You’ll really have to scrounge and it will likely take time, but occasionally sub $300 Makarovs can be found. Of which I would take any day over ANY of the brand new offerings at that price point. Local private sale will eliminate cost for shipping, transfer, tax.
If you crap out finding one, next bet is a surplus P83 or even P64. Not as shootable as a Makarov but still solid (built like a tank) proven defensive firearms. Easily found in your budget, and again I would take either any day over similarly priced more modern pistols.