[dairycreek]

Lot of discussion about guns and their prices. I have paid as high as $2000 for a high end 1911. So much for a "good, expensive gun"! But I would like to hear some discussion and recommendations for a "good, cheap gun". Note that I have set absolutely no criteria for either "cheap" or "good". So, have at it if you will. Good shooting;)

[vanfunk]

Good + Cheap = Smith and Wesson Model 10 .38 Special

In my considered opinion, and on the behalf of my constituents, I say verily unto you, dear reader...

The S&W Model 10 of any flavor, produced in the last 40 years (+p capability) can accomplish 90% of anything that needs doing with a handgun. Used ones in excellent condition can be found in the $150 - 200 range without difficulty.:D

Thus spoke vanfunk

[gbelleh]

Makarov

[Cawdor]

Ruger makes good guns at lower prices than other manufacturers. So does CZ.

[MJRW]

Bersa Thunder

[10-Ring]

Bought a S&W mod 19 last month. For $275 it is unbelievably good & was pretty cheap too ;)

[TarpleyG]

Kel-Tec. Lifetime warranty and around $200 for a .32 or 9mm. Wonderful little pistols.

GT

[Ala Dan]

No Such A Thing As A "Cheap Gun"-

I would rather use the phrase "Less Expensive"

and with that said, the Bersa Thunder .380 gets my vote!


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[charleym3]

Cheap is a matter of opinion. To me it means something south of 2 "C" notes. I have a Model 10 that I got for 150 and a Model 64 that I paid 130 for. I carry the 64 everyday. CDNN has model 10s for $139 in fair to good condition. Sounds like a deal to me. I may just order 2. After all I have 2 hands.

[22x9]

Kel-Tec P-32 & P-11

Steyr M & S series (cheap at CDNN)

[COHIBA]

i think keltecs are a great value. a little higher and the enchanced sigma aint bad. a little more and you can get a steyr.
then a XD
then a glock
then a kimber
then an sig
then an HK...
thats what happened to me( w/ the exeption of the sigma, of course).

[cratz2]

Depends on the 'cheap' price range. What I consider 'cheap' after receiving my quarterly bonus might be more than some that has to wait a week to fix a broken down car. ;)

Well used S&W 38 Special
Makarov
KelTec PT32
TelTec PT11
EAA Witness series
CZ75 series
Taurus PT92/PT99

[Swamp Yankee]

Used Dan Wesson, Monson, Mass. manufacture of course, Model 15. Certainly reasonable at an average price of $200 to $225. Accuracy and durability superb.
Take Care

[ChristopherG]

The first answer is the right answer. Inexpensive S&W .38s are impossibly cheap for the quality and refinement that they exude.
cg

[chaim]

Open ended "good, cheap gun", based on my cheap for a gun criteria:

-a good condition used Smith revolver
-Taurus revolvers
-Taurus 911/940/945 (depending on caliber preference)
-Taurus PT92/99 or PT100/101 (depending on caliber/sights pref)
-Bersa
-Ruger revolvers
-CZs
-Ruger autos (if you can deal w/ the look and feel)
-SA Mil-spec (in my area not quite cheap at $550, but cheap for a high quality 1911)

There are others, but this is what comes to mind with little trying.

[Soap]

Depends on how you define "cheap". For handguns, I would say anything sub-$500 is cheap. $500-$1000 is mid priced. $1000-$2000 is high end and $2000+ better be a work of art.

But for the lowest price with max quality I think that the Makarov, old Smiths, and CZs are among the best choices. A used Glock is a good choice too.

[Dave Markowitz]

Used S&W revolver, e.g., Model 10 or 15.

Makarov.

[Brian Williams]

$275 S&W 586-1 4"
$325 Sistema 1911
$300 S&W 13 3"
$185 Ruger single six
$275 S&W 65-2 4"
$0 Glock 19 Wife won in a drawing


$299 S&W 940 coming soon to a IWB near me

[Gerald McDonald]

Any inexpensive firearm that goes bang every time with reasonable accuracy. My wifes ex gave her a New England Firearms 9 shot 22 lr with about a 3" barrel for a car gun. I gave her a Ruger Security Six with 2 3/4" barrel and took the NEF for a tackle box gun. After about 500 rounds at the range I have decided its not really a bad little revolver. It has never failed to go bang and it is very accurate if fired single action, it takes a lot of practice to use D/A as the trigger is heavy. Not what I would wish to carry for a defensive piece, but perfectly functional as an inexpensive outdoor tool. The same could be said of any of the Brazilian revolvers, not ideal for combat but perfectly able to get the job done. There is a place for cheap handguns in this world, if I didnt have the money and needed a handgun for protection I would much rather have a Taurus now than risk a wait six months longer for a Kimber or Smith
Gerald

[sanchezero]

Maks, FM hipowers.

