[dbrown]

I have been trying to look for a full sized pistol for around $300 but without any luck.

[56hawk]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/75/products_id/18161/Handguns/Ruger/Ruger+Centerfire+Pistols

[MoMatt]

Hi dbrown,

Look around for a used (or new) Ruger P95. Retail depending on your location would be around $300-350 new. It's a very solid, proven pistol.

The only other full size pistol that comes to mind for that price is a Hi-Point. I've never shot one; they tend to be a little controversial because they're so cheap. However, from the research I've done they are as reliable as any other pistol. For that price you'd have your choice of calibers and still have a few bucks left over for some ammo.

If neither of those blow your hair back, save for another few months til you can get up to the $400-500 price point. Your options increase greatly there.

Good luck!

[rbernard]

S&W sigmas can be had for around 300 new

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/13283-55.html

[soloban]

Depending on your definition of full size you could get a Milsurp CZ-82 for about $225. It holds I think 13 rounds of 9mm Makarov. Used Glocks and Beretta 92s can be had for $350 ish.

[dbrown]

i actually only have $200 right now so i will have to save my money for a better gun.

[HoosierQ]

Ruger p95. Maybe $309. Real pistol. Real maker. Real caliber (9mm) and 2 15 round mags. Short recoil action (not a blowback). Reliable as any pistol on the market even at thrice the price. Hard to beat for the money.

[hogshead]

Ruger over the Sigma even it cost a hundred more. Sorry rbernard.

[csa77]

you could probably find used glocks for 300 maybe a little more. I known the range im a member at always has several glocks on consignment for 350$

[Ex]

Or... a new in the box 1911 for $349. I got one. Really like it too.
http://www.gunsinternational.com/IAC-1911-A1-45ACP-PISTOL.cfm?gun_id=100234507

[click clack]

browse through http://site.cdnninvestments.com/CDNN2012-2/index.html <<<< that ;)

[click clack]

**especially page 27

[mr.scott]

Cdnn has several ATI pistols for $300.

Sarco inc has FEG hi power clones from $250. I have one of them it's definitely used but is extremely reliable, and laser accurate.

[loneviking]

3ed gen. S&W's. I bought a 910 earlier this year for $300. I've seen the 5906's and 6906's online for $300 to $329. Lots of good choices, check over on Gunbroker and the local pawnshops.

[AethelstanAegen]

Tokarevs go for about $200

[ArchAngelCD]

i actually only have $200 right now so i will have to save my money for a better gun.
Not to sound bad but if you only have $200 buying a gun right now might not be a good idea. Besides the cost of the pistol you will need safety equipment like safety glasses and hearing protection. Money for ammo because practice is a necessity and don't forget the cost of cleaning and upkeep supplies like a cleaning rod, solvent, patches and a good gun oil. I just want to make sure you are all set up to do this right before you jump in. (but for sure save up and jump in!)

[JohnKSa]

In that price range I'd probably spring for a Ruger P95. I've been happy with the ones I've shot--enough that I'm willing to put one on self-defense/home-defense duty even though I have guns costing several times as much.

[Triplec]

My first handgun was a hi point 9mm and it was great. Definitely not pretty to look at but was fun to shoot and was 100% reliable for me. Best part is that it can be had for less than $200.

[MoMatt]

i actually only have $200 right now so i will have to save my money for a better gun.

Why do you want the pistol? Do you just eventually want to get into pistols for plinking or do you have a pressing desire / need for a self defense gun?

If you want a self defense gun sooner rather than later and $200 is what you have, go get a Hi-Point. They just got one vote above from a satisfied owner; that's been the general reaction I've found in my research. You probably won't be disappointed.

As seen by the other various votes for the P-95, "more money" does NOT necessarily get you "a better gun." That's a great candidate for a large frame pistol and isn't too far off from your $300 price point.

[dbrown]

Its funny because i already have everything i need like cleaning gear and range gear.

[W.E.G.]

Gunbroker.
Smith and Wesson model 915.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/rkba2da/pistol%20pics/SW%20915/915x2.jpg

[DeadFlies]

+1 on the Hi-Point.

