[texas chase]

About to get my CCW license but low on funds. I'm looking for a small pistol for concealed carry but it has to be cheap. (please don't give the lecture on saving for something nicer. I have my reasons.)

Any suggestions are welcome. "Cheap" = <$300. Preferrably even cheaper.

Thanks

[Glockman17366]

I'd hit pawn shops and gun shops and see what they have used.

Personally, I'd go for a revolver. You should find a steel (blued or stainless) Taurus 85 in your budget.
You may also find some mouse guns (Beretta Tomcat .32ACP, for example). Although I prefer .38 Spl and 9 mm, I do carry a Tomcat on occasion. I believe this gun (which was used) cost about $225. If you go for a mousegun, keep your hand low on the grips when you fire. The Tomcat will bite the web between thumb and forefinger if you grip high.
.32ACP may not be the best round for CCW, but it will stop a fight.

Whatever you buy, put a couple hundred rounds through it as soon as you can. This is to ensure the gun is reliable.

Good luck in your decision. Be safe and careful!

[R33P3R]

new my taurus .357 revolver was 305 out the door.

[Innova]

The Taurus M85 would be a good start.

[Geno]

KelTec P3AT. Get the hard chromed model...very reliable.

[Matt Dillon]

I understand the need to look for a less expensive gun, but remember, if you ever have to use it in a self defense situation, you are betting your life and the life of your loved ones on it. $1-200.00 won't matter a hill of beans then.
I would look for a good Model 19 S&W revolver; make sure that it is reliable, clean it, and practice, practice, practice.

[03Shadowbob]

I think there's a thread on THR just recently about a S&W Sigma .40 for $269 or $239 from www.budsgunshop.com. That may definitely be worth looking at. Other than that, you can pick up a new Taurus .38 special and maybe the .357 under $300. For a good pocket gun, you can get a Keltec P3AT or P11 under $300 I believe.
I think there are some online stores with used police trade-in S&W 9mm or .40 for under $300.
You have some options. Good luck in the hunt!

[yhtomit]

Kel-Tec p11 (or P3AT as someone mentioned, but I'd prefer a just-slightly-larger 9mm pistol) shouldn't break you budget, are highly regarded by most owners expressing an opinion, mags hold 11 (or even 12) rounds.

A decent used revolver also makes $300 go a long way.

Perhaps on the big side for concealed carry, but the Stoeger Cougar is essentially a Beretta Cougar (same tooling, new location), and MSRP on a new one is only $50 more than your stated ceiling price. They haven't been out long, and I haven't seen any used, but if you do, you shouldn't pay any more than $300 for it anyhow.
(Perhaps it's a drop ceiling, and you can squeeze in a few inches before hitting plaster? :))

I've seen a few used glocks for $300 -- I'm not a fan of the grip angle or the lack of external safety (so sue me -- or better yet, don't sue me), but they're reliable guns with a deserved good reputation.

Bottom line, $300 isn't a bad place to hover; more dollars = more choices, sure, but there are lots of good options at 300.

timothy

[tinygnat219]

I'd recommend you save some cash up and get a good quality pistol when you have app. double that money. When it comes to defending your life, don't scrimp.

[texas chase]

just to narrow the criteria... I'd like for the gun to be as small as possible. That being said, 9mm or .380 would be nice.

keep the ideas coming!

[M2 Carbine]

Makarov.
They are still selling for about $230+ if you can find one.
Totally reliable. Very accurate. A little more powerful than a .380.
The gun's value should continue to increase.

Good 38 Rossi and fair S&W revolvers can be found for about $200+

[atek3]

the right gun for you has already been mentioned...
Kel-tec P3-AT... I'm a quality gun guy so I was pretty skeptical of a 236 dollar plastic pocket gun. But it's more than accurate enough for self defense, small enough to put in a pocket and forget, and reliable enough to work when you need it.

try one, you won't be disappointed...

atek3

[lee n. field]

Use the search feature. This comes up a lot.

Makarov (doesn't need to be more exotic than a Bulgarian milsurp), holster, extra mags and ammo.

