[TexAg]

This is for a friend of the family who is somewhat poor and is wanting a handgun for home defense, but will also probably get a CHL at some point, so concealablility (in a purse probably) is a factor.
I think we are talking less than $200.
So far my leading contender is probably a Makarov or the Polish 64 (whats the difference?) in 9x18.
I've also thought of used Ruger semi-autos, used Ruger .38 revolvers, and used S&W .38 specials.
Any other thoughts? This needs to be safe and reliable first and foremost, cheap and I think at least a .32 caliber. This gun doesn't have to be pretty, won't need to stand up to thousands of rounds shot through it, but will need to go bang every time and hit a man sized target at 10-15 yards consistantly.
Thanks for your thoughts and ideas.

[albanian]

Lots of servicable ones out there for less than $200. You will be better off getting a used one of course. You just have to shop around. My friend bought a finish worn but excellent mechanically Rossi .38spl for $75 at a gunshow once. It was nothing special but it was a 3" K-frame .38 that worked. You can't go wrong with that. Look for poor finish firearms that haven't been shot much. It happens a lot more than you think. Most of the time, it was left to rust and the finish is almost gone but it wasn't shot enough to hurt anything.

I you gave me $200, I could get something nice at a gunshow if given a few shows to look around. You may find a S&W 10 or 36 for that price if you look. You should be able to find a good solid gun that will work for $200.

[grizz5675]

Read some reviews on Bersa thunder 380, They are climbing like wildfire in popularity due to the fact that they have greatly improved their quality,accuracy and long term dependability.Around 169.00 new. You can find them at Gander mountain ,cabelas and quite a few othe firearm outlets.I personally have a Bersa 45 thunder which booked at 359.00, that i got on a trade for a ruger p93dc 9mm and it is a better gun then my kimber cdp2 and thats saying alot.

[JohnKSa]

The PA-64 isn't usually thought of as highly as a Mak.

Here are some other options:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976582015.htm

http://www.kyimports.com/sw.htm#s&w (The very first and very last guns on the listing)

The Nagant revolvers might also be an option if the friend can tolerate the trigger.

[Pilot]

Bulgarian Makarov

[1911 guy]

First, the re-hash of a previous opinion. The Makarov is a nifty little pistol. Reliable and inexpensive. The next thing I'll offer for consideration is the S&W model 10's SGN is advertising for about 150-175. I'm sure they've seen some wear and tear, but are also well made and inexpensive.

[Kodiaz]

Um if it's just for home defense how about a used rem. 870 they are 23o new at wally world getting a used one for 200 shouldn't be hard

[f4t9r]

There is always (dare I say it) HiPoint

[scubie02]

S&W model 10

[cookekdjr]

1. makarov. forget about the polish gun.
2. bersa thunder
3. used s&W.

For me, I'd go w/the s&w, but the bersa and especially the mak are good choices.
-David

[thrilldo higgins]

you can get one surplus for 200-350 dollars i have seen :rolleyes:


- only turkeys have left wings

[Pietro Beretta]

Their is always layaway.

If your buddy can save perhaps 150 a month, for 3 or 4 months, he can get something new, and "quality"

[M2 Carbine]

If the person is knowledgeable enough about guns or is willing to learn and would feel comfortable with a semi automatic I'd say a Makarov. Probably be a good investment to judging by the way the Maks are drying up.

If the person doesn't want to or can't afford to become a "shooter" I'd follow the other posts about getting a revolver.

I've got 3 P64 pistols. I like them, but IMO they are not a gun for inexperienced folks.

