Go used and go with a Smith & Wesson revolver. I have a 686, 66, 19, 37 and I didn't pay over 500 for any of them. They're all worth more than I paid for them and they're a joy to shoot.
My local dealer has(had?) twenty or so S&W M-64s for $200 each. Former Brinks Security guns, hammer bobbed, DAO. Carried a lot, shot a little. Four of my friends grabbed one each.
She recently received a second shipment of another 20 or so.
If you are interested, pm or email me and I will give you their phone info/ web address.
I can't guarantee that she still has any, but I can guarantee that if you buy one, you will not be sorry. I shot two of the four and they shoot very well.
A Ruger GP is a good choice. A S&W 686 would also be a good choice if you could find a used one. The S&W M&P is a solid choice too with a Glock as another possible choice.
When I hear from folks with budget constraints, I steer them straight to Ruger and Glock (even though I don't care for Glocks, that doesn't mean I think they're crap).
If YOU don't care for Glock, there are all-good options from Ruger.