[jon_in_wv]

I'm raising three kids and while I would love to blow some cash on a custom 1911 or a Novak Hi-Power I have a hard time justifying it. That being the case I have ended up with kind of "budget arsenal". Check it out.

1. FEG Hi-Power PJK-9HP. (pictured) Really nice shiny bluing, super accurate, very realiable. ($225.00) This gun has been lightly customized with a SIG rear sight ($18) Slimmer grips ($20) and an FN hammer, sear, and ambi safety (free from some nice guys over at another forum) Note: I won a local shoot with this gun. The other shooters all had Kimbers and Springfield XDs etc....
2. Keltec P-11. I know. BUT after a little tinkering with the mags and polishing the feed ramp it is really not a bad gun. Quite reliable, light, and fits in my pocket for summer carry. ($250.00)
3. Bulgarian Makarov. Love this one. Super accurate and reliable. Cheap ammo. Slim carry gun. Once again a really nice polished blue finish. ($199.00)
4. A used Taurus 85 snub. Works great. Accurate. Perfect pocket gun. Loaded with Corbon powerball or DPX and its pretty potent too. ($240.00)
5. A Bersa Mini Thunder 9mm. Most expensive of my handguns and my least favorite. Reliable, but not as accurate as the others. Mags are really expensive too. ($340.00)
That about wraps up the handguns. Total: less that $1300. I could have bought ONE Kimber or some other fashionable gun but I know I'm happier with what I have. Whats your favorite budget gun?

[10-Ring]

Yeah, I am a single parent w/ a son in college now and a mean music habit I have been supporting. Now I haven't gone w/ the "budget" arsenal, I've just gone longer between purchases & bought the ones I've wanted.

[jon_in_wv]

Don't assume I don't have the guns I "want" because its not a Glock some other snob gun. I'm very happy with my guns.

My FEG to me is like driving a hot rodded chevy and having the Porche guys sneer at me and tell me how I wish I had a Porsche when in reality I love my hot rod chevy. Get it?? I don't want no stinkin Porsche.

[Ichiro]

Good topic. I'm a budget-minded shooter as well.

In my brief shooting experience, I've found the following methods to be reliable ways to save a good deal of money while still practicing regularly.

* Ammo costs more than guns. Stick to the common calibers: .22LR, .38 special, 9mm, .357 mag., and .45 ACP. Have at least one SWEET .22 and put rounds through it every range session.
* Buy EXACTLY the gun you want and don't be cheap on purchases. If you buy something you're not satisfied with, you'll probably sell it for a loss no matter what you paid for it, in the meantime wasting time and experiencing mental anguish. This rule also holds true with cars, houses, mutual funds and wives :). Spend your time figuring out what you really want, and then get it.
* For your CCW/defense gun, invest in a set of CTC laser grips. The laser will help you achieve an excellent trigger pull, and there's no limit on the amount of dry-fire practice you can do. For the price of one case of practice ammo, you can purchase a set of CTC grips for your CCW/home defense gun with free batteries for life (Smyrna's Shooters Supply).
* Reload. I don't, but would definitely look into it if .357 mag or .45 ACP were my main caliber.
* Purchase ammo on the Internet. If you find something you really like, order by the case.
* Buy used. The most reliable gun I purchased was a 25 year-old Sig 226 from Summit Gun Broker. At $381, it was about half the price of a new Sig, and it has worked perfectly.

[Zach S]

My three cheapest handguns, from the cheapest up, are a Taurus M85 snub, a springer mil-spec, and a glock 19. My AMT hardballer was actually the cheapest, but I've stolen parts off of it, and lost a few, so I'm not counting it because its not operational.

My FEG to me is like driving a hot rodded chevy and having the Porche guys sneer at me and tell me how I wish I had a Porsche when in reality I love my hot rod chevy. Get it?? I don't want no stinkin Porsche.
I know how you feel, I got the same thing when I drove a hot rod Fairmont. I had my eye on a FEG a while back but someone beat me to it. Bought it one day before I showed up with the money to pick it up:banghead:

[JDGray]

This post better describes my arsenal, er collection.:)
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/JDG357/miniarsenal004.jpg

[Spot77]

That's me!