[GREGB77375]

How about a Kel-Tec P-11. Light weight, reliable, conceilable. The example I owned a couple of years ago worked fine and was reliable. Also took hi-capacity S&W magazines. Only drawback is it was double action only and was very stiff when new, but cleaned up pretty well. Greg

[Nimble1]

I picked up a P64 at a local gun show for $149.00. The fit and finish is quite good for a police/military weapon.It appeared unfired and brand new.I know that the reputation for its DA pull is bad so I replaced the mainspring with a Wolff 16# PPK spring($5.00) and its now quite acceptable.Add a $25.00 Ross Leather IWB holster for carry and I have a total of $180.00 for a very concealable gun in a pretty potent round.
Check out this link for more info on the P64.

http://p64.proboards67.com/

[Ala Dan]

A new Bersa Thunder DT .380 would be a bargain at $169.00~!:uhoh: :D

[Nimble1]

Agreed!! I was looking for a Bersa when I bought the P64.Cheapest I found was over $200.00..about $229.00 I believe. Nice guns though but I was on a budget.

[JamisJockey]

+1 for the Bersa. A .380 sure beats throwing rocks. Buddy had one and it was a fine shooter.

[MCgunner]

There is always (dare I say it) HiPoint

I left this thread alone just to see if anyone had the cojones to suggest this one. :D My own preference would be toward a used revolver, however. You could get a nice little Rossi or Taurus used gun in the price range even if you couldn't find a decent M10 Smith (always a quality revolver). Don't forget the used Security Sixs, either. The Taurus has a "lifetime warranty, but from everything I've read about Taurus, I wouldn't wanna try to use it. Ruger is a GREAT customer friendly company, though, and for that reason, a used Security Six might be the best deal in used revolvers, besides being a danged fine firearm. The problem with buying a used revolver is you have to sorta know what to look for in wear. Holster wear is no biggy, but it need to time properly and be tight. If someone really doesn't know what to look for, they could wind up buying a clapped out POS. At least with the Hi Point, it'd be new and has a warranty. From all the people I've heard that actually OWNED and SHOT these things, they are amazingly reliable and shoot straight. I don't tend to listen to the Glock, 1911, Sig, H&K snobs that never owned one and just put it down for being ugly or cheap. I wouldn't buy one to impress my friends with my wealth. Personally, I wouldn't buy one...:D .., probably not anyway. But, that's only because, broke as I am, I can afford more gun and I have these desires when a gun comes out that I want and a Hi Point has never been on that list. But, I'm not going to put the piece down 'cause from all the satisfied owners I've been reading here and elsewhere, they must work.

[rbernie]

A bunch of private security firms have been selling off old handgun inventory in the last 5 years or so, and the market is awash with S&W K-frame 38 Special revolvers that have been carried a lot (may be ugly) but shot a little. For example, I saw six S&W Model 10/64s for sale yesterday in two different shops, all for under $200. I also saw a nice S&W Model 12 (alloy K-frame, six shot 2" snubby) for $190; I almost brought that one home with me to keep my other Model 12's company. That would be a choice that could transition to a carry weapon very easily.....

Also - keep in mind that revo's will probably be easier for most folks to learn on than a semi-auto, and certainly don't require that the operator learn to do tactical mag changes or tap-rack-bang drills. :evil:

[MCgunner]

A bunch of private security firms have been selling off old handgun inventory in the last 5 years or so, and the market is awash with S&W K-frame 38 Special revolvers that have been carried a lot (may be ugly) but shot a little. For example, I saw six S&W Model 10/64s for sale yesterday in two different shops, all for under $200. I also saw a nice S&W Model 12 (alloy K-frame, six shot 2" snubby) for $190; I almost brought that one home with me to keep my other Model 12's company. That would be a choice that could transition to a carry weapon very easily.....

Also - keep in mind that revo's will probably be easier for most folks to learn on than a semi-auto, and certainly don't require that the operator learn to do tactical mag changes or tap-rack-bang drills. :evil:

I need to stop by a few gun shops and look for some of these. Wonder if any stainless .357s are on the shelves? No telling. A S&W is never a bad purchase if it's in good shape, though. I doubt a security guard is going to wear one out, internally, anyway. :D I like stainless and holster wear isn't as hard on it. Wouldn't mind a M12, either, though. Pretty danged cheap for a first rate revolver!

[Sport45]

Dan Wesson .357 magnum revolver. Like this one. (http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=41626588)

[TexAg]

Um if it's just for home defense how about a used rem. 870 they are 23o new at wally world getting a used one for 200 shouldn't be hard

I know a shotgun is great home defense, but as I said in the original post, this will likely be used for concealed carry later on.

