Ive only got room in the budget this summer for one major purchase (ammo not included). It has come down to either a training course (carbine with some handgun) or a handgun. I have never taken a class so I know I need to and I can borrow a handgun to use for it but it seems like that hole left by not having a good pistol needs filled pretty badly too. If you were in my situation, would you take the class or put it off for a year and buy the gun?
You don’t currently own any handguns? Have you practiced at the range at all? I was going to tell you to take the class, but it would be less than ideal to be shooting a gun other than what you own or plan to own. On the bright side, maybe you can borrow a few different handguns and ultimately decide what you like after taking the class.
I own a handgun and I’ve shot it a lot at the range but I have doubts about it’s ability to hold up under heavy fire (Its a Taurus 24/7 PRO) . Also, the class I’d be taking is a carbine class, no handgun class
I would do the training and take a handgun course before a carbine course as you are far more likely to have to use a handgun in a defensive situation. Carbine courses are flashier/more appealing and do have their place but as a civilian, you would benefit more from being proficient with the handgun first. Unless of course you are planning to join the military.
ETA: I assumed you had your own pistol. In that case, it makes little sense to take a class before you have the gun.
So you’d take a handgun class with a someone else’s gun? It would be a Beretta 92 9mm.
I’d consider selling the Taurus 24/7 and using the proceeds to help fund a Glock 17/19, S&W M&P, or a used SIG P226/228/229, or Beretta 92FS.
After that, I’d look a at a class.
Sell the 24/7 and put the $ towards a glock 19. Once you have the pistol and some ammo, get together with local m4c guys. I’m hosting the ohio/pa/wv spring m4c meet and we had to cap the attendance at 24. Awesome. It is a great way to train at low cost. I wouldn’t recommend joining a hackathorn/buckets/disres/whoever class until you’re realitively proficient on your weapons. Where are you located?
Edit to say: templar typed faster than me. 
Now there’s a thought. I can get at least $200 for the Taurus which brings the cost of the others to around $350. I could probably swing that.
I’m in Wyoming. Not too many M4C folks around here I don’t think.
Look at the regional training groups section. Dono if there’s any around you or not. If not, START ONE! 
Yup, that does help out a bit.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F1SWMP&groupid=3
I HATE predictive text. That’s a hackathorne/vickers/suarez class.
Could someone explain what the various options Grant has on that gun are? Especially the last one.
On the M&P’s from Grant, he offers installed ApexTactical parts (Sear, Sear Spring, Striker block, and Extractor[not yet listed])
Read for yourself here, and at MP-Pistols, but the Apex parts are very highly regarded - my wife’s has that full kit (less extractor) on her M&P from Grant.
It’s the toughest decision I’ve seen in a while, but I think templar’s advice is spot on. If the apex parts are too much, get the pistol, spend more on ammunition - you can buy that later.
I posted a link for Grant and one for AIM Surplus.
I’d contact Grant and see what kind of night sights he has in stock. Beyond that I don’t think you’d need anything except spare mags, a decent holster, and ammo.
Check out the GSSF program. I just purchased a Glock 19 with the GSSF membership for $460 which’ll leave you more pennies in your piggy. http://www.gssfonline.com/GSSF_Pistol_Purchase_Program_Information.pdf
I agree
Pretty much what I was going to say with some slight modifications.
I know that carbine is what’s sexy/fun/popular right now, but IMHO handgun training is FAR more important, especially for anyone outside the military, and especially when considering that handgun is far harder to master and the transition from handgun to carbine is far easier than the reverse.
I’m speaking from personal experience (and regret) here and it’s something I’m having a hard time rectifying now.
I too was facing the tough decision to pick between taking a carbine course or handgun course for my first class and decided to go with the hand gun one. I will admit that I have mixed reasons for wanting to take the courses (50% to learn, 50% to have fun) I decided to go the hand gun route this time and build from there. I know this is a little off from your original question.
I say sell the taurus if you don’t like it, buy a S&W MP9 (my personal favorite ), and order the magpul dynamics videos from amazon and start practicing dry firing drills till you can take a class. It will also help you decide which gear works best for you before you spend the cash on the class. Either way you go, it will be a good summer
Good luck!!!
Check out www.summitgunbroker.com. They have Gen 3 G17 police trade ins with NS for 395 if your funds are low.