https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-dagger/handguns.html?product_list_order=price_asc

PSA Dagger

Glock clone. Price usually starts at around $300, depending on features, size, and accessories. If you don't care about features, vanilla Glocks can be found for ~$400 used. But Glocks with features like optics/carry cuts and threaded barrels are usually going to cost more.

Glocks

Gold standard for simple and reliable. Good aftermarket support. Can often find used or police trade-in.

There are small differences between Gen 3, 4, and 5 but any will be functional.

Glock 19 is probably the most common model, but there's a wide variety of different sizes and calibers.

Glock 19 gen 5 $479.99

Glock 17 gen 5 $494.99

CZ P-10

Don't personally know much about them but many people prefer them to Glocks. Come in multiple sizes (M, S, C, F).

P-10 S(ubcompact) $371.90

P-10 C(ompact) $380.62

P-10 F(ull size) $382.20

Stoeger Firearms STR-9 9mm 4.17" Barrel 15+1 Black - $240 ($190 after $50 MIR) (Free S/H on Firearms) https://www.kygunco.com/product/stoeger-31720-str-9-4.17-9mm-151-black

I've posted deals for this one before and this is the lowest I've seen. Really really solid budget option.

S&W M&P EZ

Comes in 9mm (better ballistics) and 380 (less recoil), with or without a thumb safety.

Lives up to its name in that its very easy to use, but makes some meaningful sacrifices to do so. I'd only recommend this if you've already tried other common guns because other than ease of use there are many better options at this price point.

See this on sale occasionally at big box retailers, if you don't want to deal with shipping to an FFL.

9mm $399.99

9mm w thumb safety $387.99

380 $339.99

380 w thumb safety $329.99

SAR USA 2000

https://www.kygunco.com/product/sar-usa-2000bl-2000-black-9mm-17rd

$344.67

Reviews seem good. Cheap option for people who want a CZ-like DA/SA

CZ 75 SP01

Seems popular among people who like Double Action / Single Action. Haven't been able to try one out myself. imo DA/SA is more fun, but whether it's better or worse is mostly preference.

https://dahlonegaarmory.com/product/cz-89153-sp01-tact-9mm-luminescent-sgt-18rd

https://dahlonegaarmory.com/product/cz-89152-sp01-9mm-luminescent-sgt-18rd

$599.51

https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-pa-15-16-nitride-m4-carbine-5-56-nato-moe-psa-dagger-compact-9mm-green.html

$749.99 PSA Dagger + AR-15 Combo

Somewhere between fine and good deal, depending on how much you value each gun and its features. PSA almost always has an AR on sale for ~$470 and a Dagger on sale for ~$300, if features/ironsights/barrel length aren't important to you. May also save a tiny bit if your FFL discounts additional transfers.

PSA ARs are considered solid entry-level guns. Small chance of QC issues as with all sub-$1,000 ARs, but the manufacture will usually make it right.

The PSA Dagger is a Glock clone. For people that care about features and accessories it's a good value, but otherwise vanilla Glocks can be found used for ~$400

https://www.smga.com/smith-and-wesson/sport-ii-with-5-free-hex-mags-64708

$499.99 S&W M&P Sport II

The Sport II is considered a solid entry-level AR. Usually can be found for around $500 for the optics-ready base model, so $499.99 with sights and extra mags is a pretty good value. Packages like this come around frequently, although this is the first time I remember seeing irons and extra mags for $499.

PSA ARs

Pistols

Rifles

Fine entry-level ARs. Small chance of QC issues as with all sub-$1,000 ARs, but the manufacture will usually make it right.