If $ is a BIG issue, the cost of ammo to become proficient could easily be more than the gun. IF your planned uses/interests may include hunting, trap/skeet/ home defense a different approach might be a pump shotgun with 2 barrels. 1 longer Barrel for hunting/clay & a shorter bbl for H/D, slugs (larger game) and possibly a pistol grip to go with it. Used the cost is low. Odds of hitting what you want to are higher. Stopping power, no comparison. Conceal carry/travel, not so great. Only owning 1 gun and being on this site??? That shouldn't last long, hold off on the CC for a bit??? If it MUST be a handgun, police returns for me.