Good first handgun on a budget...

Don't even THINK about hunting hogs with a handgun if you aren't an experienced handgun shooter. I consider myself an "adequate" shot, yet I still find myself missing pigs. Spend some rangetime, then move up to hogs. Use a long gun on the pigs in the meantime.
 
Get a .22, any .22. It takes 1000's of rounds to become proficient with a hundgun at any range beyond 20 feet. If you can afford 1000's of rounds over the next couple months more power to ya but it ain't likely.
 
Good first handgun on a budget

Since you mentioned hunting, I'd recommend a S&W k-frame in .357mag. The Model 13 is blued, while the Model 65 is stainless. Both are fine weapons that will cover all your bases. And you can practice with lower cost 38spl rounds. With the k-frames, you need to make sure you avoid the light (110 to 130gr) high velocity .357 rounds, though. They have a tendency to damage the forcing cone. Stay with bullets 140gr and more or lighter bullets in medium velocity (like Remington Golden Sabers) you'll be OK.

These models are usually available for decent prices on the used market. The k-frame Smiths seem to be one of those "just right" handguns. And they have a history going back more than a century in 38spl.

Good luck!
 
Ammo right now is crazy, but 40's by comparison usually aren't cheap. Add one more vote for a roscoe in 38/357. Versatility from mild to wild ammo choices. A .38 with a couple hundred ft/lbs energy or a hotrod .357 at 600+. My vote would be for a used S&W or a Ruger GP100.
 
I own and love Glocks, so if you are considering spending around or under $500, if at all possible save a bit and spend an extra $100 or so for a new Glock. They're well made, very safe and their reliability is legendary. They work for me. Good luck!
 
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I'll go along with the majority....

Get a .357 revolver (I recommend a 4" from Taurus, Ruger, or S&W).
 
I'm going to recommend the Yugo Tokarev M57. Any 7.62x25 Tokarev will work, but the Yugo Tok has one more round (9 instead of 8 in the magazine) and it has a much better safety. SOG has them for $229.
You can buy 1224 rounds of 7.62x25 for $120 from AIM. That is pretty much the cheapest centerfire handgun ammo out there right now, AFAIK. The 7.62x25 is a screamer that will penetrate Kevlar vests, it will do the job on hogs. You can get the pistol and 2448 rounds for your $500.
If you get a few spare barrels ($39 each from Numrich) and a 9mm barrel bushing($16.50 from Sarco) you can fire 9x19 Luger in it. Ream one of the extra barrels out so it chambers the 9x23 Winchester and you can shoot that cartridge in the pistol. The 9x23 Winchester is the ballistic equal of the .357 Magnum. You get .357 Magnum power in a smaller, more easily concealed package. You get less muzzle blast, more rounds, and less recoil than with a .357 revolver.
That is what I've done.
 
Since the poster said he wanted to go hog hunting I'd go with a good 357
ruger black hawk or if you want double action you can still fin security -six
for around $275-$350 depending what part of the country you live in.No double actions for 4 legged critters only two legged.This must be a younger
group as 40 cal is very popular.It's shot placement !
 
S&W Sigma SW40VE
.40 S&W
14+1

It was my first "new" handgun and I never should have sold it. Made up for it a few years later by buying another one.

I'm not hating on revolvers by any means, just not my cup of coffee. If you go wheel gun, then I say go .357/.38.
 
+1 for .357 revolver.

For what you're looking for, maybe something with a 4-6 inch barrel. I like Ruger and Taurus revolvers. Ruger GP-100 would be a good choice.
 
If you are dead set on hog hunting, .357 Magnum is the minimum caliber I'd go with and .44 Magnum would be preferable. Used .44 Magnums can be found in the <$500 range if one is patient. Loaded with .44 Specials, a steel-frame DA .44 Magnum makes for an excellent HD gun with mild recoil.
 
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You won't be disappointed if you buy an XD. However if you are going to hunt you will most likely have to have a revolver depending on laws in your state.

My first handgun was a S&W 686P in .357 with a 4" barrel. I bought it for all the same reasons you are looking for a gun: HD, range time and a back up for hunting. I loved shooting .38's at the range but knowing I had something that could knock down an intruder or a white tail with relative ease.

That was about 5 years ago and I don't regret the purchase. You'd have to buy one used or get another model to stay in your range but there are plenty of good choices in a 4" .357 that will meet your needs.
 
Just because no one else has said it.
Try a Rock Island Armory 1911 in a .45 acp. It can be had for about 450 to 500 bucks at most gun shows and a little more on gun broker
or just email wildalaska and ask him if he can find something for you
 
I love my Springfield XD Service .40. Capable of carrying 12+1. You get two mags, a mag holster, a holster and a feeder for under $500 new. Tons of options for customizing down the road. Gunbroker has a few right now for under $470.

If you're looking at revolvers, why not a .357 magnum? Something like a Taurus M65. Allows you to carry the larger round for hunting (.357) and shoot the cheaper round for practice (.38spl). Ruger's GP100 is also a sweet gun chambered in .357 and you might find a slightly used one for under $500. I saw a used one on Gunbroker go for $480 last month. Sort of kicking myself now on that.
 
If you shop around you can usually fine a gently used glock or xd under 500. both extreemyl reliable handguns. I have never, and I mean never had any single type of problem in my glock 17.
 
+++ For a nice KGP-141 or -161, Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum, stainless steel, in either a 4" or 6" barrel config. Solid workhorse guns that'll do you well with .38 Special, .38 Special +P, .38 Special +P+ and the venerable .357 Magnum cartridge.

I own a few and they never fail me, nor do they fail to impress on target.
 
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