Have a look at Glocks. I carry a G-17 but you might find the G-26 better. Arguably there the most reliable guns on the market. There priced real well. Tomorrow I pick up A bersa 380 for summer carry. less than 300 and everyone has nothing but good things to say about them. As for Kel-Tecs and kahrs their priced well and the ones that work seem to work well but from what I've read the quality out of the box can be a bit spotty.

Another recommendation would be the Ruger SP101 .357 magnum revolver you can find them for less than 400 new and their built like a tank. Down side you only have 5 rounds but speed loaders make reloading fast and easy.