The 9mm (C9) isn't exactly full-size, but it aint exactly compact either. Mine was a great value for $125 (used) with a hard case and extra mag. It's reliable, accurate and not uncomfortable to shoot. The Hi-Point .45 is full sized (fat? lol) and anybody who has one seems to have nothing bad to say about its performance.

Get a Hi-Point and shoot it. For $200 you can probably get a C9 and 250 rounds of factory ammo if you shop around just a bit.
Eventually you'll want something fancier but at least you'll have something to shoot while you're saving up for a glock or whatever.

[tuj]

S&W 5906 are about that much used. Great guns.

[Skylerbone]

$300 on the dot for a Ruger 22/45 at Bud's Gunshop online. At your proposed budget, a rimfire will allow you to spend the day shooting for the price of a fast-food burger and can reinforce good habits.

I have a number of firearms from bolt actions to ARs, customized 1911s and SA revolvers. If civilization ended tomorrow and I had to choose one it would be my sub-$90 Marlin bolt action .22 rifle. I know handguns are all the rage but the rifle puts them to shame. Getting out as a kid and hunting rabbit and squirrel is what led to a lifetime love of the outdoors and shooting. A 9mm Hi-Point would have ended that affair before it started.

[towboat_er]

S&W 5906
FEG Highpower clone.

[Kachok]

I don't know what they run now, but a few years ago a friend of mine bought a Firehawk 1911 for $299, no Kimber by any means but it was a decent pistol and function was flawless, alot better then the $700 Remingtion R1 he "upgraded" to.

[mr.trooper]

Also the Bersa offerings.

[otasan56]

A police-used Glock Model 17 or 19. :D

[bluethunder1962]

I have had a lot of luck with used guns is the only way I know to get a good one.

[ArchAngelCD]

Its funny because i already have everything i need like cleaning gear and range gear.
That's great news, then you are close to getting your handgun. Good for you and I hope you find something you like soon...

[sixgunner455]

At $200/budget, and no handgun at all, I would get a used Ruger .22 MKII, or .22/45, and shoot the snot out of it.

That's exactly what I did when I was in college. I couldn't have afforded to shoot a 9mm or .38 or anything nearly enough to get really good with it. I could, and did, afford to shoot that used .22 as much as I wanted to, and it was a very effective deterrent the night the guy tried to come into the hotel room my wife and I were occupying on a road trip.

If you already have a .22, or have a need for a more serious defensive tool, look at used S&W .38 caliber revolvers, Sigmas, Glocks, etc. Used guns can be great values, and are a great way to get into a better quality gun. Of all the guns in my safe, only two were new when I got them, and they're all used now. I have 3 S&W revolvers - 1 was a surplus police revolver ($119 - ridiculously cheap, even for when I bought it), 1 LNIB (I paid a *lot* more than you're looking at, but it's a rare-ish variant and I'm a sucker for Kframe revolvers), and one was new ($329 for a 642), a CZ 9mm that was LNIB ($329), 2 Ruger .22 pistols - one was used ($179), and one was new ($400), and there is also a Makarov around here somewhere that was a military surplus pistol ($129).

A guy at work just decided to sell his barely used Sigma, which sell new for ~$300-350. I'm getting it for $200, even though I don't much care about having one, because it's a .40 (which I don't have one of), it'll be a reasonable gun to have around for a spare/loaner to relatives, and I'm helping the guy out.

There are deals out there. Just decide what it is you want/need, go looking for it, carry cash, and be patient. Something may fall into your lap, like this Sigma is for me.

[toivo]

CZ-82 (http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.aspx?item=F3CZ82)

S&W Model 64 (http://www.jgsales.com/smith-wesson-model-64-38spl-4in-stainless,-square-butt-w-bobbedhammer,-good-to-very-good-condition-s-w-p-6678.html)

[easyg]

As others have recommended, check out the Ruger P95....


http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/allenXdog/HPIM6391.jpg

[Dirty Bob]

+1 on the P95. Reliable and long-lasting. Also surprisingly accurate, at least in my hands. Great gun, that just happens to be inexpensive.

