Subcompact 9mm budget gun
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I am not saying anyone should buy from online or local. I would say they should look both places, figure in any shipping costs & then make a decision about which deal is best for them. Shipping costs & transfer fees aren't hidden. Sales tax is collected either way. It isn't that difficult to figure out the true costs.
I understand what you are saying, and in a “normal” case of an average price handgun and times it would sometimes be a good way to go. But with a budget of $250, you are eating a lot of that budget up will fees and taxes. And telling OP to save more, not be poor, or search other places that will cost you more I don’t see as being…….smart or even possible.
With OP’s budget, private sales is the best way to get the most out of his meager budget.
Lefty
I agree with you, anyone buying a firearm online needs to be aware of FFL transfer fee, shipping, and taxes. That being said new folks buying guns should also be aware of selling prices so they don't get screwed over buying from a dealer or face to face in private sale. Except for the Star BM, any good gun shop should be able to match most of the prices I listed on commonly available new / newer low $ guns.
I look on Armslist frequently and see private sellers jacking up their selling prices of commonly available cheap guns. Basically it's face to face "no paperwork" tax on the stupid / uninformed.
Private sales are a great way to go if you can find someone that has what you want. Sometimes if acquaintances learn you are looking for something they will offer something they have or someone will just out of the blue mention they have something they wish to sell. If seeking a private sale I would browse local forums. Of course once you buy the pistol you still need to round up ammunition, holster, etc. That is one good thing about a private sale is someone might throw in a holster. It can be hard to find them though.
It is still good to know the online prices even if going to a private sale. If nothing else it gives a point of reference for prices.
1942bull
Member
I carried the LC9s for years. The EC9s is the budget model of the LC9s and it has a less expensive finish and the sight are small and milled into the slide. The sights are not so good but would suffice at close contact. The EC9S is within the OP’s price range. So would a used LC9s be, and Ruger services all owners the same. Plus they gave great CS unlike Taurus. I no longer carry my LC9s. I wanted more capacity. I bought a Ruger Security 9 Compact. I have two 10 round magazines and two 15 round magazines for it. I also have a LCP Ii. If you compare the relative sizes of those 3 pistols you will see why I now carry the Security 9 compact with the 15 round magazine. The gun used is probably over the OP’s price range. It might be worth springing a bit more for because Ruger stands by their guns. And the tyrnnaround time on any service is excellent. Here’s a comparison of my three pistols.
And Vance’s Outdoors has a sale on the EC9S, around $229! Well with in the OP’s price range, even with taxes.
I personally would carry an EC9S if they left off the safety.
Thinking I may go for a better brand. 300-400 maybe. Will look at a few recommended models in store...
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Terry G
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This is very true. You may see a gun you want at an LGS for $300.00, You need to add background check and tax. Buy on line for $25.00 less and it will cost you more for shipping, Transfer Fee, Tax, and background check in the end. Besides, you see what your buying not a picture on your screen.
Elkins45
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I’ve seen the Ruger Security 9 (both compact and full sized) listed at around $330 from a couple of different stores.
Jim NE
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As much as I appreciate nice quality handguns for defense, I'm not sure I'd go along with the "save your money for a nice gun" slogan. I think a better rule of thumb would be, "save your money for a minimum acceptable quality gun...and trade up for a nice gun at some later date."
If it's going to take a year and a half to save 500 bucks or more for the gun, that'll be a year and a half you go without protection. Hi Points are too big for CC for most people, so you'll have to spend more than that. If you buy a gun used you can pay a lower price, as many others have said.
The first incarnation of the gun that gave Taurus a reputation for low price and acceptable reliability for defense was the PT 111 G2. Before that gun, I don't think Taurus offered a model of concealed carry semi-auto pistol that was UNIVERSALLY accepted by the shooting public as a gun that was generally reliable enough for self defense. There were some good big pistols - like their version of the 1911 or the Beretta 92 - but not much in concealed carry, even though they offered a wide range of small pistols. Their reputation was hit or miss before the PT 111 G2. I bought a new PT 111 G2 for like $229 back when they were available, and was impressed enough that I bought a used example for $179, too. Both guns have been 100% reliable for me. Taurus followed up with the G2c and the G3c (I believe) and they seem to have a similarly good reputation, but I've never owned either of those models so I can't speak first hand.
