Quality Sub $500 Handguns

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zanders

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So here I am, potentially moving within the next year, and one of the places on the table is Hawaii which was super cool until I looked up their gun laws. I'm not really a big fan of any of them, but the individual permit per handgun purchase sounds like a royal pain.

Solution: Stockpile handguns while I'm still in Texas just in case.

So what are nice affordable handguns that maybe wouldn't be worth jumping through hoops to acquire?
 
Such a broad range to consider, sub $500. Too many good choices for many different purposes. But as a side matter, I started in NJ and experienced permit-to-purchase, then one gun a month. I will recommend that you consider the difficulty or PITA factor to obtain the permits above the cost of what you may buy, once you are there. Buying ahead is a good plan though. I found myself saving up for nicer more expensive guns because the permits were harder to get than the money. Better to get what you really want....
 
Maybe I have reading comprehension problems, but I have no clue what you are wanting to know.

It's probably me. Just looking for ideas for decent <$500 handguns.

I found myself saving up for nicer more expensive guns because the permits were harder to get than the money. Better to get what you really want....

This is what I see happening if I wind up moving there. That's why the sub $500, the $1000+ guns might still be worth the effort.

If it helps my current lineup is:

Gp100 Match Champion 357 Magnum

Redhawk 45 Colt/ACP

Taurus G2C 9mm (Wouldn't have bought this if it took a permit)

Heritage Rough Rider 22LR (fun gun, but also probably wouldn't have gotten a permit for it)
 
Ok, I see. Hawaii requires a permit to purchase, but owned guns can be brought in when moving. So, looks like you have revolvers covered, unless you want another, in which case I'd find a used Ruger security six in the $400-$500 range...or one of the S&W model 10's that are floating around. For autoloaders, you have a conspicuous lack of 1911s in your current lineup...Rock Island should be able to fill that. Any of the Ruger SR series would be good. Although, I believe Hawaii has 10 round restrictions on magazines, so make sure to buy them so equipped so you dont have to 86 your magazines.
 
Could consider adding some of those police trade in Glocks or possibly Sigs into the mix. It appears that nobody wants .40’s anymore and good prices can be had without too much searching. Hawaii huh? Sure would beat the heck out of the winter here in the Midwest! You should also consider getting a membership to the NRA if you don’t already have one. The best defense against bad gun laws is the NRA. Best of luck to you!
 
For autoloaders, you have a conspicuous lack of 1911s in your current lineup...Rock Island should be able to fill that.

That's a fun idea. There really no downside to single stack 45's when there's a 10 round magazine limit.

...and I'd be remiss if I did not encourage you to look at Bersa's lineup. The thunder 380s are solid, well under 500, and the new TPR 9 is on my buy list

Hmmm a pocket pistol might be neat, but I feel like it might get a bit neglected seeing as it couldn't be carried. Also a full sized 9mm would probably be more fun than the Taurus (it's trigger is so strange to me for some reason).

I don't know how persnickitty you are but for $600 you could get TWO quality LEO castoffs (Glock and Sig Sauer) from CDNN Sports.

Not too picky, if they shoot it works for me. That's also a pretty good deal seeing i'd been meaning to have at least one of each of those brands anyways.

It appears that nobody wants .40’s anymore and good prices can be had without too much searching.

Yeah I haven't tried one yet, but I suspect I might enjoy the 40 more than 9mm. The lack of recoil from that and 38 special is good for my aim but bad for my attention span.
 
So here I am, potentially moving within the next year, and one of the places on the table is Hawaii which was super cool until I looked up their gun laws. I'm not really a big fan of any of them, but the individual permit per handgun purchase sounds like a royal pain.

Solution: Stockpile handguns while I'm still in Texas just in case.

So what are nice affordable handguns that maybe wouldn't be worth jumping through hoops to acquire?
Does HI require registration? Per gun permits? If so, your idea will cost you anyway. If not, good idea. Look for good used Smiths and Rugers.
 
A colt revolver (pp), a h&r revolver (732), Ruger semiauto 22 in any flavor, RIA 1911 in any flavor (grey doublestack looks awesome) Taurus pt series of your choosing (99 or 101) and a dad-blamed police trade-in Glock
 
I’ve been getting really good all steel trade ins at my local LGS. The new fad is light weight carry .380s. I would look for quality over quantity. The GP100 is a good start because it’s built like a tank. I would look for a Buckmark or Ruger Mk I,II, or III instead of the heritage it’s not in the same class. Again both are overbuilt for quality. Rock Island has both a 45 auto and 38 revolver for under $500.
 
Get a bucket of Hi-points.

That would make for an interesting conversation piece.

Does HI require registration? Per gun permits? If so, your idea will cost you anyway. If not, good idea. Look for good used Smiths and Rugers.

A one time registration fee (not per gun I checked) so it could be worse I guess.

A colt revolver (pp), a h&r revolver (732), Ruger semiauto 22 in any flavor, RIA 1911 in any flavor (grey doublestack looks awesome) Taurus pt series of your choosing (99 or 101) and a dad-blamed police trade-in Glock

I do like revolvers, and 22 is great if I don't feel like reloading.

So many good ideas! Thanks so much :)
 
Canik makes some decent stuff. Tanfoglio clone nock offs. Tanfo being copies of cz 75 designs. I love beaters so I roll used and save. My c100 was 169. Had some missing paint. Pt92 I bought for 218 out the door. They lost the mag so I got it 40 bucks cheaper. Beretta 92s was 3 bills.
 
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