I picked up a well used Colt Police Positive for $110. I took it apart and cold blued it then sold it for two hundred about two years later to a gun shop.
First handgun was a High Standard Sentinel MKIII .357 Magnum $175.00 in the Mid 70's and my Second was A Colt Python Nickel 8" Barrel $650.00 in the early 80's
My first was a Ruger MK I, bought it over the phone in 1976 for $88...turned out to be their Bicentennial issue ("Made In The 200th Year Of American Liberty" stamped atop the receiver). This is currently a "safe queen".
I went to a gun store looking for an XD9 and the sales guy thought I should also consider the M&P, they were asking $625 (full size, no night sights). I went home, did some research and decided that the M&P was a solid choice, but the price was crazy. The following week I went to a gun show and bought one new for $450. Still have it and still love shooting it!