Neither is the quality of my Kimber Micro 9, but if you buy the Taurus used you can sell it when you have enough cash for a Kimber or Sig, and not lose too much money. Keltecs can be made to work reliably, but in my experience, they aren't guns that can handle high round counts. Maybe a used S&W 442 revolver could be acquired inexpensively. Probably other models out there too. Best wishes.
If it's going to take a year and a half to save 500 bucks or more for the gun, that'll be a year and a half you go without protection. Hi Points are too big for CC for most people, so you'll have to spend more than that. If you buy a gun used you can pay a lower price, as many others have said.
The first incarnation of the gun that gave Taurus a reputation for low price and acceptable reliability for defense was the PT 111 G2. Before that gun, I don't think Taurus offered a model of concealed carry semi-auto pistol that was UNIVERSALLY accepted by the shooting public as a gun that was generally reliable enough for self defense. There were some good big pistols - like their version of the 1911 or the Beretta 92 - but not much in concealed carry, even though they offered a wide range of small pistols. Their reputation was hit or miss before the PT 111 G2. I bought a new PT 111 G2 for like $229 back when they were available, and was impressed enough that I bought a used example for $179, too. Both guns have been 100% reliable for me. Taurus followed up with the G2c and the G3c (I believe) and they seem to have a similarly good reputation, but I've never owned either of those models so I can't speak first hand.
Neither is the quality of my Kimber Micro 9, but if you buy the Taurus used you can sell it when you have enough cash for a Kimber or Sig, and not lose too much money. Keltecs can be made to work reliably, but in my experience, they aren't guns that can handle high round counts. Maybe a used S&W 442 revolver could be acquired inexpensively. Probably other models out there too. Best wishes.
Skylerbone
Member
I was at the range yesterday with a good friend who bought a G2c two months ago. His only issue was sight regulation and he has adjusted POA to POI allowing him fist size groups rapid fire at 15 yards. He’s got 1,000 rounds in with it without failure and will add another 100 rounds this afternoon when we next shoot. Price locally was $249.
He also owns a Taurus 66 revolver purchased in 1993 iirc as well as a 99 purchased around the same time. Both completely reliable and both quality firearms. I wish I had had the foresight to do the same back then, he simply couldn’t convince me that some Brazilian manufacturer could make good firearms at their asking price.
He also owns a Taurus 66 revolver purchased in 1993 iirc as well as a 99 purchased around the same time. Both completely reliable and both quality firearms. I wish I had had the foresight to do the same back then, he simply couldn’t convince me that some Brazilian manufacturer could make good firearms at their asking price.
Wildbillz
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I picked up a Taurus G3C several month back for $300 out the door at a local shop. I have run maybe 500 rounds through it. So far no issues. The double strike trigger takes a little getting use to. But other wise I like it. The sights are replaceable with any Glock pattern sight and apparently Sig 226 mags (or similar) will work in it. I haven't tried the Sig Mag swap yet. I think its a good contender for a budget protection piece.
WB
WB
Tallball
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My Taurus G2c was a good pistol. It was pretty much a "tribute" to the Glock 26. They can even use the same holsters. I kept the G26 and traded the G2c because I somewhat preferred the Glock's trigger. Their accuracy was the same and neither one ever malfunctioned. I still have a 32acp version of the precursor PT111. It also functions perfectly.
Kahr makes some small 9mm pistols that might be affordable used. I got the 40 caliber version used for next to nothing (maybe a little over $200 OTD) because no one was bidding on it.
Whatever the new Ruger is... EC9 or something like that... is probably pretty good. I've heard good things about them, and I own the its ancestor, the LCP9s pro, which is a nice pistol. The Rugers are affordable and are probably available used.
The small Kel-Tec 9mm's have a reputation for reliability, ugliness, and stiff triggers. I got the larger one... maybe held 11 rounds? It was literally "dirt cheap" because it was filthy and no one would bid on it. I got it for less than $200 OTD and it went bang every time. I finally traded it towards something else (not losing a penny, because it was all cleaned up) with a better trigger (as per Jim NE above).
If it doesn't have to be a semiauto, Taurus and Charter Arms both make, in my experience, mostly decent reliable revolvers that are available inexpensively used and will get the job done until better times come around. (As per Skylerbone above, I have owned Model 66's and Model 85's and a Model 99 since the late 1980's and they have all served me well.)
Kahr makes some small 9mm pistols that might be affordable used. I got the 40 caliber version used for next to nothing (maybe a little over $200 OTD) because no one was bidding on it.