The mags are also reasonable in price, especially the Mec-Gars. This can be a huge budget-breaker with "cheap" pistols that turn out to have rare and/or pricey magazines. Buy Mec-Gar or Ruger mags and you should have a reliable pistol.

All my best,
Dirty Bob

[SabbathWolf]

My main question would be...a full-size pistol for what?
Self-defense, hunting, target shooting, etc?

[minutemen1776]

Look for good used pistols. I've bought several nice used pistols in the $300-$350 range over the last few years.

[jrdolall]

For self or home defense with limited funds I would buy a HiPoint C9. You can probably get one new for $150 and actually buy enough ammo to shoot it some. Mine is not pretty but has been very reliable as a truck gun. It is heavy so carrying concealed is not what i recommend.

For practice and plinking you would be better to buy a nice .22. Buckmark or MKII might be a bit over the $300 mark but ammo is $.03 per shot compared to $.20 for 9mm.so you can offset the difference pretty quickly. I bet there are other .22s out there that are full sized and can be had for $300.

[PT92]

I have been trying to look for a full sized pistol for around $300 but without any luck.
Have you considered a layaway option?

-Cheers

[PT92]

+1 on the P95. Reliable and long-lasting. Also surprisingly accurate, at least in my hands. Great gun, that just happens to be inexpensive.

The mags are also reasonable in price, especially the Mec-Gars. This can be a huge budget-breaker with "cheap" pistols that turn out to have rare and/or pricey magazines. Buy Mec-Gar or Ruger mags and you should have a reliable pistol.

All my best,
Dirty Bob

Agreed--Nothing fancy or glamorous about what I call "my little tank" but the P95 is hard to beat still today (I got mine many years back). For a $300 pistol of this quality/durability, I don't think you can compete (my Sigma comes close but it just doesn't "feel" as rock-solid as my P95).

-Cheers

[brnmuenchow]

Try this:
Widener's Reloading and Shooting Supply INC
www.wideners.com
YUGOM57 Yugo/Zastava M57 (7.62x25mm) Pistol $199.00 Plus Shipping IN STOCK

I love mine.:)

[dbrown]

I think i am going to get some type of ruger p series handgun.

[Jim NE]

Sigma, P-95, and if you even want to spend less than that, Hi-Point. There's no way you won't find a reliable gun somewhere among those 3 options.

Keep hearing good things about Bersa. I'd like to get one. You said full size, though.

[FMF Doc]

New there are Hi-Points, and some philipine and brazillian made 1911 that can be had around there new. If you go used, you can get many rugers, glocks, taurus and several revolvers such as charter and rossi in that range.

[PT92]

New there are Hi-Points, and some philipine and brazillian made 1911 that can be had around there new. If you go used, you can get many rugers, glocks, taurus and several revolvers such as charter and rossi in that range.
Hi Point definitely, but the RIA or Taurus' are well above $300.

-Cheers

[GoWolfpack]

A quick pass through my CDNN catalog shows a bunch of ATI stuff under $300, a beretta 92D for $289, S&W 5906 for $299, and some Taurus revolvers. I just bought a Taurus PT99 for $300 a few weeks ago. For $300 you don't exactly get to be picky.

[bluethunder1962]

I have had good luck with used guns. I have got some good deals on some good guns. I just bought a s&w full size 9. I never have liked 9mm. I got it at auction shot it some and found out how cheap the ammo was so now I am selling it because I bought a new beretta that I now carry.

[mgkdrgn]

HiPoint

Butt ugly, primitive, heavy .... but they go BANG! when you pull the trigger and have a lifetime warranty.

[FMF Doc]

HiPoint

Butt ugly, primitive, heavy .... but they go BANG! when you pull the trigger and have a lifetime warranty.
...and they are amazingly accurate

[jad0110]

My main question would be...a full-size pistol for what?
Self-defense, hunting, target shooting, etc?

Good info to know.

Also, I assume that money must be very, very tight if $300 is stretching it a bit. If that is the case, I'd also take into account ammo cost. Some of the aforementioned .22s might be viable options, since you can get 500 rounds for under $20. $20 won't even buy you 100 rounds of 9mm, the cheapest center fire round in most locations.

