I'm new here. Wish I could figure out how to edit the above post. Ruger Americans are a great value. I know the Gen 1's get a lot of bad reviews over the rotary mag cycling issues, but otherwise are seen as very accurate, though ugly.
If you want to go budge, consider a late first gen Highlander. I recently bought a 2006 with 281k miles form a guy that was meticulous about maintenance for $4500. So far, I love this thing. The gas mileage is ass-mileage ~18MPG combined, but is drives like a similar vintage Lexus. Alternately...