the starting makarov is surprisingly decent at range; the low muzzle velocity hurts its range but has good accuracy (i know automatics have some spread in the game so far but i don't know if handguns have any natural spread yet) and with some practice you can ping away at enemies from a comfortable distance. upgrade to a better pistol or grab a cheapo smg early; it'll pay off and stay in 9mm until you build a decent buffer, 9mm mags are universal and cheap.
more importantly tho, invest in your men. get your commanding up and leadership up and you're good, then fill your spots with cheap volunteers. improve them when they level up. they will prove a match for the beginner looters and you'll gradually rack up some decent dosh.
(because bushes don't give cover despite acting like a block, currently)
i coulda sworn i saw a bush stop a bullet but there could have been a stump near it. well, it might not stop bullets but it does stop ai pathfinding, lol.