[TexAg]

Hi-point: Not going there. I've heard of reliablilty issues with magazines and talk about an awkward gun, I've handled one and ugh! HUGE too.

Bersa: sounds great, but seems hard to find for cheap. $200 is seriously the cap.

The S&W Model 10 is definitely high in the rankings right now. I need to go to some gun shows to find some used ones. I went into a gun store last week and a pawn shop and could'nt find any decently priced used guns.

So no suggestions for Charter Arms? :p

[Euclidean]

If your hard limit really is $200, the Bersa Thunder can be had in two variations for $199 at an Academy if you need it now.

An Old Charter Arms undercover special would be fine but I'd worry about ammo availability, as I don't think they're +P rated. I suppose you could probably get away with carrying +P for defense and practicing with regular pressure cartridges however.

I'm helping somebody with this same problem right now. I'm going to find her something decent that fits her needs that I would trust with my own life, buy it, and tell her it was $200.

[gudel]

cheap and good usually don't go together hand to hand.
but if i only have $200 for a gun, I'd probably get the Bersa.

[Rezin]

Another Besa recommendation here. The wife and My busines partner both carry Thunder .380 adn I have fired them as welkl. great little gun for the $$$

[Seven High]

If you can arrange it, take your financially challenged friend to a firing range that rents pistols. Have her try out various types. See which one she likes the best. That should give you a good idea of what to look for. It has to fit her hand, not yours.:)

[Preacherman]

Unless your friend is willing to put in the training and practice time to master a semi-auto pistol, I'd strongly recommend a revolver, for the sake of simplicity and reliability. A used .38 Special revolver (Rossi, Taurus, sometimes a Ruger or S&W - although the latter may not be in great shape if the price is very low) can be had within your budget, and should give good service.

[georgeduz]

alot of cheep crap stay away for it,u can find a good s&w or colt used for under 200,the mod 10 is a good one.

[Malodorousroadkill]

For a comprimise of cost, reliablity, power, and concealablity, a Bulgy Makarov is HARD to beat. I carry 115 grain Silver Bear HPs zipping along at 1050fps. They're easy to clean, disassemble, etc. They are also TANKS. Hard to break one. Nicely smooth for CCW. I recommend the Falco IWB holster. It has a thumbrake that keeps the safety out of your kidneys. I'd take one over a Walther PPK any day of the week. And if I HAD to have a walther, as in someone gives it to me, I'd sell the bugger and buy 2 maks. The Cons are the sights and the mag release. Sights are Tiny, you'll be better off learning to point-shoot with a Mak. But a lil green paint makes them much easier to see. Then the mag release is a heal release. But with a lil training you'd be golden.

[bompa]

How about something a bit bigger and a little more expensive ?? I believe a SW9VE,Sigma,is a great gun and only about $300 out the door..That is a new gun with a lifetime warranty..The trigger might be a bit stiff to begin with but with use gets better..Also there is nothing cheaper to shoot,only 22lr,and one needs to shoot to gain confidence and ability..
I like mine and use it a lot,range time,along with more expensive handguns..Only thing that gets more use is a 22lr conv. unit on a 1911 frame.
The Sigma shoots a cast bullet just great also..

[KadicDeshi]

http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplushandguns.html

How about a Star BM? My roommate from college has one that he loves. He's even carried it in an ankle holster. :uhoh:

Barrett

[gfen]

The real Makarov is the bee's knees if you want a reliable, small package and don't mind a little weight. 9x18mak isn't the most common ammo, but if you're not gonna shoot it lots, $9/box isn't gonna kill your budget. But, it is heavy. Its a solid, heavy hunk 'o steel.

The Bulgarians are all over, and still cheap. Easy to take down and clean and highly functional.

Or, an older J frame revolver. You can find used models for around $200, and if you get an airweight, its not nearly as much of a brick in your pocket feeling. My airweight model 38 disappears into my pocket and I hardly know its there, the Mak doesn't get forgotten on my hip.

