Thanks for the responses and the questions. I didn't know what information to give, so I just threw out what came to mind.
I'd like a pistol for target shooting and personal defense. Eventually I want to get my CCW permit.
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Go to a gun store and try different guns in your hand, maybe rent some to shoot on a range. Take a safety class also.
Revolver is a good choice, right now Ruger is about the best, though pricing is going to be above your 500 dollar mark. There are things you have to watch out for buying any used revolver. The primary is timing, make sure the cylinders line up both double and single action. The second is take a feeler gauge with you to inspect the BC gap, anything over .008 you should pass on.
Semi autos do not have a barrel/cylinder gap, but you should inspect the primer strike on any used gun. Take a lead pencil. Drop it down the muzzle, and pull the trigger. The pencil should shoot a few feet out the end of the barrel, if not pass, you will have problems with light strikes. Watch the trigger pull on DA only pistols, too light and AD/ND's could be a problem, and you could end up with light strikes. Too heavy and your accuracy will suck for target shooting, though heavy does not really equate to high stress combat situations.
There are things you will have to go through with a semi auto that are not vital with a revolver. You will have to break in a new semi auto, don't load it and let it sit hoping it will work when needed. Almost all semi autos will have a FTF/FTE when new. Break them in, and find the sweet spot in ammo and you will be good to go.
If you are looking to bullseye target shoot, get a 1911. I never had one, and I have had many, that were not capable of putting one round after another in the same hole consistently. S&W were the only revolvers that I had that would do this also. 1911's are expensive for the major brands, probably over your 500 mark, but well worth the money. OTH Rock Island are close to your mark and well made. There are also many surplus options out there on 1911 type pistols,(John Browning design) and other JMB designed pistols. Sarco usually has some options on high power clones, and Star pistols for under 300.
For a carry gun keep in mind the availability of holsters. Many guns do not have non custom holsters available. I make my own holsters so I do not have that problem.
In this day and age, my choice for a new weapon for casual plinking, and carry would be one of the police trade ins. They usually have been armory inspected and are already broken in. They are not pretty and some very worn, but hey most people don't buy firearms as a fashion accessory, if they do stay away from their advice.
Again for new, for a beginner, my choice for both revolver and semi auto would be Ruger. Though I admit I do not own one at this present time, I have owned several in the past though.