[Mike Irwin]

Any of a number of used Smith & Wesson revolvers.

Any of a number of used Ruger revolvers.

[cool45auto]

Another vote for the P32

[Yohan]

Raven :evil: :neener:

[stevesmith7]

No disagreements yet, but no one's mentioned the FEG Hi Power copies.
Not much more than $200, all steel and decent triggers with a little work.

Steve

[Blackhawk]

My Kel-Tecs were cheap and they're good, very good, in fact. Make that excellent! :neener:

[Schuey2002]

Another vote for a used Glock 9mm...:)

[arinvolvo]

Steyr M9, M40...$299 at CDNN.

[firestar]

Bersa
Ruger p-95
Ruger revolvers (used)
S&W revolvers (used)
FM Hi Power
FEG
CZ
Star

Most of those are more gun for the money than average. Out of the list, I would say that the Ruger revolvers like the Service, Security and Speed Six are the best value for what you get. Often under $200 used, these are amazingly tough and durable guns that are often more accurate than needed for self defense. They might lack some of the refined points of the S&Ws but they make up for it in durability. Like everything, it depends on the intended use.

[WhoKnowsWho]

I am very happy with my cheap guns.

Makarov
Kel Tec P32
My wife is happy with her kind of cheap Walther P22

I like how the Bersa's felt.

For some reason, FEG's are overpriced around here. The last one I saw used, with NS, for $375!! Though I wouldn't mind one of those at the should be price... not the dreaming price.

[Admiral Thrawn]

Well I'd consider a centerfire handgun inexpensive (not 'cheap,'which also implies a lack of quality) if it retails for less that USD $600.

Some quality centerfire pistols that I know are under this price threshold are:

Springfield XD series,
Springfield Mil-Spec M1911-A1,
Glock series,
Ruger P series,
CZ 75 B,
CZ 75 DAO,
CZ 75 Compact,
CZ 75 BD,
CZ 83,
CZ 100,
CZ 85 B,
CZ 85 Combat,
CZ 40,
CZ 75 B SA,
CZ P-01,
CZ 75 D PCR

[dairycreek]

For such an open ended query there sure is an amazing amount of agreement. Good going and keep those opinions coming. Good shooting;)

[Spot77]

Wow, I'm glad to see Bersas mentioned quite a few times. Sadly, my Bersa 380 is the ONLY gun I own (being the first one also), and I'm really pleased with it. I've put 400 + rounds through it with no problems at all (all Winclean and UMC ammo).

I paid a whopping $214 for it, new.

I'd reccomend trying to get a 9 round mag for it though. The 7+1 setup could run out fast if you really needed it.

I'm looking forward to the day I can afford (or be allowed by my wife) to buy a CZ.

[ImJustRick]

I would point you towards the Ruger Semiautos. They're built like tanks, eat everything, never fail, have cheap full-capacity magazines and they're American.

As far as looks, Rugers might not be beautiful, but they're much better looking than Glocks or HKs... both of which fell out of the ugly tree.

The only caveat is that they're big. I can't conceal mine without a sweater or jacket. But to quote Boris the Blade from Snatch : "Heavy is good, heavy is reliable, and if it doesn't work you could always throw it at him."

Good luck.

-R

[RON in PA]

Even if I'm redundant:

Smith M10s and M13s (used)
Ruger revolvers (used)
Ruger semi-autos
CZ semi-autos
Makarovs

Police trade-in 9mm autos(usually much holster wear but not shot that much).

[22luvr]

REVOLVER? I've owned two EAA Windicators. One in .38 spcl with adjustable sights and the other in .357 mag. They're manufactured in Germany; the fit and finish on these is right up there with the best revolvers here in the U.S. The .38 spcl is still the most accurate snubby I've ever shot. You can pick one up NIB for $180-200.

AUTOLOADERS? Make mine a Kel-Tec "anything." I don't think there's a gun manufacturer today that mass produces such innovative desireable products as Kel-Tec. You can find them with more workmanship, more expense, and more sophistication, but the Kel-Tec's are a best bang for the buck.