I bought a Bulgarian Mak for $170 about a year ago, and about three months ago replaced it as my CCW with the aforementioned M38 which I paid $210 for.

I originally wanted the revolver because I loathe using the decocker on a live round in the living room. The weight savings was what I didn't expect and pleases me far more.

gfen.

[ReadyontheRight]

Makarov, lots of ammo, training and a promise to do lots of practice.

[Brad Johnson]

I'm reading into the original post that the family probably has no experience with handguns, so...

+1 for a K-frame Smith or Ruger SP101/GP100. Simple, reliable, and easy to use and care for.

Brad

[gunfan]

You can obtain an excellent Charter 2000 specimen for under $200.00 on either GunsAmerica or the GunBroker auction site. I own several Charter Arms' older revolvers and have nothing but praise for them. They are an excellent value for the money.

Scott

[George Hill]

Makarov.

[TexAg]

How about something a bit bigger and a little more expensive ??

Well, because thats outside the parameters. I don't think a Sigma is too big, but a new one is too expenxive and there is definitely bad press on the old ones.

So Maks and j-frames are leading the way. The said lady in this situation is getting a "two-shot .25" from her mother-in-law (apparently her deceased husband left it and she doesn't want it). I can only imagine its a derringer, I will look at it as soon as she gets it, but I think I will campaign for her to get something in addition (or instead) as well. Its a free gun to her so you can't knock that, but especially as home defense gun I think its underpowered and too low capacity. I am still leaning toward a used S&W .38
Thanks for the input everyone.

[donkee]

Makarov, it's reliable, inexpensive and with some training (Manditory for any firearms handling) and good gun. Also, the S&W M10 used is plentiful, inexpensive, and reliable. The Bersa, being recently improved, would be low on my list. If they didn't get it right before, you gonna trust them now? The S&Ws and Maks have proven track records even though they might not be stylish plastic guns........

[Manedwolf]

A bunch of private security firms have been selling off old handgun inventory in the last 5 years or so, and the market is awash with S&W K-frame 38 Special revolvers that have been carried a lot (may be ugly) but shot a little. For example, I saw six S&W Model 10/64s for sale yesterday in two different shops, all for under $200. I also saw a nice S&W Model 12 (alloy K-frame, six shot 2" snubby) for $190; I almost brought that one home with me to keep my other Model 12's company. That would be a choice that could transition to a carry weapon very easily.....

Also - keep in mind that revo's will probably be easier for most folks to learn on than a semi-auto, and certainly don't require that the operator learn to do tactical mag changes or tap-rack-bang drills. :evil:

Texas is definitely a different world than the northeast. I see all these prices quoted, and it seems like something out of an alternate universe. I have NEVER seen prices like that in this area...at shops, or shows. Marked up way, way, WAY above that, even for used. :(

[Manedwolf]

The PA-64 isn't usually thought of as highly as a Mak.

Here are some other options:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976582015.htm

http://www.kyimports.com/sw.htm#s&w (The very first and very last guns on the listing)

The Nagant revolvers might also be an option if the friend can tolerate the trigger.

Not the Nagant that requires the $$ Fiocci ammunition that only puts out a wimpy 137ft/lbs, I hope.

You'll spend more on a box of ammo for it, anyway, than you would for a better gun, and it's a seriously weak caliber. It's a cute relic, but I wouldn't trust my life to it!

[TexasRifleman]

Another vote for the little Bersa Thunder 380. I paid just under $200 for mine brand new and it's been nothing but completely reliable.

[lee n. field]

This is for a friend of the family who is somewhat poor and is wanting a handgun for home defense, but will also probably get a CHL at some point, so concealablility (in a purse probably) is a factor.

"Somewhat poor." Been there. Some would consider that I still am.

There's a lot that feeds into this decision. I'll assume that this person is sane and responsible, strong enough to rack a slide and capable of learning the controls of whatever she (purse, I'm presuming it's a she) owns.

