the best striker SA on the market today (only a few others others come close)
They can be easily found
brand new under $500, but if you hunt around and make some calls they can be found under $450. Steyr is offering a rebate thru January so you should be able to get yourself under $400.
You seem like you might not be open to this BUT another fantastic option IMO...
Shield 380 EZ brand new for just over $300
Well outside the box for me as well, but once I tried one I was hooked. Fantastic shooters, just-right in terms of size/shape (not too big or too small), easy to operate, easy to CCW, easy to practice, etc.
Good luck with whatever you choose