I need back up!

[fattsgalore]

Right now I own one gun. I like to own at least two.(handguns)
I was looking for a affordable back up piece(taxes weren't great this year) in either 9mm or .45. I was looking at a few Rugers; the new Stroger Cougars; hell even the Beretta 9000.
$400 and under is my price point, PERIOD! I don't trust EAA; Bersa; Hi-points(except the carbines) or those S&W Sigmas. My only requirements is easily concealable and best quality for the Buck.

PS If it's not readily available for the price point, it's not worth mentioning.

[cookekdjr]

Under $400 = cz or used Glock. Try Summitgunbroker.com to see all the used Glocks you'll ever need.
-David

[KI4LIV]

I voted OTHER ... For $325 you can get pretty much any caliber you like in the Taurus Mil pro series in blue or stainless.

I now have over 2000 rounds of various FMJ, JHP, standard and +P rounds through my PT111Pro (9mm), not ONE problem while I was shooting it.

A friend of mine was able to make it fail to lock the slide open on empty mag though due to his limp-wristed shooting style. I was able to recreate the problem by emulating his grip..

[MikeJackmin]

+1 on the used glock.

I'd further suggest a used Beretta, or a used Browning Hi-Power, or any other quality pistol that fits your hand and makes you happy. I have a friend who is looking to sell a 9mm Springfield XP compact for about that much...

[EdLaver]

stoeger cougar is a good piece from the selection you have listed, and for the price I wouldnt pass up on it. I have read great things about it and from what I have seen with my own two eyes its almost an identical match to the beretta version.

[fattsgalore]

I've had bad experience's with buying used guns, so that's not even an option. Sorry.:banghead:

Didn't even think of Taurus! I'm a Du-mass.
I here good things about certain models of CZ. But not all.

[Oldskoolfan]

A used Glock would be my suggestion.

[mpmarty]

+1 on the Taurus Mil Pro. In 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 it can't be beat, and I don't mean for the money, it can't be beat period!! Around $350 out the door around here and it is small, light, accurate, dependable, easy to maintain and the lifetime warranty means just that. Taurus is turning into a major pain in the wallet for most "major" firearms manufacturers forcing them to stand behind their products and provide value for dollars spent. I like the third generation DAO better than the fourth generation DA/SA but that's just me and my reluctance to CCW with a SA pistol in my pocket.

[CannibalCrowley]

+1 on the Taurus Mil Pro. In 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 it can't be beat, and I don't mean for the money, it can't be beat period!! Around $350 out the door around here and it is small, light, accurate, dependable, easy to maintain and the lifetime warranty means just that.

Add me to the list as well. I just ordered a new PT145 after spending some time with a friend's. It came to $339.

[El Tejon]

What pistol do you own now? Buy another just like it. Then buy lots of magazines, lots of ammo and get a class or three.

[Ala Dan]

Pretty much looks as if your budget might fit a Taurus MIL-PRO in
perfectly~?:)

[CountGlockula]

Other gun mentioned:

Glock subcompact.

[ZeSpectre]

CZ-52? :neener: (hey, it's a hell of a lot better than nothing).

+1 on the Taurus Millennium pro series.

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

I voted for the Ruger, although there are other chioces. The P97 is the Mossburg shotgun of the mix. It'll always be ready, willing and able.

You list 9mm or .45. If you're wanting the best bang for the buck there's nothing like also having a small revolver available. Might I suggest a Ruger SP101 1 1/2" in .357mag? (.38spl shooter too!) Well within your budget -even used stainless. It'll never depreciate either. Or even a GP100.

You don't list what your current gun is, that might help us a bit more.

EDIT: NO USED GUNS??? Most of my guns were purchased used. All were terrific deals on reliable firearms. Buy a quality used one, not junk and you'll be served well.

-Steve

[RevolvingCylinder]

I agree with Jack. The Ruger P-series are surprisingly rugged, reliable, and accurate.

And everyone needs a revolver. The Ruger SP101 is an excellent choice.

[tuckerdog1]

638 or 642. Nice & light. Easy to carry.

So what's the primary gun, if this is a backup?

[kentucky_smith]

Used Smith period. You can pick up a nice model 10 for around $250, 300ish will get you a decent .357.

I picked up a P&R 19 yesterday for $300 OTD. ;)

[Euclidean]

Where the devil are you guys finding a used Glock for less than 4 bills? I've seen them $425ish before, but never that low.

CDNN probably?

But to answer the question: Used CZ, Ruger P series if you're going for an autochucker.