This needs to be safe and reliable first and foremost, cheap and I think at least a .32 caliber. This gun doesn't have to be pretty, won't need to stand up to thousands of rounds shot through it, but will need to go bang every time and hit a man sized target at 10-15 yards consistantly.

Makarov.

They can still be had cheap, if you keep your eyes open. Gun shop around here had a Christmas Eve sale, Bulgarian Mak for $125. I made myself busy until it was too late to get there in time, otherwise I'd have to be explaining to wifey about the extra Visa charge.

Extra magazines, parts (not like you're going to need parts, they don't tend to break) and accessories are relatively easy to find. The gun itself is pretty well understood, meaning if it has a problem, it can be resolved. If this person ends up carrying, decent holsters aren't hard to find.

I've also thought of used Ruger semi-autos, used Ruger .38 revolvers, and used S&W .38 specials.

If they could get one, that's be great. Around here nothing like that would be available in that price range. Maybe, if you're lucky, a beat up, misused and elderly S&W revolver (which, if it passed Jim March's revolver checkout would still be worth getting).

Bersa Thunder also sounds like a good bet, but I have no personal experience with it.

[tbeb]

I think you should go with a revolver. The manual of arms is much simpler. I'd look for a Smith & Wesson Model 10. Another choice that is every bit as good is a Ruger Speed Six or Ruger Service Six. I've owned 2 Speed Sixes; I still have one. I gave the other to my son to complement his 20 gauge. I think you can eventually find a Smith or Ruger that is mechanically perfect in your price range. You asked about Charter Arms... I had one back in the
70's. My most recent one was a 70's model, and I just traded it. I still have an old model .22 magnum. Quality is not the best. I don't want to depend on one for self defense. This statement is based on the fact that the two I no longer have, experienced intermittent problems. They worked most of the time, but that isn't good enough.

[Manedwolf]

Well, because thats outside the parameters. I don't think a Sigma is too big, but a new one is too expenxive and there is definitely bad press on the old ones.

So Maks and j-frames are leading the way. The said lady in this situation is getting a "two-shot .25" from her mother-in-law (apparently her deceased husband left it and she doesn't want it). I can only imagine its a derringer, I will look at it as soon as she gets it, but I think I will campaign for her to get something in addition (or instead) as well. Its a free gun to her so you can't knock that, but especially as home defense gun I think its underpowered and too low capacity. I am still leaning toward a used S&W .38
Thanks for the input everyone.

Two shots of .25? :scrutiny: Yeah...that's underpowered. The reason why other deep-cover pocket pistol .25's like the Beretta Jetfire were and are actually somewhat effective is that when you have a round chambered, you have nine rounds to throw at the BG as fast as you can pull the trigger, making up for the lack of stopping power with more chances to hit something important or penetrate sufficiently. But two...no.

[Willieboy]

I would go with the Makarov or a Kel-tec P11.

[outofbattery]

Another vote for S&W M10 or an SP101.Cheaper to shoot than a .380 or 9X18 and everyone stocks .38spl.

[WarMachine]

I'd go with the Makarov, or better yet save a bit for a used Ruger. Either a P89 in 9mm or a P90 in .45 should be available for cheap in the used market.

Some say they are too big and clunky. I say they are damned reliable and easy to shoot. All for a good price.

[mnrivrat]

Used good quality 38 Spl revolver . S&W at top of list

[JohnKSa]

Not the Nagant that requires the $$ Fiocci ammunition that only puts out a wimpy 137ft/lbs, I hope.Some have reported good results shooting .32S&W Longs and .32H&RMag out of the little pistols. Cases bulge and may split due to the chamber/cartridge mismatch, but I have not heard of functioning problems, and no one seems to feel that this is a dangerous gun/ammo combination.

You can also find Russian commercial Nagant ammunition for around $15 a box of 40. http://www.southernohiogun.com/ammo.html

It's worth noting that most people don't shoot their self defense guns much, and to a person like that, a sturdy, reliable, $60 revolver is a pretty good deal, even if you have to pay extra for the ammunition.

You're right though, it's certainly no powerhouse.