[moxie]

Comb the gun shops, pawn shops, and gun shows and find a Ruger Speed Six.

[scurtis_34471]

I got my Bersa Thunder .380 CC for $305 out the door. I chose it because I was also on a tight budget and:

1. It is smaller than just about anything but the Kel-Tec P-3AT.
2. It has an alloy frame with enough heft that it is not fatiguing to shoot at the range.
3. At 18 oz, it is also light enough for easy carry.
4. It can be pocket carried with an inexpensive pocket holster.
5. Its easy to clean.
6. It is extremely reliable.
7. It is reasonably accurate (although the low-profile sites take getting used to)
8. .380 is not a horrible round if you carry 105gr Remington Golden Sabers, especially if you live in a warmer climate where you are not contending with heavy winter clothing.

[Leanwolf]

If you are not an experienced handgun shooter with a lot of practice with a semi-auto pistol, stay away from them!!

For $300.00, you can certainly find -- if you look around -- a good, used S&W or Ruger revolver in .357 Mag. or .38 Spec. Maybe a Tarus, but have someone with you to help check one out for functioning. Might even find a good, used Colt's revolver for that.

A good revolver will handle just about anything you might run up against ... that is, unless you're expecting a bunch of mutant ninja gangsta zombies to attack you. :evil:

My opinion.

L.W.

[deltacharlie]

low on experience and even lower on funds?

go with the original "point-n-click" interface; a cheap revolver (recommend 357 mag at least, that way you can also use 38 ammo for cheap practice)

[redneckrepairs]

That is not a terrible cealing . For that you can get into anything from a P3at 2nd gen to a new Taurus or even a used S$W such as a 10 or a 13. All which will work well for ccw . Personaly were i tightly budgeted i would go for one of the taurus " J framed size " or one of the less desireable smith and wesson k framed . My carry gun (s) for the most part cost more , the one that does not is a P3AT for what that is worth .

[possum]

I would look for a good Model 19 S&W revolver; make sure that it is reliable, clean it, and practice, practice, practice
i wish i could find a m19 at that price in good condition, i love the model 19 and as a matter of fact it is my favorite revolver ever, and i believe that it is the best thing s&w ever produced.

[BigO01]

Revolers new and used on a budget Taurus or a new Rossi "Taurus now makes Rossi and a 38 revolver new should fit your budget" .

Auto loaders look for one of the PA-63's I have seen them less than $170 in shops , that or a Bersa 380 .

[Zundfolge]

Makarovs are always a good choice (I actually prefer the Bulgarian over the Russian, because the Russian ones usually have the adjustable sights that break easily).

Bersa's can be found sub $300, as can Taurus PT111s and 140s

Astra A75s are a nice choice too.


For wheelguns, as have been mentioned there's several Taurus revolvers that can be found under $300. A Charter Arms Bulldog in .44spl is a nice choice too. Sometimes you'll find the occasional Ruger SP101 in your price range too.


maybe scrounge a couple bucks more for a S&W from a fellow THR'r http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=265418

[2ndamd]

If money is a concern then I would stay away from the .380, .32, and 9x18 maks that were suggested for one reason only ....cost of ammo.

If this is going to be your CCW peice you must be willing to practice with it. This not only makes you a better shot but, it gives you confidence in what you are carrying.
New Rossi .38s are going for around $230-240. After taxes and some ammo to boot you will still be under $300.

I have no experience with Rossi. I may be more apt to get a used S&W standard pressure .38 snub for about $279 (before taxes). But, that is just me.

Goto your local Wal-mart before buying a gun and see what kind of prices you can expect to pay for being able to shoot at least 100 practice rounds through the gun each month. I think you will find the 38 to be more reasonable on the backend.

I have always spent more on ammo than any handgun within 6 mos of purchasing said handgun.

Good luck on your decision.

[WeThePeople]

I got my Beretta Tomcat .32 new for ~$225. The rounds are relatively inexpensive. Obviously .32 is not as potent as many other calibers, but 7+1 rounds will likely do the job. The tip-up barrel is great for checking/clearing the chamber without dropping the mag.

