Why Polymer for shooting at events?

You can get a full steel handgun that is reliable in single or double action for not a lot of money.

CZ 75/85 comes to mind as an option. Saw some at Gander Mountain new for I think 359.00. The Tanfoglio CZ clones aren't bad (usually). Those include the Baby Eagle (IMI brand), the full steel versions of the EAA Witness line, older FIE imports.

The only problem with buying a CZ is they are habit forming. You get one you generally see another that you want to have, also. Then another and another. Soon your other guns are moved over to the "B" category.

You shouild also keep your eyes open for a Beretta 92 or the Taurus clones of same. High capacity, accurate, dependable. Used the Berettas go under 500 around here and Tauruses start new under 500.

A lot of the Smith & Wesson line can be had under the 500 mark. The older Sigmas, if you want polymer and the full steel ones that go by model numbers.