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Honestly, I think it would be difficult to find even a used pistol from a quality maker in caliber 9mm or greater for under $300. That said, how much money one is willing to spend for a pistol is analogous to how much money one would be willing to spend for a motorcycle helmet... ...the operative question being, "how much is your head worth?" I realize that it isn't always because people are cheapskates that they won't spend money. We often live under very real financial pressures too, and simply don't have the money to spend. And, it is also true that one can't generally find a used Glock 19 for under $300. But unless the need for a self-defense pistol is immediate due to currently unfolding circumstances, wouldn't it be better for your friend to hold off on making a purchase for a couple of weeks longer until he/she has saved the extra $25-$50 that will afford the purchase of a used pistol from a quality manufacturer?

My wife owns a Glock 19, and the "lack of a safety" (which is not true, btw) doesn't bother her in the least. Her Basic Handgun Safety Course teacher was Marty, Crossfire's husband. He taught her that the most important safety on the gun is the one between her ears, and she's never forgotten the lesson. Such a class might not be a bad suggestion for your friend. That said, I understand the objection. It took me a while to be comfortable with the Glock too, for much the same reasons, although my objections were deeply rooted in being a long time 1911 guy and, consequently, what I thought a "proper" handgun should have on it. I make friendly jokes and kid people about "Glock leg" and such, but it is exactly that — kidding and joking. I would feel perfectly comfortable carrying one for personal defense. But the truth is that a Glock is no more unsafe than a revolver and probably less so, and no amount of mechanical safeties on a pistol are going to render it safe if the person handling it has poor safety habits. So, my opinion is that your friend should rethink the Glock as an option and then get themselves some formal introduction into firearms safety and gun handling. Barring that, look for a used .357 revolver.