Whatever the new Ruger is... EC9 or something like that... is probably pretty good. I've heard good things about them, and I own the its ancestor, the LCP9s pro, which is a nice pistol. The Rugers are affordable and are probably available used.
The small Kel-Tec 9mm's have a reputation for reliability, ugliness, and stiff triggers. I got the larger one... maybe held 11 rounds? It was literally "dirt cheap" because it was filthy and no one would bid on it. I got it for less than $200 OTD and it went bang every time. I finally traded it towards something else (not losing a penny, because it was all cleaned up) with a better trigger (as per Jim NE above).
If it doesn't have to be a semiauto, Taurus and Charter Arms both make, in my experience, mostly decent reliable revolvers that are available inexpensively used and will get the job done until better times come around. (As per Skylerbone above, I have owned Model 66's and Model 85's and a Model 99 since the late 1980's and they have all served me well.)
bc38
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AMEN!
And the answer is....A lot I just can't afford 15-20 Secret Service agents following me around 24/7
JMHO no need to apologize for the truth
SSCY No safety required, it works like a DAO revolver (trigger pull included). It's just a bottom feeder instead of a good old wheel gun. OPS didn't mean to start the auto v. revolver debate.
Anchorite
Member
In the FWIW category, I have a buddy who picked up a Taurus G3 (I think that’s the correct model) recently for something like $250-275 out the door, and he loves it.
I’m not personally into the “sub compact” craze - my limit is in the G19 size category- but that Taurus shoots friggin bug holes for a gun that size.
I’m not personally into the “sub compact” craze - my limit is in the G19 size category- but that Taurus shoots friggin bug holes for a gun that size.
Autodidactic
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Honestly, exactly what I have. A S&W 9mm Shield I got used but in perfect condition for $270. Great gun, 100% reliable. See if you can find a used one also.
Atavar
Member
Let’s not forget the Barretta BU9. No safety but a great size to conceal in 9mm.
Easy to find under $300. CT laser available.
Personally I don’t want a manual safety on my EDC. If I pull the trigger it should go bang.
Easy to find under $300. CT laser available.
Personally I don’t want a manual safety on my EDC. If I pull the trigger it should go bang.
THEWELSHM
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Most of the above are garbage, and down right dangerous.. save up for a better gun..
Thewelshm
Autodidactic
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Right, something I've considered with online sales too is the opportunity cost of the effort. Assuming both one of my LGS' and an online source have the same handgun I want, the online source has to be cheaper enough (including shipping and transfer fees) that the opportunity cost of effort and time to get it all shipped and taken care of is worth it. If it's $50+ cheaper after all fees, maybe. Less than that? No. I have other time costs from work to family, rest, etc. A $30 cheaper handgun online is not worth my time if I can just get it from the range I always go to with less effort.
It goes both ways. Sometimes people will say that Bass Pro or a similar store has $16 9mm right now. Yes, and I pick it up when I happen to be there. However, Bass Pro and such shops are about 40 minutes away from me. Again, the difference between big box prices and online sales has to be worth it for me to make a 1.5 hour round trip. It is not worth it for $2.00 cheaper unless one is buying a lot.
bdickens
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Pure Bovine Excrement.
Autodidactic
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Nah, used original shields are going up to $300. I just saw a used .45 shield 1.0 for like $325 or something.
However, I bought my 9mm shield used for $270 and it was worth every dime. That was during covid, so it was a good price for the times. I think if someone can find a used Shield and needs a budget quality 9mm, that's a great choice. Mine is sitting on my nightstand as we speak.
THEWELSHM
Member
Obviously the level of firearm purchase referenced in your descent. I owned a CPX 1 SCCY was back at Daytona more than I shot it, name one police or military branch that utilizes any of the above? For what it’s worth a buddy of mine has a Taurus I think 686? He’s banged about 50k rounds thru it, not bad, but that’s not what is being discussed in this thread....
Thewelshm
twarr1
Member
Ruger makes pistols for exactly your requirements. EC9 or Security 9
bdickens
Member
Could you say that in English? My gibberish is kinda rusty.
Hasty Generalization fallacy.
Means nothing. There are plenty of top tier manufacturers who don't have juicy military or law enforcement contracts either.
Oh, so I guess Tauri aren't all "garbage."
(How y'all like that Latinate plural?)
No one is pretending that Taurus, KelTec and SCCY have the same fit, finish and attention to detail as some of the higher end brand, but that hardly makes them either "garbage" or "dangerous."
On the other hand, S&W and Colt (among others) have produced some real turds as well.
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