[aaronrkelly]

I have a few handguns that cost less than $200:

Bersa Thunder .380 ($199) - this would be my first choice. Nice gun and mine is very reliable.

Bulgarian Makarov ($130) - this would be my second choice, a very close second. Its a bit heavier but still a good gun for the money - change that to a great gun for the money.

Zastava Model 70 ($110 from SOG) - I just picked this up a week ago. Its chambered in .32ACP which is a little light for a defensive gun. I wouldnt hesitate to use it if its all I had - better than a stick and harsh words. Solid little gun for the money. Not sure which would be my third choice between this and the CZ52 below.

CZ52 ($100) - this one uses odd ammo but first rule is bring a gun - this is a gun. Seems well built and mine has never failed me. Its a little large.

NAA Mini-revolver ($175) - mine is chambered in .22mag but I still would pick this last on my list....I would prefer the older guns listed above because of stopping power but if this was all I could tote I would grab it in a heartbeat. It beats nothing....


Guns I dont have but would consider:

Highpoint - large and ugly but the ones I have handled went bang everytime

Used .38spl Smith revolver - these can be had between $150 and $200 alot of the times. Great defensive revolvers......

Ruger SP100 - Century has these listed at $179 and up chambered in .357 mag - this would probably be at the top of my lists. Im actually planing on picking one up in the near future.

[MillCreek]

I can only join in all the opinions for a used .38 revolver:


easy to find at this price point
less complex for a novice to handle
can more easily withstand long periods of no or little maintenance
ammunition is easy and cheap to come by

[gunfan]

I'll be damned if my .32 S&W Long chambered H&R revolvers don't bark "bang" every time that they're fired, and shoot accurately to boot!

Shot placemnt, shot placement, shot placement. Did I mention shot placement?

Did I mention that they each cost less than $150.00? Perhaps not.

LOL!

Scott

[TexAg]

enough to be any good with. Basically, she will just be "bluffing" with her gun, regardless of what caliber it is. Get her a Phoenix HP22 in .22lr. It's got an external hammer, and the safety really does block the sear. Get a spare safety, because it's made of zinc, and will wear out pretty quickly. Best figure on carrying it with the hammer lowered, but it's a lot more gun than any derringer or mini-revolver. Check it out carefully, it may need the chamber and feed ramp polished before it's reliable. It will group 2" or better at 50 ft, and it will hold up to several thousand rds of practice firing. Saving 8c a shot over Makarov ammo, 4000 rds lets her buy a real pistol, (like a used Glock 9mm) not some feeble joke like a Makarov.

Honestly to be "any good with" at defensive ranges doesn't require a ton of practice and I won't mind buying a few boxes of ammo for her. If I recommended her a piece of junk gun that needed the safety replaced "pretty quickly" it won't matter how much she practices with it if its being repaired and she doesn't have it. I don't think the Makarov is a feeble joke and there are alot more people who carry one every day who would agree with me.

[jshipma]

Not to sound overly harsh, but I have a Bersa Thunder .380 and after firing only a few rounds the front sight flew off. Now that's understandable for a sub $200 gun. What is absolutely unacceptable is the fact that it has taken over 4 months for a new sight to be sent in and installed under warranty at gander mountain. If you want a good cheap gun, a Bersa's not a bad way to go, but if you have a problem be in for a long wait to get parts or work done under the "lifetime warranty" cuz that's exactly how long it's gonna take to get done!

[mndfusion]

Tokareves are sweet, and makarovs. And a fire desent power and are both concealable. Ones a sweet 1911 action the other a PP, both stripped of there overenginering.:evil: and they all just work really well, and are not much cash. They are the 1st choice in inexspesive defensive power IMO, they are both about 150 or less...!!!!!

[VirgilCaine]

Some have reported good results shooting .32S&W Longs and .32H&RMag out of the little pistols. Cases bulge and may split due to the chamber/cartridge mismatch, but I have not heard of functioning problems, and no one seems to feel that this is a dangerous gun/ammo combination.


IIRC you can get .32 ACP cylinders for Nagants, which is a lot more common than any of the previous cartridges.