If not a .22, and if the gun will be used for self defense (again, on a very tight budget) then I'd also suggest a used .38 revolver. S&W Model 10s can still be found for under $300 if you look. Revolvers from Taurus, Ruger and Charter Arms (some used, some new) would also fall within your budget. Yes, .38 special is more expensive than 9mm. But if you will be using this gun for protection, I assume you'll be stoking it with good quality hollowpoint ammo. And if you are going to rely on it for protection, with an auto I wouldn't trust it until I had run at least 3 full mags through each mag you would load with hollowpoints, without a glitch. Preferrably twice that many. And that step comes after running many more rounds of cheap range fodder through those mags without incident. So you are talking several hundred dollars in ammo just to verify reliability.

With a revolver, a few cylinder fulls of your chosen defense ammo to verify POA vs POI, case extraction, ignition reliability, etc are all that is absolutely necessary (after a hundred rounds or so of cheap ammo to test function). So initially, the ammo cost outlay to verify reliability with a .38 revolver will be lower. Over time, a 9mm auto would be cheaper to feed.

One other off the wall option. If this weapon will be strictly for home defense, you might consider a pump 12 or 20 ga shotgun. New Maverick 88s can be had for $225, last time I checked. And there are plenty of used, sub 20" equipped pumps floating around for under $300.

[jj1962hemi]

I'd err on the side of caution and buy the P95, or a used gun from a "higher-end" manufacturer. I own five Tauri, but I find myself liking my S&Ws better as I age. Also, I bought a Spanish 45 (Llama Mk IX) in 1992 for $300 and it's worth about the same today. You will do better long-term with a higher end gun for resale, etc.

If it's for SD, buy a 9MM for cheapest ammo (still effective). For plinking, I'd go with a .22LR. For protecting the homestead, get a Mossberg 12GA.

[PT92]

GoWolfpack I just bought a Taurus PT99 for $300 a few weeks ago...

Do you mean a used 99 (if not, where are they new for that:what:).

-Cheers

[SimplyChad]

Another gun that people always forget it the Nagant revolver. I keep one in my tackle box in the truck. Its not the cheapest to feed but a 32 H&R mag is a solid round. 100 bucks for the gun and another 80 on ammo and youll be good to go for a while. Ive tryed to abuse mine but its still solid and accurate.

[SimplyChad]

O Ive also shot Hi Points too big heavy and would bet my life on them. Great handguns wonderful carbines.

[Walking Dead]

I'd look into layaway. These guys have a great layaway set up.
http://duckcreekarmory.com/

[mark olindale]

$300 is a hard budget. Outside of Hi-Point all I can think of off hand would be S&W sigma series(used) and maybe some older ruger models(p95, used). If you can I would recommend you save up a little more money. But whatever you do just make sure you are happy with your purchase.

[Wanderling]

If you are new to guns I'd go with brand new and proven. Ruger is very hard to beat at this price point - anything else is either less reliable or used. My only gripe with P95 is the bulk, but if you don't plan on carrying it on a daily basis it's a non issue.

Sigma is another option but unlike the "brick with a trigger" it gets very mixed reviews - some swear by it and others say it has an atrocious trigger and so so reliability. I'd pass.

The Bulgarian Arcus D98 is another gun in this price range that's supposed to be very good. I almost bought it but at the last moment read some complaints about issues with heat treatment in the guns produced in the past few years (this was early last year). Seems like temporary growth pains the company was going through, as the same pistols from the 90s were excellent by all accounts. If they sorted their quality issues out, I'd be hard pressed to choose between the two. Good luck !

[jrdolall]

My wife and I had a session yesterday that included 100 rounds through the Hi Point C9. Winchester bulk FMJ and zero misfires. You can't beat the gun for "value" if budget is important.

[carbuncle]

S&W 5906s are $299 from CDNN: great guns, reliable and accurate, full-size and fun to shoot.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk 2

[carbuncle]

I'd look into layaway. These guys have a great layaway set up.
http://duckcreekarmory.com/

Hey, thanks for the tip!

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk 2

[mgmorden]

Full-sized for ~$300 is definitely doable.

