K, so I got a friend

[Damien Sinclair]

He has 500 dollars to spend on a pistol.

He wants it for target practice and safety abroad (he travels to do missionary work, or something)

advice?  

[Freak_090]

Damien Sinclair

He has 500 dollars to spend on a pistol.

He wants it for target practice and safety abroad (he travels to do missionary work, or something)

advice?

for 500 you could get a Glock or Springfield XD...
I would recomend the XDs for there light recoil, easy handling, it is basically imposible for them to misfire, and they come with a holster.  

[Floyd]

I would second the Springfield semi-auto. It's a solid pistol. But be sure to inform your friend that some countries are unfriendly to foreign nationals who carry conceal for self defense without papers.

I would also suggest the Bersa pistol line. They have several models that range from .22 to 9MM. And they're all well under $400, the price depending on the caliber.  

[I am an eggplant]

A third on the XD.
Tell him to go with the 9mm if he wants to be able to afford any plinking.  

[Fresnel]

This one ain't bad...
Comes with a free light, two magazines, and a holder for everything, too.