Forty five years go the Denver post had an anti gun article which stated any gun less than $50.00 was a “Saturday Night Special” and should be banned.(Illustrated with a Ruger .22 auto pistol).
That would be the equivalent of $310.00 today.
Understand, but you never could have bought a Colt 380 or larger for $50 new in your lifetime, could you?
There are a lot of 380 and 9mms in the $300 range and below. Try looking at an all steel/metal blend S&W or a Colt same caliber.