Yes, we have to consider the cost factor.
Let's pose a fairly common problem: Take a citizen who is newly-aware of their rights and responsibilities of self-defense under the 2A. They want to learn to shoot, and if they're smart, they also consider the cost of their defensive array of armaments. They've asked Yours Truly to advise them and conduct their training, and I've agreed to.
Since they are considering cost, I advise them to layer on their 2A defensive arsenal, starting with a concealable defense handgun, then a shotgun, then a rifle. As you can see, what my advice entails is the citizen being able to defend their close-in spaces (with the handgun), then somewhat farther out (with the shotgun), then as far out as they want (with the rifle).
I have a NEW recommendation for the close-in spaces. It involves this weapon:

That's the new Charter Arms Pitbull, a 5-shot snubbie chambered in .40 S&W, a modern, rimless, high-pressure, straight-case pistol round. Most .40 S&W defense loads out of a short barrel are going to be in the 370-400 #/ft energy area, running from 850-1000 fps. That's better than 100 #/ft more than .38 Special, a low-pressure round. It's close to the energy of the Bulldog model in .44 Special, but there is a vast improvement in the cost to shoot it.
.44 Special ammo averages $35/box at retail, so, $700/1000 (1,000 rds being the minimum needed for advancement from new shooter to competent self-defense gunner). In the case of the .40 S&W Pitbull, you could get a case of this ammo for $275, a saving of $425 in the first thousand rounds of ammo alone. That is about the cost of the gun at "street-price", so by going to Forty instead of Forty-Four, you get a free gun!
This is a very technically-advanced revolver, a brand-new design. The advantage of the new design is the extractor system which makes it un-necessary to use "moon-clip" ammo retainers such as found in the S&W or Taurus Forty Caliber snubbies. BTW, there will be Laser Grips available for this revolver, too!
Yes, we DO, in fact, count our pennies here at Straight-Case.
H/T to Uncle for highlighting the Pitbull in his Gun Porn section.