[fattsgalore]

Once again no used guns. Bad experience's.(plural, not singular)
It's like me saying I had a bad experience's with dogs and everyone is offering me a puppy.
Y'all all aren't lying, a used Glock is better then some new guns.

The Taurus seems like a very beloved item.
Revolvers aren't my thing. Not that I wouldn't own one, but for the same price the ability to carry three times the ammo it's kind of a negative.

I own a Glock 23 and have no need for another Glock. I can't comfortably handle a sub-compact and won't spend that type of money on a used gun either. If i got a good deal on anything, I'd most likely take it. Regardless of want. (i really don't want another Glock anyway) I'd probably trade my G23 for a Glock 20 or 21 in the future at a little bit of a loss.

[TC-TX]

Go for any of the new Taurus mil Pro models in your caliber of choice...

GREAT Value - GREAT Shooter!

[TC-TX]

Where the devil are you guys finding a used Glock for less than 4 bills?
GunBroker... all day long...

[skidooman]

you say you arent much for revolvers, but, with a few speedloaders, im a big fan, ive got a S&W J-frame, in .38 paid $360 out the door brand new, carry it everyday and love it!! and i know im going to get slammed for this, but, i hate the taurus millenium pistols, and will never own one, nor recommend one for someone. my friend bought one and let me shoot it once, by far the worst gun experience ever. out of the 2 mags i shot through it, it failed to fire 4 times. he had just bought it, and had no idea why it wasnt firing. well it turns out if you dont let the trigger release out all the way, basically remove your finger from the trigger entirely, it wont fire the next round. hes since sold it and bought a glock. sorry but i wouldnt bet my life on anything that wont go boom evreytime i push the go button. sorry.

[azredhawk44]

You've got a G23 that you don't like, huh? But you feel that you will like a G20 or G21?

Do you like the feel of the glock pistol design, and just don't like the .40S&W? Or does your glock not feel right to you?

In your sub-$400 price point, I suggest CZ-75. I like their PCR model, personally. Slightly more compact than the standard CZ-75, but no major alteration to the Browning hi-power design they base the gun upon. Very ergonomic grip... if you dislike the feel of your glock, you will like a CZ.

[RH822]

I voted for the Ruger P-97, I carry one occasionally. The grip is a little larger than most but it is a comfortable hand full. It fires anything I feed it, has never had a FTF or FTE and above all else is accurate.

RH

[ArchAngelCD]

I'll add another vote for a Taurus.
PT-111 Pro in 9mm
PT-140 Pro in .40 S&W
PT-145 in .45 ACP

http://www.taurususa.com/products/gunselector-results.cfm?series=MP1

Choose the caliber you like but all three are great pistols and all are under $400. The MILLENNIUM PRO line even has the PT-138 Pro in .380 ACP and the PT-132 Pro in .32 ACP if you want to go even smaller and lighter.

[Euclidean]

GunBroker... all day long...

After transfer fees and $35 overnight shipping charge?

[tnieto2004]

get a CZ or maybe a Ruger p95

[10-Ring]

For $400, I'd go for a pre-owned Glock or Beretta 92 of some flavor.

[fattsgalore]

To Hawk44,
I'm one of the few people that like the full sized Glocks cause of it's size.
It allows me to grip more gun. The compact and smaller don't fit my hand as well. I'd get a G22 but always wanted a G20 or 21. One Glock for my house hold is enough.
I like all the suggestions so far.

How is CZ's cusumer service, and which model would be compact in 9mm or .45?

[Surat]

Used Smith period. You can pick up a nice model 10 for around $250, 300ish will get you a decent .357

+1 for the Smith or a good wheel gun. Have many autoloaders but the "house guns" are a pre model 10 with a 2&3/4 bbl and 8 shot Taurus .357 (that's the wife's!).

[fattsgalore]

Can anyone even find a Stroger Cougar? I can't!

Oh yeah, used Smiths (not revolvers) were going from $600 to $800. The used Glocks were at about 6.
And these are the people that sold me my Glock for $550.56 out the door. I know they do that cause of the hagglers. But still. Damn

[Highland Ranger]

S&W Model 60 Cheif's Special Revolver in SS - its 357 so doesn't quite fit the bill but its what you need!

[dbarale]

Have you considerd a RIA / High Standard 1911?

[koja48]

Taurus PT-111 in 9mm . . . flawless performance, great in weak-side mob rig.

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't understand some of the suggestions in this thread. I seems that some of you are telling him to buy the gun that's YOUR favorite, even though they are big and usually considered a primary weapon. C'mon, why would you suggest a Beretta 92 as a BUG??