[Wllm. Legrand]

Several posters above displayed their wise insight into the TRUE ANSWER to the question: S&W .38, probably a Model 10 being the best case.

End of discussion, based upon previously posted parameters.

[CAnnoneer]

Self-defense is nothing to skimp on.

If your friend can save 200, he can also save 400. Then he can buy a new stainless Ruger P-series (e.g. in 9mm) for 350 and spend the rest on a simple shooting course to get the basics. 9mm is the second cheapest round to shoot, so much practice will not kill the bank.

Buying a used gun also buys all the problems. What if he spends in 150 on a gun, then it does not work properly? Labor these days is horribly expensive. How many trips to a gunsmith before an old gun becomes more expensive than a new one? Ruger customer service is legendary. People at this forum have had old guns rebuilt with new parts at the factory, free of charge!

"I am not rich enough to buy cheap." British proverb

Finally, with all due respect to other posters at THR, many of them spend much of their time tricking up their babies, doing custom coating, filing triggers, cutting springs, etc. Basically, they are gunsmiths by hobby or profession. They see a cheap gun with flaws at a gun show, they buy it for peanuts, then spend many manhours fixing it with spare parts or modified parts from other guns, then they tell the rest of us "See what I got and how little I paid for it." Sorry, guys, but while I respect your skills, let's not give crappy advice to newbies, okay?

[aaronrkelly]

Self-defense is nothing to skimp on.

If your friend can save 200, he can also save 400.

There are alot of $200 handguns out there that are far better guns than some of the $400 ones. Dont buy anything based on the price.

I have never understood why some people always equate price with quality. Sometimes this just isnt the case.

I have owned a brand spanking new $450 Walther PPK (new Smith and Wesson). It was the biggest pile I ever owned. The $200 Bersa Thunder I bought the next month was 10 times the handgun that Walther was.

I have about 4 handguns under $200 that have NEVER failed me......and I owned some guns that cost $500+ that you cant guarantee will fire a complete magazine without failure.

When buying a handgun I will Google for reviews and experiences - that and handling the gun are what I use.

[TexAg]

There are alot of $200 handguns out there that are far better guns than some of the $400 ones. Dont buy anything based on the price.

I have never understood why some people always equate price with quality. Sometimes this just isnt the case.

I have owned a brand spanking new $450 Walther PPK (new Smith and Wesson). It was the biggest pile I ever owned. The $200 Bersa Thunder I bought the next month was 10 times the handgun that Walther was.

I have about 4 handguns under $200 that have NEVER failed me......and I owned some guns that cost $500+ that you cant guarantee will fire a complete magazine without failure.

When buying a handgun I will Google for reviews and experiences - that and handling the gun are what I use.

I think you are exactly right and that is why I asked the question I did. Thank you!

[Nightdiver]

When my wife finally decided to CC, she appropriated my Hungarian Mak in 9x18. I feel confident, and more important she has confidence in this gun.

Whatever gun she chooses, it should be something she feels comfortable and confident with.

That's my $.02.

[JohnKSa]

WARNING! This post is written with the express intent to inform and entertain. Due to the differences in human nature, behavior and culture, it is possible that information contained within this post may annoy the reader although that is certainly not the intent of the author. Reading past this point constitutes an agreement by the reader to waive his legal right not to be annoyed by anonymous communication on the internet.

If you do not wish to waive this right, please stop reading at this point and use the ignore feature on this forum to avoid future posts by this author. Thank you.

Hungarian Mak in 9x18PA-63?

[aaronrkelly]

Just picked up a Star Model BM chambered in regular old 9mm.

Very serviceable looking pistol. Cost $139 from SOG, by the time I paid shipping and $15 transfer fee I had $166 in it.

Modeled after a 1911 but its fits my hand *BETTER* than my Kimber Pro Carry. Great feeling trigger.

Read more about them here.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Critical%20Look%20at%20Star%20Model%20BM.htm

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Critical%20Look%20at%20Star%20Model%20BM_files/image002.jpg