After 6+ years without even one misfire, I think it's pretty reliable.

I have an Uncle Mike's IWB holster for it that stays on the gun whether its, IWB, in a pocket, glove box, briefcase. I think it cost ~$10.

[phoglund]

Makarov is probably the best overall choice outside of a revolver. If small size is of particular importance I'd go with the Kel-Tec P-3AT. I picked up mine for $229 new and find it very handy an extremely easy to conceal.

[Trisha]

AIM (http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Handguns.html) has a couple fo good choices that fit your requirements nicely!

A Bersa .380 (http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=68981680) would also work.

The knowledgeable recommendations already posted are excellent. I would add checking your local used market for a used G27, or G26.

Trisha

[Zundfolge]

2ndamd makes a good point about the cost of ammo.

Your best value in ammo is going to be 9x19

[atek3]

380 winchester white box is dirt cheap. Test two boxes of winchester silver tips for functionality, and carry 6+1. If you're paranoid about reliability carry a hollowpoint in the chamber and ball in the mag

atek3

[RNB65]

I fail to understand why you would want to go dirt cheap on the one gun you are most likely to use to try to save your life. My primary CCW gun is the second most expensive handgun I own and there's no doubt in my mind it will work flawlessly if I ever need to use it. But to each his own, I suppose.

A used small frame Taurus revolver is about the cheapest you're going to find that I would be my life on. Check pawn and gun shops.

[TexAg]

Well I don't think he is going dirt cheap at all. As many have pointed out you can get a P3AT for well under $300 and it is a very concealabe, accurate at close range, well designed gun. It truley is a "carry all the time" gun since it so easily fits in a pocket. 8 rounds of .380 at close range is nothing to sneeze at either. The most important aspect of ccw is having the gun with you and the Kel-tec helps with that with its ease of carry.
I also think getting a used S&W j-frame or new Taurus is not a bad idea either and is by no means cheaping out. I have a S&W 637, a Glock 36 and a P3AT and the Kel-tec goes more places because it conceals easier and is most comfortable. The Glock 36 goes second most.
Expense does not necessarily equal reliability, ease of carry or lethality.

[Zundfolge]

I fail to understand why you would want to go dirt cheap on the one gun you are most likely to use to try to save your life.
Because for some people the choice is not between a cheap gun and an expensive one, its between a cheap gun and no gun at all.


Hell, back in my early 20s I ate Ramen, rice and frozen corn almost exclusively ... I couldn't afford a hipoint back then.

[Sistema1927]

With little experience and a budget of $300 I would make a suggestion that a S&W .38 Special (Model 10, etc.) or comparable revolver by Taurus, Ruger, etc. would fit the bill. Make it a 4" barrel, it isn't that hard to conceal with an IWB holster, and it will give you a long enough sight radius to become proficient in short order.

[bb21]

I was looking for an inexpensive, sub-compact carry weapon, I went with the Mill Pro PT-111, but considered the Kel Tec P11. The price of the P11 is a little cheaper but the Mill Pro, IMO, is better made and has way more features. If you go the auto route I would go with a 9mm, for cost. Ammo can be very expensive as stated above. I prefer WWB at Wal Mart for practice and Speer Gold dot 115 gr. at Mirage Technologies for $18/box of 50.
I am not a revolver guy but they are reliable and not an option to overlook, just keep in mind ammo cost, holster cost and what fits you.

[scurtis_34471]

I will admit that any money I saved by going with the Bersa 380 over a slightly more expensive 9mm has long been eaten away in ammo costs. Its still a great gun though.

[outofbattery]

I highly suggest a used S&W 637 J frame.I picked mine up a less than a year old one for $239;they're about $350 new..38 reloads are about as cheap to shoot as you can get in centerfire and it'll handle some very respectable +P loads.

[Glockfan.45]

Makarov.
They are still selling for about $230+ if you can find one.
Totally reliable. Very accurate. A little more powerful than a .380.
The gun's value should continue to increase.


I second that notion.