I'm a budget arsenal owner except for my $900 AR....which by some standards is still considered "budget"

I like my 3 Rugers (P95, P97 and 10/22)....less than $700 invested in all three combined.

Two sks's that are under $240 combined.

Picked up a new 870 Express Magnum at Dick's a few years ago for $199.

The Bersa Thunder 280 was my first gun. I paid a whopping $214 for it.


There's a few others, but you get the idea. :cool:

[browningguy]

Nothing wrong with any of those. Before my kids graduated from college, a historical day that entailed much celebration:neener: , I had to stick to a pretty strict budget. Had one in grad school and one undegrad at the same time, man it hurt to write those checks every week.

I assembled quite a few collectibles, Browning 1900's, 1910's, 1910/22's, Dryse, early Astras etc. All could be had for $125-250 if you took your time and looked for the right deal. For modern firearms I think a collection of Rugers, Bersa, Taurus, SKS's etc. makes perfect sense on a budget. Alternatively if you wanted collectibles something like pre-war H&R revolvers in excellent to NIB condition would almost all cost under $250 each.

There is nothing wrong with buying inexpensive firearms as long as they are suitable for the purpose you intend for them, that means a SD/HD gun needs to go bang every time.

[Atticus]

I've got a few nice guns that cost more then I like...but that being said, my current favorites (and go to) guns are: a well used and abused Rem 870 police trade, a Ruger GP100 police trade, a Keltec P3AT, and lastly, A Remington Nylon 66 .22 rifle that cost me $100. I paid more for the Keltec than the any of the others. Value is relative.

[cookekdjr]

I had to liquidate my arsenal in the last year b/c I was paying for two houses for several months. Had to sell all but one of my S&W revolvers, my CZ, a SIG, my Ruger revolvers, and my Browning and Ruger 22lr handguns.
For awhile, I was down to two handguns:

1. A Glock 19, and
2. A S&W J-frame.

When I got a contract on my house, I bought a SIG p232. I thought I'd replace my Ruger Redhawk .44 mag first, but I went with the SIG first. Its such a work of art.
Anyway, my concept of a budget arsenal is to have 2 quality guns. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably toss the j-frame in favor of the Sig p232 (or maybe a used p230) and keep the G19. I'm proud of both, they both work flawlessly, and I can shoot well with both.
Just my 2 cents.
-David

[BevrFevr]

inexpensive quality man definitely.

I just spent a pretty penny on my S&W 1911 but I still love my bersa .380 and my cz75b. Wish I would have bought a 1911 sooner but glad I waited to get a good one. I would be puking right now if I spent that much money on what turned out to be a paper weight.

I consider most of my guns world class if they cost 100 or 1000. Most are closer to the 100 range.

You can get what you pay for when you spend alot but when you don't it sucks. If you spend 200 on something that turns out excellent. That is a great great feeling.

nice collection you go there! I have many of the same. Great minds think alike.

[Dr.Rob]

I'm a big fan of the FEG Hi-Power clone. Bought mine new for $225. Put houge grips on it and a C&S safety, removed the disconnector.

For a time, on a budget it was the best buy in handguns.

The HS-2000 (now the Springfield XD) had a similar following as did the original CZ-75/Witness/Tanfoglio series.

I've got 2 FEG pistols, one in .380 (bought for $100) and the clone in 9mm... couldn't be happier with TWO hard hitting no nonsense pistols for a total of $325.

[jon_in_wv]

As long as the metallurgy and design are sound it doesn't matter what the cost is. A cheaper gun may sometimes take a little tuning but you can find tons of reviews of high end guns that have similar problems.

My previous arsenal (pre-divorce from first wife) was a smith 686, a smith 442, and a custom 1911. I sold them all to buy food after I booted her out. I've bought my current guns all in the last two years. I'm very happy with my guns. I think my next one will be a CZ75.

