Tony,
Wanna stay cheap and still not be limited to the slimline?
The comfort pen - throw away the rubber, allows you to turn bushing to bushing (B2B), with a larger center bushing there is more wood left and the pen is not as likely to split. Still need to put CA on the end after you "face" the end, it will reinforce your blank, minimizing your chances of a "blowout".
Don't think much of the comfort pen? Then, the cigar (fat boy, big ben) is also EASY to turn, no tenons required, simple stuff. And, when you are done, you have a salable weapon (I sell a lot of them, but they are heavy).
Good luck and HAVE FUN whatever you do.
Consider getting kits from
www.woodnwhimsies - they are very affordable - I suggest rhodium or chrome for durabiltiy.
HOpe this helps.