[browningguy]

I don't think $300 is an unreasonable goal. I'd go for the Bersa .380, very reliable, good sights, good accuracy and a good trigger. Usually around $200- 250. I shoot mine all the time, and carry it as a BUG most of the time. My primary carry guns are a lot more expensive, but I'd be ok with it if all I could have was the Bersa.

[XavierBreath]

Makarov
Star BM
Used S&W revolver.

Check CDNN (http://www.cdnninvestments.com/index.html). They usually have good deals on closeouts and LEO trade-ins.

[Hokkmike]

Went into my local guns store and could have come out with one of these for $160 tax included. I would have too except I already have a carry piece.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=68878224

I think they are GREAT buys at half of what you want to spend!

[Jehzsa]

Arcus or Star Ultrastar. The Ultrastar is my daily carry. Both for less than $300.00, including shipping and transfer fees.

The Ultrastar is lighter than the forged-steel Arcus.

[Stanley Greenman]

Can't go wrong with any of the Keltec handguns, ask any gun smith what they carry.;)

[Caimlas]

Pawn shops + Taurus revolvers. You should be able to get one for not more over $200, used.

[LT1coupe]

On a budget, get a 9mm for the cheap but effective ammo.
The P11 would be my recommendation. Light, compact, very safe to carry, durable & lifetime warranty. Order it with the optional belt clip ~$7 & you won't need a holster.

[CWL]

A used Ruger semi or .357 wheelie should also fit this price range.

[modifiedbrowning]

For $327 you can pick up a Bersa Thunder 9 Ultracompact (with shipping)HERE (http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_178).
Bud's also has the Thunder 380 for $240 (with shipping) on the same page.

[joe-joe]

On the cheap I'd stay away for autos.Like many have suggested look at a J frame. I've got a .38 spec. Rossi J frame all stainless with wood grips in great shape that I got for 185 used.I've had it for a few years now and shoot it all the time,has never failed.It's a 2" barrel but I can hit pretty good up about 30',after that I'd better be aiming at a barn.

[Loucks]

When I was a college student (not too long ago) I picked up an FEG PA-63 at a show for ~$125. It's an aluminum-framed blowback pistol in 9x18 Makarov modeled after the PPK. Jgsales currently has them for $110, or they did as of last week, and you can usually find them at shows for not much more.

The recoil is a little snappy, but manageable. With a $30 Falco holster from makarov.com it was a light, concealable, and (in my experience) entirely reliable weapon. They'll digest anything, so add a case of cheap practice ammo and some paint for the front sight and you should be ready to go.

Still, upgrade ASAP. I feel much more comfortable with .45ACP than 9x18 Makarov.

[fattsgalore]

For that price point I'd suggest a Bersa .380 or S&W Sigma. Or just wait and see whats on the clearance rack at your local gun shop. My favorite spot always has cheap goodies behind the counter.
Or buy anything quality pre owned, I personally only buy used if it's person to person. I hate buying used from the shops. You'll save a bunch of money and the reliability of the gun won't be in question if it's some one you know.

A buddy of mine just picked up a Ruger SP101 stainless with adjustable sights from someone he knows for $300. At the store they'd hit him with another 150 to 200 easy.

[Taurus 617 CCW]

I also recommend a Taurus in either .38 special or .357 magnum. The Taurus guns have a lifetime warranty that I've had to use before. They had a quick turn around time and didn't charge me anything beyond shipping to the repair facility. Great steel frames in those guns and good quality control. I've had a lot of carry guns over the years and I've found the .38 series of cartridges to be the most economical and effective. Just my $.02

[ArchAngelCD]

You can't go wrong with a Kel-Tec P-3AT if you want very small pistol in .380 Auto. I own a P-32 (.32 Auto) and carry it often.

I have a S&W J frame in .38 Sp +P and I highly recommend getting one. It's a go anywhere revolver and highly reliable. Also, the .38 Special is a great SD round with a lot of factory ammo choices available.

Taurus's Millennium Pro line are all great pistols. They are light and reliable, not to mention inexpensive. They come in all calibers from the .32 Auto up to a compact .45 Auto. The .32 Auto and the .380 Auto are both the same size. The 9mm, .40 Cal and .45 Auto are all the same size and only slightly larger than the .32 and .380 models. My son owns a PT-111 Pro (9mm 12+1) and he thinks it's a great pistol to shoot and carry.