I like the pics of the Budget Arsenals. Keep them comin'

[Lucky 7]

I have a very large budget arsenal. Started when I was 16 with a S&W 686-6 4" ($600 which is still to date the most I've paid for a handgun) and built on with a CZ-75B ($400), EAA Witness Carry Comp .45 (HS graduation present, but about $425), a BE 9900($450), a used Ruger Mk II ($200), a used S&W 4506-1 ($475) and as of yesterday I found my Carry Comp a twin brother ($475 and it needs to be polished up like the other one though).

All-in-all I've spent around $3025 on just the guns. Mags, holsters, gunsmithing work and ammo not included (wow i could've had a good part of a BMW 5-series paid off...:D )

I have a very budget minded line-up because I went from a high school student, to a college student to an E-3 in the Marines (anyone else know your troops are below the poverty line?) and have to support a Led Zeppelin habit that soaks up cash.

Regards and Semepr Fi!
-L7

[bakert]

Ruger P97, P85, Taurus model 85. These plus an old "skinny" barreled S&W model 10 (not pictured) serve my needs for a concealed carry gun pretty well. Wouldn't call them cheap by any means but they are affordable
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f241/brumanj/Picture228.jpg

[03Shadowbob]

With 2 younguns running around and a wife to support I don't have the cash to buy a few guns I want but still have managed to get a few decent ones lately. Most expensive is the 1911 Colt .45 orignially issued to my grandfather in WW2. That is worth some money I hear but it really doesn't matter since it will never leave the house. Other than that, I think $400 is the most I have spent. I have my eyes open for a nice, used Taurus M85 snub though.

[slicknickns]

I turn 18 in a year, and i plan on buying at least one rifle or shotgun. So budget is kinda the main word. Looking at a Remington 870 or mossberg 590. Will definetly buy an SKS if california doesn't outlaw. Will definetly buy a marlin papoose or a henry surival rifle also.

[jon_in_wv]

My rifles are part of my budget arsenal too. I have a Russian Tula rearsenaled SKS with the black bolt (all numbers match 175.00), a Mosin Nagant 91/30 (120.00), and a Spencer 22lr semiauto. (about 100 bucks). They serve my purposes pretty well. I think my next one will be a K-31 Swiss or an Enfield.

[Essex County]

I tend to purchase my handguns used but, in excellent condition. Of my last eight handguns only one was new, a Kimber for 650.00. I get about as much pleasure out of my as new Norinco that I paid 275.00 for. Both are 100% reliable as is my P90 that I paid 315.00 for. I'm retired so I have to shop on a budget.....Still haveing fun, Essex

[bpisler]

I was able to put together a decent defensive
package for home and carry for $1005.00.

Primary carry piece is a S&W 65-3 with a 3"
barrel,$320.00 from auction arms.

BUG is a S&W 642-2 i bought new for $340.0
from a local Sportsman warehouse.

Primany home defense is a Mossberg 500A
12 gauge with a 18.5" barrel.$145.00 from
auction arms,looks new and shoots great

Secondary home defense gun is a S&W 10-7
with a 3" barrel,$200.00 from auction arms.
This one has some blueing loss bot is very
tight and shoots very well..

The 65-3 was bought 3 years ago,the others
were bought in the last 6 months..

[cmidkiff]

I have 2 kel-tec's, and carry one of them 16x7. They run fine, but there's no pride in ownership. I have a Taurus .38 that I'm happy with that was very inexpensive. I've recently started buying higher quality guns, but only when I can find a very good deal on a used gun. I bought a model 29-2 for under 5 bills, and a bushmaster AR for under 6. It might take a while to find the real deals, but they are out there if you look hard enough.

If your ammo costs don't outweigh your gun costs, you're not shooting enough! I can shoot a _bunch_ of .22, .223, 9mm... It starts to hurt real fast when I start shooting .45acp and .44mag!

[albanian]

I think it is more of a mindset than a money issue. I have always been good with my money. I am not cheap because I won't buy junk. I know the difference between a cheap gun and an inexpensive gun. I am at the point in my life where I am able to buy pretty much what I like within reason. I have a good paying job and so does my wife, we have no kids so we don't have to feel guilty about spending cash on things we enjoy.