RIFLE? Make mine an SKS. You can get one for a little over $100 and the firepower of one of these is hard to beat. One of the overall most versatile rifles made anywhere at anytime.

SHOTGUN? Mossberg 500 "Maverick" 12 GA pump - $149-159 at Wal-Mart. Hard to touch that for NIB.

There ya go....a whole basic arsenal for less then $1,000 and the ammo for these 4 examples (.38 spcl, 9mm, 7.62X39, 00 buck), is universally available in bulk for cheap.

[Blackhawk]

Welcome to THR, Spot77! :D

I've been thinking about Bersa's as alternatives to PPKs. I've had two PPKs, and they're undeniably good looking albeit a bit pricey as an SD gun. I'm not interested in anything heavier and less capable than a P-11 myself, but many people like DA/SA compacts in .380 despite the size and weight.

[Berg01]

"Cheap" guns can be like cheap life preservers, parachutes or crash helmets; when the SHTF, cheap is no bargain.

If you're trying to save money, where you buy, can be more important than what you buy. Last September, I wanted an HK P2000 in the worst way, and that effort just kept getting worse, so I "S-canned" the P2000 idea (does anybody have one of these?). Then I decided on a Sig P226; I called a gunshop up near the Poconos (I live near Philly), that was a good source for Smith & Wesson and CZ, and other LEO trades; a lot of my friends bought guns there. They said they didn't have a P226, but they did have a LNIB Sig P228 for $450.00; the rest is history, and I've been shooting this one happily ever after.

BTW, last week I saw a NIB CZ 75 PCR Compact at a local gunstore for $450.00; that gun felt like it was molded to my hand!; can somebody please show me a better new gun at a cheaper price?

[Dorrin79]

All of my guns are cheap guns, that's why I bought them!

Cheapest is my 10/22 which was $140. Most expensive was my $400 P89 (I paid too much for it, that's what I get for 'supporting my local gun store")

I can think of a lot of more expensive guns I would love to own, but none I'd like to pay for...

In regards to the question, I think that the KelTec P11 and the Bersa .380s are the best value in new production firearms for @ $200.

A Makarov in good condition for @ $150 is the best among the milsurps.

[sm]

I prefer Less Expensive than the term "cheap".

Any number of quality used revolvers by Smith and Wesson and Ruger for instance.

My experience with Keltec is the P-11 only, lot of gun for the $ IMO. I've never had a problem with mine. It's not for everyone tho'

I still go back to Gun Fit, The role of the gun (CCW, plinking, target, BUG...), Budget set aside ( define-less expensive).

I prefer steel guns,( mod 10's and 36 ) I do like the alloy smith mod 37 Security Six is a real sleeper and a bargain.

I own one ugly polymer gun...fits a niche, a role and the price was right.

Try before you buy

[Gerald McDonald]

Some of what I am seeing as considered cheap dont qualify as cheap in most places. Whats cheap to some may not be to others. To some one making 10 bucks and hour and supporting a family on that income a Sig or CZ could be almost if not more than a weeks pay.
Gerald

[denfoote]

I'm surprised that Tropical Z has not chimed in with his particular vice!!!!

Anyway, in addition to the above already mentioned, I would endorse the Taurus M85. It has been around for enough years to have the bugs worked out of it and comes at a reasonable price!!

[Blackhawk]

I'm surprised that Tropical Z has not chimed in with his particular vice!!!!I'm not.

Tropical Z has class! :D

[12-34hom]

Glock - New or used.

12-34hom.

[kmays]

The following can be found for around $250 or less:

FEG PA-63 or High Power clone
Star B or Super B
Astra A100 or A75
Ballester Molina
CZ52
Surplus Makarov (avoid the hi-cap models)

I've owned all of the above and found they offer excellent value for the money.

If you push the bar up to $350 a whole new world opens up for you.

[M1911]

CZ-75B.

[samualt]

The Big Gun:
Sistema Colt Modelo 1927, Caliber .45 ACP, 1911-A1, 100% G.I. compatible.
$300 refurbished. You can't beat it! JLD (http://www.jldenter.com/JLD%20Pistols%20page.htm)

The Small Gun:
Kel-Tec P-11 9mm.
A nice small cheap gun. $220. Kel-Tec (http://www.kel-tec.com/)


:cool:

[goon]

Anything CZ...