I would suggest a S&W K frame or a 2.75" Ruger Speed/Service/Security-Six but you said as small as possible and they really aren't small. (But they are great SD guns)

[Northslope Nimrod]

Makarov

I bought mine for $155. They can still be found in Utah for about $179.
100% reliable. Very cool. Quite slim. Somewhat weighty but that helps when shooting.

I carry my Makarov 50% of the time and my Colt .380 50% of the time.

[plumberroy]

:cuss: :banghead: :cuss: It always kills me when someone ask about a ccw handgun on a budget you get someone that thinks if you can't spend $600 you might as well use a sharp stick. I can remember when I was lucky to afford a box of .22 shells little lone a$300 ccw pistol .If the ocassion arises that you need to defend your family a hipoint in you hand Is a he!! of a lot better than the glock you are saving to buy! I carry a keltec p-32 except when I'm going to a "high risk" area [bought it before the p3at was out] I don't think you would go wrong with a taursus 38 either, I have a taurus mod 94 22 snubbie I carry woods walking that fits the same holster as the model 85 38 spec. that is suprizingly accurate . sorry for the rant but it bugs me when some people can't understand alot of people only have so much money and that all they have.
Roy

[texas bulldog]

a lot of mentions for a used S&W model 10 or 19. great guns, for sure.

but since you said you wanted as small as possible, i would recommend a model 36 or 60 if going the used smith route. you lose one round, of course, but they will be a bit easier to conceal. i am currently trying to talk my fiancee into letting me splurge on an excellent condition $345 used model 36 at the local gun shop despite our mounting wedding bills.

good luck!

[scurtis_34471]

I just bought a Taurus 85 Ultra-Lite .38 Special snubby for my wife for about $400 new. The steel ones are cheaper and you can get them used for less. Its a very nice little gun that is both concealable and reliable.

[DawgFvr]

Cheap CCW? :confused: Surely you meant to say inexpensive...yes? (As one gets ready to jump out of the plane, "Hey, anybody got a cheap parachute I can use?" I would have to say the S&W 642 is the ticket for you. Inexpensive and dependable. Do yourself a favor, buy a Mika pocket holster and practice with both. Practice with wadcutters and carry Corbon DPX.:cool:

[texas chase]

They're really cheap but seem a little big for my taste. I'm really looking for a pocket pistol (I've decided recently). Anybody have any good photos for size comparison?

BTW, I'm going to a gun show this weekend and hope to put as many of these suggestions in my hand as possible.

The Bersa Thunder 380 CC (concealed carry) is inching its way to the top of my list right now. Seems like everybody who has it raves about it. I also like the FN-9. (I've heard the history of problems w/ these, which seem to be getting worked out actually.)

[vis-à-vis]

I have a Bersa Thunder .380 and got it new for $210. Good gun, ammo is a bit expensive though.

Or you can order from Bud's and get this S&W 9mm:
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/13283

After shipped and transfer and rebate you're looking at about $290ish

[HGUNHNTR]

the .380 doesn't provide enough velocity to CONSISTENTLY make a HP bullet work in a variety of target media. Stick with the 9mm or 38 spl. Don't budget shop for a gun meant to protect you and your family.

Ruger Speed Six

Taurus 85 series

Spend at least as much on ammo as you do your gun.

Best of Luck

[Caimlas]

I would have to say the S&W 642 is the ticket for you. Inexpensive and dependable.

Yeah, except he's not likely to find one for much less than $350, which breaks his rules of $300, and that's even before he starts buying that first box of ammo or a holster. The gun he gets is likely going to need to cost closer to $200, and you can't get an inflated S&W for that, not without some serious luck.

What you're looking for is a pistol or revolver that is both reliable and with reputable stopping power, while remaining inexpensive. It's true that you're likely ot find more revolvers in this category, I think, but there are a fair number of newer pistols out on the market these days, too, as has been said.

