I've narrowed down my choices and need your input

[weisse52]

No matter what the price constrant.

Of that list a $500 revolver can be a real quality piece. With no worry of CCW this open you up to a wonder selection of both old and new handguns.

There are some nice older Smith and Wesson's floating around for less than that. I just purchased a 6" 28-3 for $350.

These guns will mainly be used for fun and new shooter conversions.

Hard to beat a revolver for your stated goal.

 

[frankcostanza]

Revolvers are waaaaaay sexier than a Hi-Point carbine

 

[SSN Vet]

let's see.....

for what purpose?

Moose hunting?

Pop can plinking?

Home Defense?

Competitive target shooting?

get a used Taurus .357 revolver, as it will be better for all of the above (accept for perhaps pop can plinking) than your other choices.

 

[Walkalong]

These guns will mainly be used for fun and new shooter conversions.

Either of the carbines will be fun, and cheap to shoot, cheaper still if you reload. They will also be easy for new shooters to shoot well, so they will have fun and want to shoot again.

 

[butters]

That's a pretty diverse list. As most have suggested the 357 would be a good choice. For $500 you could get one and buy the Hi-Point too. One of our local sporting goods chains routinely sells the Hi-Point on sale for ~$169. For the money the Hi-Point would be a fun plinker. The ability to use Glock hi cap mags in the Kel-Tec sub-2000 is intriguing but you'll pay almost $300 for one.

I say get the 357 and the Hi-Point and you'll have a little left over for ammo.