[TheFrontRange]

A good used S&W revolver in either .38 or .357 (Model 19 or 66) or a Ruger auto like a P95 9mm. I've also seen CZs in both 9mm and .40 brand-new at the local Academy Sports and Outdoors for VERY reasonable (if not "cheap") prices.

[Bainx]

A Makarov. You can get cheaper guns, you can get better guns but, you can not get a cheaper-better gun than a Makarov!

[Frenchy]

I too will have to go with the S&W Model 10. Under $200 for an utterly dependable revolver that historically (and arguably), is one of the finest handguns ever built.

[litework]

HS2000 if you can find one. As soon as Springfield slapped their name on the gun, the price jumped 125 bucks. The XD is still a good buy.

Makarovs, SKS, Nagants are all excellent weapons at a very reasonable price.

[Thirties]

good = Bulgarian surplus Makarov

cheap = Bulgarian surplus Makarov

gun = Bulgarian surplus Makarov


Any questions?

[Mr. Purple]

Rifle - semi auto SKS (-$200)
Bolt M48 Mauser (-$150)

Shotgun - Remington 870 Express (-$250 new)

Pistol - Used S&W or Ruger revolver or semi auto (-$300)

Hard to go wrong with any of the above. Sure they're nothing fancy, just plain jane takin care of business guns. But if you get a copy of all of the above you'll be set for what ever needs doing for under a grand.

[DT Guy]

How's this to refine the definition of 'cheap':

The 'cheapest' gun I would ever consider CARRYING FOR SELF-DEFENSE is a Makarov.

Larry

[22luvr]

Autoloader: Right on top of the list is Kel-Tec: P32, P11. Innovative, lightweight, mass produced pistols with a lifetime warranty. New, used ranging from $150-250.

Revolver: EAA Windicator in either .38 spcl or .357 mag. (A best-kept secret) You can still find a brand new one for less than $200.

Rifle: SKS hands-down. One of the toughest, most versatile weapons ever made. You can still get one for $100-150, depending upon where and who manufactured it.

Shotgun: Buy a Mossberg 12 ga model 88 "Maverick" for only $159 at Wal-Mart. Just about the best price anywhere for a new 12 ga pump.

Deep Concealment: NAA mini-revolver. Pick one up used for about $100. All stainless construction built with jewel-like precision.

[SoDFW Jason]

Ruger auto

[vsse]

Are the Kel-Tec guns or the Bersa Thunder loud or quite pistols? I don't wanna go deaf if I have to shoot an intruder in the confines of my home.

[mountaindrew]

vsse, niether of those will make you deaf after the limited number of shots in any likley event ( although your ears might ring a little for a minute)

second, I just want to vent a little frustration about constantly hearing about the $150 dollar model 10 38spl. If those could be had at anywhere near that price I would buy two, but I have never seen a smith and wesson revolver of any type or any condition for sale for under $300 or thereabouts. I wish I could. If anyone in the missouri area knows where I could find such a thing, please let me know.

[Plinkerton]

I would imagine your ears are gonna ring regardless of what you choose...

[Sven]

CZ75. Ammo is cheap, too.

[Smaug]

Ruger Mk. II Target - $250
Ruger P90
Taurus PT92
Police trade-in Glocks
Used S&W model 65 (S&W Model 65, used (http://www.centerfiresystems.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CSI&Product_Code=SW-65-4&Category_Code=HG) ) - $210


http://www.centerfiresystems.com/miva/graphics/00000001/SW-65-4B.jpg

[one45auto]

Here's another vote for the Smith and Wesson revolvers. I bought a used Model 64 at a gun show for $200 flat and a police trade-in Model 36 for $250 - both function flawlessly. The Rugers are wonderful guns also, but they're harder to find on the used gun market - at least around here. That says a lot, in my opinion.

[horge]

Originally posted by Blackhawk
Tropical Z has class! :)

Cripey, but it's pretty good to hear from ya, Blackhawk.
:)

[SpikeEVO]

- any police trade in S&W, Glock, Beretta, SIG-Sauer, (etc), autoloader

- any police trade in S&W .38 or .357 or revolver

for a used "civilian" gun, I'd go looking for a used Ruger P95 or P97, they are cheap new, cheaper still used, and very very reliable, and being Rugers they will last a lifetime or more... and if I was looking for a cheap reliable "civilian" used revolver, I'd search the gunshows and used gun counters for a decent Ruger Security Six, Speed Six, SP101 or GP100.