[tmajors]

If the ocassion arises that you need to defend your family a hipoint in you hand Is a he!! of a lot better than the glock you are saving to buy!

My feelings EXACTLY. If you do not have a gun at all and only have a $300 budget (for whatever reason) many will say save your money and get XXXX gun ranging in the $500 to $1000 price range.

I say if you have a $300 budget and no gun, get a gun first with that $300 then start saving your money for the $500 to $1000 price range. There isn't anything that says you can't have both.

We know many people on this forum that have that $800+ 1911...then what do they do? They go out and buy a Kel-Tec for $250 anyways...the same one they told you not to buy and save your money to get the bigger $$$ price tag.

If I didn't own a rifle already I would say the same thing. If you are on a budget pick yourself up an SKS or Mosin first...then save your pennies for that AR-15.

Shotgun, get yourself a Moss 500 pump from Walmart for $200, then save your money for that sweet auto-loader you drool on when you go to Cabela's or Sportsman's Warehouse.

Everyone should have a sidearm, rifle, shotgun, and .22 rifle.

The "recommended" -
AR-15 $1000
Glock or other $600 (minimum 'recommended' price to save your money for)
Shotgun $500
Ruger 10/22 $200 (if you find on on sale)
Total - $2300

But you can get the same in
SKS $250
Kel-Tec $250
Moss 500 Walmart Rollback $200
Savage .22lr $100
Total - $800

THEN save your money to get the recommended and you've got a nice collection started already.

Ammo - Everyone says 1000 rounds on hand for each caliber MINIMUM. Well sometimes even 1000 rounds is hard to come up with on a tight budget. Go drop $20 a paycheck on ammo. Yes it's more expensive in the long run then buying in bulk, but some of us just can't afford to drop $200 even for 1000 rounds of 7.62X39.

Reloading of course can save money on some calibers but the initial investment is the same or even a little higher then just buying the ammo in the first place.

If money is no object by all means purchase those high $$$ firearms first. But many of us are on tight budgets and still manage to put together a respectable store of weapons.

Get the gun you can afford first, then start getting crazy with money. That's my opinion.

[tuckerdog1]

Texas, Don't know where you are in TX, but this is in THR for sale listings.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=265418

It's $315, which is a bargin. And these are great carry guns.

Tuckerdog1

[scurtis_34471]

I was in the same position when I got my first gun and I bought my ammo as I shot it. I quickly realized that I was going broke buying bullets, which is why my second gun was a .22LR pistol. I highly recommend that as a next move, because you can buy 200 rounds of high-quality CCI Mini-Mag .22LR ammunition for about $12. 100 rounds of Remington White Box .380 will run you $25. 9mm is a bit less than .380, but nothing will touch the economy of .22LR. When I go to the range, I generally put anywhere from 100 to 150 rounds through my .22 and only 50 through my .380. Doing that twice a month costs me $45 and that's buying retail as I go.

[CZ.22]

Last I checked Rossi snubs went for around $250 at academy, if there is one near you. The 4'' diamondback type ones can be had for $270.

[tubeshooter]

Lots of good suggestions.


The blue steel Taurus 85 I got as a poor student and recent father is still serving me well some 15 years later, FWIW. Almost got a Bersa .380, for the record.

[ezypikns]

Maks are more expensive than they used to be, but I stll think you can pick up a Bulgarian for about 200.00. CDNN Sports on the web has brand new Kel Tecs for a little over 200.00 (199.99 to 229.99 I believe). The PF9 is their single stack 9mm, P3AT is the .380, and P32 is the .32 ACP. Kel Tecs are inexpensive, yes, but thousands of people trust and depend on them.

[txcoyote]

It always kills me when someone ask about a ccw handgun on a budget you get someone that thinks if you can't spend $600 you might as well use a sharp stick. I can remember when I was lucky to afford a box of .22 shells little lone a $300 ccw pistol .If the ocassion arises that you need to defend your family a hipoint in you hand Is a he!! of a lot better than the glock you are saving to buy!

How very accurate. Elite-ism over common sense. I must be in deep doo-doo, cause I don't have a single weapon over $300! OK, I'm cheap! I'd rather buy more amo.

