For the purpose you mentioned and what you want to spend my recommendation is this:
Find a trade-in Browning Hi Power. It won't be beautiful to look at, but that's not what you said you wanted. Most accurate handgun I have ever shot. They can be found many places for $300-400 (Try Cabelas)...or, consider a 9mm pistol caliber carbine by Hi-Point. Cost about $350 new, are accurate, rugged, and reliable enough for your purpose. Hope this helps.

__________________
Stay protected my friends.