Without a doubt I would grab a Canik TP9SF One. This is a solid hard use handgun and can be had in the $250-300 range. I think it’s a step up from most if not all in the sub $300 category. The only ship with 1 mag and in a cardboard box I believe to keep the cost lower than their traditional tp9sf with a case and multiple mags.
Lots of deserved love in here for the Canik. I wasn't considering one and then I took one in trade. It's an Elite Combat model and it certainly deserves all of the raving people do about them.
I'm no fan of Turkey itself, but I have to be fair with my observations. The darn thing works.
I had a box of Winchester USA Forged ammunition that I had purchased before I knew it was complete garbage. That one box was tried in several different handguns. It malfunctioned in all of them including an HK USP, an HK P30, a Browning Hi Power, a Taurus G2C, and a Ruger Security 9.
The Canik ate it and asked for more. I'm not in a hurry to send more money to Turkey but I wouldn't hesitate on another used one if the opportunity came up.
I bought one of these and later sold it to my brother. He was still using the S&W revolver he carried for the Fort Wayne PD back when he was still healthy. I convinced him there was an advantage to having 17+1 rounds in the mag as opposed to the six-shooter, even if he could shoot the eyes out of a flea at 25 yards. (He was an excellent marksman, though.) It is a fantastic piece of equipment and sells for under $300. I purchased mine a couple years back for >$250, and subsequently sold it to my brother. It is still going strong.
I have to admit the G3 has my interest. I'm not a Taurus fan by any means but I'm not a Taurus-basher either.
I believe Taurus is capable of producing a good gun but I'm also sure they have turned out some horrible ones as well.
Thanks for your update on how yours is working out.
I've put a few hundred rounds through my Ruger Security 9 since I bought it 3 weeks ago, including a Handgun 101 class here in Evansville. Accuracy was good enough for me and handled PMC and Browning training/practice rounds just fine. I can recommend it, just wait for the next sale.
I agree with others about a Full size Duty Weapon. Glock 17,19, 45, all fine firearms. I also like Sig 226, 320-Full size. If OP likes a Taurus... so be it. Easier to find Duty Gear for the above, off duty carry holsters isn't an issue either.
My advice is get a decent retention holster, it may save your life in an altercation. Whats your life worth?
Back in the old days, a 357mag Revolver was commonplace in the Security Officers holster. Spare speedloaders/case, and a decent flashlight(Maglite, 3 C, or D cell) doubled as a Flashlight/Baton. We carried handcuffs in case of need. Used the flashlight more than anything else. (like these smaller LED ones now, batteries last and brighter. The maglights were just heavy!)
Security Companies seem only concerned about you on your post, rather than your personal safety. Thats why they are hired out. Good to decide yourself, and follow their requirements. We had Quals twice a year, and some firearms were caked full of crud from the last shoot. Clean your firearm, mags, use fresh ammo. Again, it's your life. Good luck.
Both the Ruger Security 9 and the smith and Wesson SD9VE are both good budget options. The SD9VE paired with an $30 apex trigger kit makes for a good shooter with a nice trigger. As stated above, PSA is coming out with their glock clone here in the next week or two and is compatible with all gen3 parts and accessories
Without having read through 8 pages of suggestions, I will throw my vote in for the Canik series. I have shot a few and they seem well built, accurate and hard to beat for the price, starting @ $280 at Bud's. https://www.budsgunshop.com/mobile/categories.php?cat=1199