Ruger P95 as said by many is an excellent choice. I have had one for years and its an excellent, reliable handgun.

If you look REALLY HARD at the used racks you might be able to pickup a Glock 17 or 22 for around that. I got my G17 for $265 used about 6 months ago so such deals do pop up - you just have to keep an eye out.

S&W's 3rd gen guns (namely the 5906) are also available used in that price range.

The Sigma is also a choice in that price range. Overall while I don't see anything really wrong with it, there's enough mediocre things about it that I think you'd be much better off with the options above. I'd only look at it if you were absolutely dead-set on a striker fired gun and can't find a used Glock in your price range.

[GoWolfpack]

Do you mean a used 99 (if not, where are they new for that:what:).

-Cheers
Used in excellent shape except for a scratch on the grips.

[WoodyTX]

I'd buy a used well-respected brand (Ruger, S&W, Glock, etc) over a new off-brand, even with a good warranty.

The only exception to that would be the Kel-Tec P11. It's somewhat small, and early models required some break-in or 'fluff and buff', but you can buy a new one, plus a few boxes of ammo for under $300.

I'd also recommend getting something in 9mm or 38/357, because ammo for those calibers is so much less expensive.

[robinkevin]

Here is one I was looking at. Decided to go with a 5906 (when I get the funds) which are just a tad more. this is a CZ Clone very good pistol.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/884/products_id/411548742/OVERSTOCK+GUNS+%21%21/CENTURY++TANFOGLIO+USED+COMBAT+SHOOTING+COHAI+4.5+9mm

[Afelt.tech]

The 5906 will not let you down. They are excellent guns.

[Kiln]

My wife and I had a session yesterday that included 100 rounds through the Hi Point C9. Winchester bulk FMJ and zero misfires. You can't beat the gun for "value" if budget is important.
Never had one but I would give the C9 a look. It has a solid reputation even around here, on a forum which is known for trashing guns because of the materials they are made of, even without any personal experience with said product.

[PT92]

I was watching a documentary on Netflix last night about the US National Guard training the Afghan Army. They took delivery of dozens of S&W Sigma 9mm's and handed them out to the Army for training.

Nice gun for the money but I think they should have gone the Ruger p95 route for same or less money (who knows, however, with Gov. Contracts bid wise).

-Cheers

[spotch]

Used Ruger or S&W.

Cheap is great, but think carefully about how comfortable you feel cheaping out "too much" on something that your life will depend on some day. IE at least go with something that has a proven track record like the s&w or the rivers listed in this thread.

Also for consideration, you can buy a brand new s&w revolver for 350 or less.

[wankerjake]

Ruger over the Sigma even it cost a hundred more.

My Sigma was awesome. Very accurate, never jammed with various ammo... I sold it to my brother-in-law after I bought a XDM. I wish I would have kept it, I shot it this weekend and it's still the same great pistol it was when I had it. At least 5000 rounds thru it so far. Only complaint was the trigger and you get used to that. It took me about 200 rounds initailly but once I had the trigger pull down, I outshot plenty of XD/Glocks at the range. Of course I would outshoot those guys with their own pistols too, the point being that you are the limiting factor, not the pistol. The trigger is nothing you can't manage.

I think the Sigma is WAY better looking and more ergonomic than the older Ruger designs. The SR9 is another story, but it's also another price range.

[towboat_er]

Best full size bang for your buck, I believe is the S&W 5906.

[Coyote3855]

This old warrior was $215 out the door.



http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j467/Inusuit/004-2.jpg

[PT92]

My Sigma was awesome. Very accurate, never jammed with various ammo... I sold it to my brother-in-law after I bought a XDM. I wish I would have kept it, I shot it this weekend and it's still the same great pistol it was when I had it. At least 5000 rounds thru it so far. Only complaint was the trigger and you get used to that. It took me about 200 rounds initailly but once I had the trigger pull down, I outshot plenty of XD/Glocks at the range. Of course I would outshoot those guys with their own pistols too, the point being that you are the limiting factor, not the pistol. The trigger is nothing you can't manage.