I enjoy a gun better when I feel I got a good deal on it. I would rather pay $300 for a nice used P&R S&W 19 that shoots like a house on fire and has a slick action than pay $1000 for a Colt Python that IMHO is no better than a good Smith. I would also rather Pay $350 for a used Beretta than $900 for a H&K. Again, I think you lose nothing in those exchanges, the Beretta is every bit the gun the H&K wishes it could grow up and be someday.:evil: Then there are the bargin guns, guns that retail for less than most. Bersa, FEG and CZ come to mind. All fine guns and you don't have to expain yourself to me if you own them. In fact, when I see someone at the range with what I consider to be a bargin gun, I know at least that know what they are doing. Anyone can go into a store and buy a Glock or a H&K, it doesn't mean they know there a$$ from a hole in the ground. I am not saying that Glock adn H&K owners are dumb, it is just that those guns don't mean anything.

Anyway, some of my favorite guns cost me less than $300-400 and some of them a lot less.

[BlkHawk73]

Mortage, vehicles, etc...so if I want a nice gun, I simply put my mind to it and save for it. I'd much rather have a few really nice, quality firearms than a bunch of lesser quality ones. Don't have a problem paying for quality. To each thier own though and I see nothing wrong with others preferring the less expensive "budget" firearms. Recognizing each make/model for what it is though is important but doesn't neccessarily define the owner.

[jon_in_wv]

I haven't seen a gun yet on this post that I wouldn't call a "quality gun" It's a little snobby when people say, "I buy QUALITY guns, you can get what you want" Look at the pic of my FEG. I shoot six inch groups offhand at 50 yards with it all day long and I have less than 300 bucks in it. You need quality for that. My makarov shoots eight shot groups I cover with the palm of my hand at 25 yards. Both guns have a polished blue finish that looks better than any SIG or Glock made. BOTH guns have bee 100% reliable.

[phoglund]

Through shopping around, keeping up with currently available surplus arms, and paying attention to the forums a guy (or gal) can pick up high quality firearms for very reasonable prices. Here are a few I have that I believe were exceptional values.

Star BM 9mm pistol. Single action 1911 commander style lacking grip safety. Purchased for under $200 in excellent condition. (Looked to be unfired) Pictures here:

http://wardragon.com/cruffler/starbm.htm

Yugoslavian SKS 7.62 X 39 rifle/carbine. Semi-auto military surplus arm in very good condition purchased for $89.
Pictures here:

http://wardragon.com/cruffler/yugoslavian_sks.htm

Two Russian M38 carbines in 7.62 X 54R. Surplus bolt action carbines firing a full power rifle round purchased for $50 each in re-arsenaled condition.

http://wardragon.com/cruffler/russian_m38s.htm

A new Saiga 7.62X51/.308 carbine. New Semi-auto AK action .308 carbine with a 16" barrel that shoots 1.5moa @ 100 yards purchased for $249. I added a 8X42 Belorussian made scope for $140 to make an accurate medium range quick handling semi-auto carbine. FBMG will soon supply the 20rnd mags to truely make this a great setup.
Pictures here:

http://wardragon.com/cruffler/saiga__762_x_51.htm

It would be easy to spend 3 times what I did and get no more capable a set of firearms than these. The rest of my arms are mostly like these although I have a few splurges in the mix as well. Not all of these are available at these prices anymore but other deals are out there. The Saigas will never be as inexpensive as they once were but you can still pick up a Yugo SKS for under $100 and the Star BM for $160 before shipping and transfer costs. Purchasing ammo by the case also helps immensly keeping cost down. Not only is the initial cost of the ammo less but you save the time, gas, and effort of purchasing ammo a box at a time from your local source.

[JERRY]

my wife can only find part time work that jives with my kids school schedule, so i have to work over time just to pay the basic bills.......no more guns for me.....

[Nathan Williams]

I dont understand why people call Glocks pricey. I can buy them all day brand new for under $500.00. I guess my thought is a high dollar handgun cost upwards of $800.00. I consider Glock to be a good value.

[Dienekes]

When I read what the gun rags (and quite a few websites) think the average guy needs I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Too many people have been brainwashed into believing that they need a $1000 gun to plink with, or to drop a mule deer at 150 yards. Baloney.