[ZeSpectre]

seems that some of you are telling him to buy the gun that's YOUR favorite, even though they are big and usually considered a primary weapon

Oops, guilty as charged here. The funny thing about the way my brain works is that when I think "back up gun" my mind translates it to mean that other gun that sits in my safe that I can switch to if (God forbid) I ever have to use my primary and the police decide to impound it for a while. :neener:

[tinygnat219]

Lots of choices, just about anything in the Taurus Millenium Pro line, or their Concealed and Carry Line.
J-Frame Smith and Wesson revolvers,
Springfield Arsenal XD Compact series
Para-Ordnance Hawg autos
etc.

[MD_Willington]

I'm getting a used PT111 for 2 c-notes + change tonight...

[kentucky_smith]

I don't understand some of the suggestions in this thread. I seems that some of you are telling him to buy the gun that's YOUR favorite, even though they are big and usually considered a primary weapon. C'mon, why would you suggest a Beretta 92 as a BUG??

Like a Ruger P97 in the poll? He doesn't want a BUG, he wants a 2nd pistol

[koja48]

I'm getting a used PT111 for 2 c-notes + change tonight...

Excellent choice . . . you'll like it. Nary a hiccup with mine & an easy carry.

[TC-TX]

I'm getting a used PT111 for 2 c-notes + change tonight...
I hope it is a Pro Model - ???

[Blue .45]

I don't have any experience with the other guns in your poll, but I do own a Ruger P97. Mine has been 100% reliable and I would recommend it to anyone. These days you can probably find one for $350 or less. I also have a P89 in 9mm which has been great too. As some others have suggested, the P95 might be another one worth looking at also. Well heck, I might as well add the P90 .45 to the list while I'm at it. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a big Ruger fan. :D

[Redneck with a 40]

How about the Kel-Tec P-11, its around $250 out the door. I would also recommend the Taurus Millenium Pro series, I have a PT-140 Pro and its awesome, accurate, reliable, comfortable, great shooter, great value.:D

[possum]

i didn't vote but here is my outlook on the situation. i would say a used glock 19 they are for sale every where and you could get one for that price.

also while talking used i would say an xd because i am a huge xd fan, and they can be had for that price as a matter of fact in a few weeks i will have picked up my nexest xd in 9mm, with ns and you guessed it it is a total of $400 out the door, btw it is in great shape.

don't be scared to buy used. i buy used guns, and guitars, but just no used women!:)

[denfoote]

Ruger KP97DC!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/denfoote/RugerP97.jpg

[fattsgalore]

Possum dude, their all used.

[Todesengel]

certified pre-owned sig sauer...they go for about $450 around here.

[Majic]

$400 and must be brand new doesn't give you too many options. If you don't like the choices already offered then you should learn the mechanics of the semi-auto and exactly what to look for when buying used as the market in your price range will then open drastically. BTW there is no difference in buying a used or brand new firearm. Both should be carefully inspected before the hard earned $$$$ are handed over.

[SAG0282]

Used GLOCK, SIG Pro, or XD....or keep saving your money.

[aguyindallas]

I would get my hands on a used Glock or an XD.

[boerseun]

Taurus or CZ75 or Keltec P11...

Best thing to do is to go to a range that rents out handguns and put a few rounds through possibles...take the one you like best. It is tough to spend more than $400 on a handgun...at least, for me it is :D

[03Shadowbob]

I agree with everyone who mentioned the Taurus Millenium Pro Series. I bought my PT140 MilPro, SXT Ranger ammo and a Don Hume IWB holster for less than $400 combined.

[Texas9]

Personally, I'd go with the 9000 for a 9mm (that thing's great!), or the Cougar as a CLOSE second, though it is only available in 9mm or .40S&W. No plans for the .45 as far as I know.

As a side note, your budget is awfully close to a real nice 1911 (for instance, a Springfield GI or Mil-Spec), and those are usually very easy to conceal. I've seen the parkerized GI for as low as $419. Just a thought.

[fattsgalore]

Every time some one quotes price it's so frustrating. If i got gun's at the prices that are quoted, their would be no problem.

Unfortunate all my local sales are at MSRP(you can wheel and deal but normally on certain items and brands) Theres a bunch of guns in this category and there some bad and lots good.
Beretta 9000(which is locally over $400 since i last saw)
Ruger P95
Ruger P97(Rugers are am mixed bag lots good some bad; Also the P345)
Stoeger Cougar(which is in the lead)
Taurus PT-145(which I've heard lots bad and lots good 50/50)
and a bunch more half worth mentioning.