S&W .38 Spl Model 49 Bodyguard - NIB condition $250 - classic ccw
I don't think anyone will say this is under gunned.

Bersa .380 Thunder Duotone - $199 NIB Nov 06 - fits in jean pockets
Goes bang every time, fun to shoot, very accurate. Was an interesting post last fall on THR (that I could not find in searches today) about the damage a .380 JHP did to a feral pig. One shot stop, massive internal damage. Convincing argument about stopping power (or lack thereof) on the .380. Gee, could shot placement mean anything?

A dreaded Hi-Point Comp 9 - $105 NIB last year - definitely not ccw
Really fun to shoot, too big for ccw, but good glove box or house weapon. Got it to see which was more accurate: all the bad press from non-owners or good press from owners. Over 500 rounds, NO FTF/FTE, did I mention really fun to shoot? I do not want to play catch the projectile with this one either.

There are lots of good dependable weapons under $300. You don't need a minimum of $600/weapon to be well protected.

[waynedm]

Bersa or Taurus I suppose. I'd get a knife as backup incase the gun fails and you need to come off with the shank.

[plumberroy]

I had a hi point 9 that I bought years ago when that was the only auto pistol I could afford It had over 5000 rounds when I let a friend have it .He needed a handgun because the man that shot him years ago gets out of prison soon and has made threats . he was broke so I let him have it. That the gun has NEVER failed to fire or cycle period! I have out shot people shooting 9mm pistols costing 6 times as much. I will pay top dollar for quality I won't pay top dollar to look cool
Roy

[6_gunner]

If you like revolvers, I'd recommend a S&W model 10 (that's my carry gun, btw).
If you prefer autos, get a Star BM.
If you prefer DA autos, get a Makarov.

All are excellent and usually priced under $200.

If you're set on a pocket pistol, one of those little makarov-type pistols might be the way to go. I can't remember what they're called, but they're made in Europe and fire the 9x18mm cartridge. Anybody know what I'm talking about?

[nelson133]

Polish P64 or Hungarian P63 and both under $200 and are very concealable. They are the ones that use the 9x18 cartridge. Go to Surplus Rifle and they have some good info in the forums, they recommend a spring change for better functioning.
The Hi-Point would work, but isn't very concealable. I own a couple of Kel-Tecs and they are good guns for the money.

[Flopsy]

Another vote for the Bersa Thunder 380. You can usually find them for around $250 new.

[sb350hp]

I don't care what gun you buy or for how much you purchased it for. Any gun I purchase that I intend to carry goes to the range and must eat at least 500 rds of carry ammo w/o a single hiccup before I will trust it.

So far my Witness 45 has passed the test as well as my PT1911 and PT908.

It aint what I spent on a gun that earns my trust!

[sgt127]

http://www.summitgunbroker.com

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Handguns.html

http://www.kyimports.com/sw.htm#s&w

J frame Smiths for $319 at KY Imports.

I would opt for a good revolver. Most of these are Police trade ins. Some cop carried these guns for years and never felt unarmed.

"I just got in a fresh batch of 5906. They range from old frame guns with squair trigger guards for $289 to new frame guns with round trigger guards and night sites for $325. I am not getting many of these any more and they are not getting any cheaper. There is only 26 in this batch." Thats from Summit Gun Brokers. A high cap quality stainless 9mm for $289? You can't beat that.

I don't think you would be dissapointed in any of these guns. Good luck.

I have lots of really high end guns. BBQ guns. Old Smiths, Walthers, Sigs, H-K, engraved guns. A Wilson Master grade Govt Model. Guess whats in my waistband right now? A 3" S&W 65. No rust, as reliable as the sunrise, full house .357 Magnum power. A great gun is not based on price alone.

[gpr]

p3at.....it can use +P...cheap...small...light....relitively accurrate....life time warrentee.....gpr

[nitestocker]

get the taurus 85 there a slick little gun later when you can afford somthing differnt you can take turns with somthing else like a 9 or 45 auto and in the summer you can still use the 85 .