I have been at this since 1959 in good times and bad, and there are plenty of good guns out there at beer budget prices. My duty weapon that served me just fine for many years probably wouldn't bring $200 at a gun show now. I have also owned and used allegedly top of the line guns that were very disappointing for one reason or another. It's not the gun, it's the shooter. Just the other day I had a fifty-some year old S&W Military and Police .38 Special out, and it bounced cans very, very well--as well as anything else would do. So far I have $164 into the gun--and it's better made than anything out there today.

One of my better .22 pistols is a Ruger Standard Auto. It cost me $59 some years back; sandblast blued it and put in a trigger kit. Accurate? You bet.

Paid $89 for a rough Ruger Service Six .38 Spl, had Ruger overhaul it. My son has it now.

Slapped a cheap synthetic stock on a .303 Lee-Enfield #4, total cost around $100. Will it shoot? Yup.

"It is vain to do with more what can be done with less"--Occam's Razor

[MCgunner]

I put my money in mutual funds, spend as little as possible. Some guns I just cannot justify and a lot of Euro guns qualify in that.

So, I have two Ruger P series guns, 2 Blackhawks, one Smith and Wesson M10, one Taurus M66, one Taurus M85UL, one Rossi M68, one Rossi 22 revolver, one Ramline Exactor .22 pistol, one Kel Tec P11, one Grendel P12, and some other odds and ends handguns. I have a couple of Remington hunting rifles and a Savage M110 in 7mm rem mag. My shotguns are a Mossberg M500 camo and a Winchester M1400 Ranger semi auto I'm going to limber up on doves this weekend...:D and some other long guns, 4 .22s and none of 'em expensive, some black powder stuff, couple of SKSs, some other military stuff I got cheap that's fun to shoot if useless for any real purpose. :D

My favorite rifle I traded a gun I won in a door prize at a gun show for. I'd won a BDL in .25-06, traded it for a stainless .308 M7 Remington. I love that little rifle! There's no place for a Sig or a H&K in my collection, though. I can do anything they can do with Rugers, thanks. I don't care how sexy or how expensive it is, so long as it works. And, that's the reason I like Taurus and Kel Tec. I guess I have one gun you might consider high end, though not all that high end. It's a contender with a selection of barrels for different purposes.

I seriously think I have enough guns, but might buy more. :rolleyes: I'm thinking used S&Ws that I might come across or Ruger revolvers. I had a security six and it was a good gun.

[KINGMAX]

I have put together a few things usually at a bargain price. When it's time to buy usually I am looking at a bargain, not full price on anything. :scrutiny:

Ruger Super RedHawk = $264 :eek:

Ruger NIB never fired Deerfield .44 mag $375 :rolleyes:

AK 47 WSAR 10 Light Blond stock New w/o box $102 :)

M38 Mosin Carbine New arsenal weapon great shooter $64 :what:

Winchester Model 94 in 30.30 made in 1963 for $30 :evil:

That is the only way I can put things together, I'm just a poor working man. :cool:

[magsnubby]

I don't have any experience with the other guns you have, but the FEG, IMHO, is an excellent gun. Classic style, accurate, great all around gun. I had one awhile back, but let it get away. It was my all time favorite 9mm handgun. But my buddy wanted it...i wanted his Mustang 'vert...

[Euclidean]

Pretty much everything I have is like that with my most expensive unit easily having less than $900 tied up in it. Thing is though, it's not the guns that really cost, it's the ammo. I do own a couple which are indulgences, like my 625.

[Dr.Rob]

Many of us have more expensive guns as well as our 'budget' models.

I've saved and scrimped to buy nice pieces, I've also found a bargain or two when they first hit the market.

Quality has a price but with smarts, research and a little luck bargains can be had.

[jon_in_wv]

Nathan I don't think a Glock is "pricey" in fact its probably well worth $500 for its quality and function. But there is something satisfying about having a really good $200-$300 gun. Some of these Wilson, Ed Brown, Kimbers for $1500+. Now THATS pricey. Especially when you can be a little judicious and build one for much less than that.