I think the Sigma is WAY better looking and more ergonomic than the older Ruger designs. The SR9 is another story, but it's also another price range.
To me the Smith is more 'glock-like' whereas the Ruger is, well, a Ruger. So if you're more familiar with a Glock, go Sigma and vice-versa IMO.

I like them both but prefer the P95 just a bit more.

-Cheers

[krupparms]

S&W, 59s,915s,ect.or Sigma. Ruger 95s. Tokarovs.The FEG PJK-HP. These are all reliable auto pistols .Take a look. Have fun &be safe!

[mojo357]

If you want a reliable bargain 9mm there are Beretta 951 aka 1951 models out there. Great shooting all-steel military and police pistols. Grandaddy of the Beretta 92 series. A little heavy at 31 oz but that keeps the recoil down so they're fun to shoot. Long 4.5 barrel for accuracy. Beretta reliability. Get a real Italian gun, not a Helwan. (Quality aside, why buy an off brand when the real thing is out there?) They're still cheap but watch the prices rise once they're all snapped up. Great pistols. Undervalued in the age of plastic pistols.

[PT92]

Used in excellent shape except for a scratch on the grips.
Still a good buy.

-Cheers

[silicosys4]

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11193776/pistols-for-sale/beretta-model-px4-storm-.40s-and-w-semi-auto-pistol-%28hc%29

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11162057/pistols-for-sale/smith-and-wesson-model-910-9mm-semi-auto-hc*look*

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11159551/revolvers-for-sale/ruger-security-six-.357-magnum-double-action-revolver-no-reserve

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11191802/pistols-for-sale/ruger-model-p89-9mm-semi-auto-pistol-%28hc%29

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11191879/pistols-for-sale/ruger-model-p97dc-.45acp-semi-auto-pistol

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11197085/revolvers-for-sale/hi-standard-hi-standard-sentinel-mk-2-.357-magnum

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11193158/pistols-for-sale/kahr-arms-cw-40-s-2fw-original-box-2fmanual

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11195007/pistols-for-sale/s-and-w-910-hc-9mm-with-15-rd.-mag

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11193761/pistols-for-sale/beretta-model-8040f-.40s-and-w-semi-auto-pistol

Just some ideas of whats available to you, if you can stomach the shipping and transfer fee's as well. I've found some very good deals on this site. The last pistol I ordered off here was a steyr m40 in .40s&w. I paid $350 after all fee's and shipping. Looks brand new, and is an exceedingly high quality gun, just as good or better than any glock.

[PT92]

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11193776/pistols-for-sale/beretta-model-px4-storm-.40s-and-w-semi-auto-pistol-%28hc%29

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11162057/pistols-for-sale/smith-and-wesson-model-910-9mm-semi-auto-hc*look*

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11159551/revolvers-for-sale/ruger-security-six-.357-magnum-double-action-revolver-no-reserve

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11191802/pistols-for-sale/ruger-model-p89-9mm-semi-auto-pistol-%28hc%29

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11191879/pistols-for-sale/ruger-model-p97dc-.45acp-semi-auto-pistol

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11197085/revolvers-for-sale/hi-standard-hi-standard-sentinel-mk-2-.357-magnum

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11193158/pistols-for-sale/kahr-arms-cw-40-s-2fw-original-box-2fmanual

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11195007/pistols-for-sale/s-and-w-910-hc-9mm-with-15-rd.-mag

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/11193761/pistols-for-sale/beretta-model-8040f-.40s-and-w-semi-auto-pistol

Just some ideas of whats available to you, if you can stomach the shipping and transfer fee's as well. I've found some very good deals on this site. The last pistol I ordered off here was a steyr m40 in .40s&w. I paid $350 after all fee's and shipping. Looks brand new, and is an exceedingly high quality gun, just as good or better than any glock.

I can attest to this as well--I bought a gun via that site two months ago way under what I could get it for anywhere else be it local gun-shops or online. Still am proud of that deal (a consumer rarely is rewarded absent serious research). That being said, all online sites have good to bad to everything in between deals so (it's the only time I feel bad for bitching at women, when I am shopping for a new toy--hypocritical comes to mind...I'm just sayin');).