Budget pistols (semiauto)

I am looking to get a pistol. I am not looking to get serious with a gun hobby, I want a reliable weapon locked up in case of disasters or social unrest. I will occasionally take it to a range to maintain familiarity with it, but that's about it.

There is a huge price difference between the cool guns and the budget guns. Much as I like the Glock and the HK USP, I like the price of the Ruger options.

My goal is a 9mm or .40 cal semiautomatic. I want high reliability, with low usage intended. I kind of like the idea of two identical guns so I have both a spare weapon and a set of spare parts in case one breaks.

I know many of you are knowledgeable, and I was hoping to get opinions of going with the cheaper options, and of them, which would best suit my needs.