Rugers have always impressed me with their ruggedness, reliability and low price. I'd recommend them to anyone on a budget. They wont impress any gun "snobs" with the Ruger name, fancy doodads, pretty finishes or trigger smoothness, but they have an amazing tendency to go bang every single time you pull that trigger... with such low failure rates that even big name guns costing 2 or 3 times as much are envious.

[MrAcheson]

Cripey, but it's pretty good to hear from ya, Blackhawk.

Amen to that.

[MrAcheson]

Cripey, but it's pretty good to hear from ya, Blackhawk.

Amen to that.

[horge]

Oh crap, Blackhawk's post that I quoted was from last year.
:(

Blackhawk, if you're out there,
get well and visit THR when you can.

Sorry for the mistake, MrAcheson.
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[horge]

doublepost

[Warrior]

An excellent cheap handgun is an EAA Windicator 357 magnum snubby. Mine cost $195.00 slightly used. It is the best shooting, lightest kicking 357 magnum I have ever seen. I highly recommend it!:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Richard]

This is a post I did on another board but it applies.

I am wondering what the current best buys in handguns are? My list would include:

1. Walther P1 pistols ($200-$300)
2. Bulgarian Maks ($119-$159)
3. FEG High-Powers about $210
4. Star BMs, used, about $125
5. Bersa Thunder 380 about $225
6. Bersa Thunder 45 ($250-$300)

What are the best buys you know of?

Regards,

Richard :D

[M2 Carbine]

Makarov
$150 new.

Good used S&W
Under $200 used.

Both cheap to shoot.
Both highly reliable.
Both more accurate than 90 percent of the people shooting them.


As far as the best buy,
Makarov
Nothing else comes close.

I'm not just saying that because I own a Makarov (actually 11).
I have several dozen other fine quality pistols. Some costing more than a half dozen Makarovs.

The Mak is just a fine gun at an extraordinarily low price.:)

[41mag]

Mountaindrew you aren't the only one who cannot find a $150 model 10.
The closest around here is $225 for one w/o any finish left & stocks that are so chipped,cracked ,& stained as to be useless.
I have,however,seen quite a few in the $300-340ish price range-they are a little rough-certainly nothing special.For that $$$ I can usually find a decent 29.
& yes,I have been looking for a while.Sooner or later ....

[RVSinOK]

One more vote for the Makarov. It will ALWAYS go bang when you want it to!

[matsaleh]

Makarov ($160 NIB a little over a year ago)
Steyr S-40 ($299 +tax and shipping from CDNN last November)

Both are terrific guns.

[themic]

Well, I gotta throw in a plug for my personal carry gun every now and then in these type threads:

RAP 401.

$210 of 9mm South African quality. concealable, reliable, rock solid.

[Browns Fan]

I get so tired of hearing what a good deal used S&W revos are, around here (and we have a lot of pawn shops here) one in good condition will cost at least $325. A severely abused one may be talked down to $150, if you really want it. :rolleyes:

These same "deals" can be found at the local gun show.

[M2 Carbine]

Browns Fan,
The last used S&W Model 10 I bought, at a Fort Worth gun show, was $189.95+tax.
If it was still in the S&W box it would be hard to tell it wasn't brand new.
That was almost two years ago.

Before that I got a VERY NICE Model 15 from a pawn shop for $165 OTD.

The last new in the box, but older S&W Model 36, three inch barrel I bought was $300.

Model 10 "shooters" show up at the shows a lot for in the $150 to $170 range.

I think maybe there's a big difference in gun availability and price throughout the country.

I bought this Model 10 in 1960 for $65 and it still does the job. :)

http://img44.photobucket.com/albums/v135/Bell406_206B/BuckandMod10.jpg

[seanmc42]

I suggest you look into either the RAP 401 (9mm) or RAP 440 (.40S&W).
These are high quality guns from South African Republic Arms, and they look/feel/function a lot like Sigs.
I'm not saying they are at the Sig quality level, but for ~ $250 they are a REAL good bargain.
I have the 440 and have enjoyed it's flawless funtionality for ~ one month.
Just letting you know about the short eval time here, in all fairness.
Here's a link to some info:

http://www.cruffler.com/Features/DEC-01/review-December-01.html