Have you given any thought to a lever action rifle? They come in either rifle or pistol caliber..30-30, 45-70 also in .22 are a couple for rifle.... or you could get one chambered for 357 Mag./38 spl(holds 9+1) or 44mag./44spl( holds 10+1) You can mount scopes and slings no problem. You might be able to pick up a good used one for the price range you stated. If in the future you got a revolver in either 357 or 44 you could have ammo to shoot in both rifle and pistol. Just a thought, good luck.

Tony

P.S. most lever guns will be Cali. friendly