What would you get for $200?

There are a number of .22lr pistols and revolvers in that price range I would say go to a gun show or good gun shop and look around a little. Might be able to pick up a pretty basic Mark II for that price.

Bersa or KelTec there is also the Cobra 380 it is made in the USA and comes with a life time guaranty

Here's what's going to happen:

He's going to buy some used .22 and then shoot it a bit. While he's there he's going to shoot a friends gun. While shooting his friends gun he is going to think, "I need a .45." After thinking that he is going to get to researching and start saving that 600 dollars to purchase an M&P or something cool like that.

Meanwhile, he's going to realize that there are better .22's and want to sell the one he purchased for a Ruger Mark II-III hunter/target and whalla... he should have just saved 600 bucks and bought a nice gun the first time. Not too mention all of the extra's he will need/want (you decide which one is true).

He'll want a holster, some extra mags, and better sights, etc... that's exactly what I did and every one else does (broadly speaking).

atomd, no one was being superior friend. Like RBernie said, "it was just advice."

You can find used 38s in that range on occasion. I would look for a worn 38 special trade in. Maybe an old armored car gun? I got a Colt Official Police that was very worn on the exterior but mechanically sound for 165 last year. Rabbi had Model 10s for around 200 a little while ago too.

It'll take some looking, but as long as your friend is willing to look for a used gun, I think you could probably find an older revolver that would suit his budget.

I have no experience with 200 dollar autos, but Sigmas do come up in that price range occasionally (by me closer to 250 for them). Basic Mk IIs used could probably be had in that area as well.

3 years ago I got a 2-3/4in blued security six for 250 OTD, but prices on them have gone up a good bit since then.

Tauruses are not not really popular in the shops I frequent, so I couldn't tell you what they are going for used, but they might be an option as well.

I picked up pre Model 10 S&W .39sp for $175 a couple years ago. Not pretty. Not much finish. Tight and accurate.

Obviously used, but hunt long enough and you might be able to find at or very close to the $200 mark:

- Smith Model 10 (honestly, probably be closer to $225)
- Taurus PT92 (I sold mine for $225 - you might get lucky)
- Taurus 66 revolver (saw one at a local pawnshop for $199)
- Jiminez (couldn't resist )
- Ruger Mark II .22 pistol
- Browning Buckmark .22 pistol

I might think of a couple more if I scratched my head harder

Q

I really enjoyed my PA-63. I replaced the main spring, hammer spring, and took some off the extractor spring and ended up with a very nice carry gun for under $200.

Then I sold it.....:banghead:

mosin nagant and a tin of ammo.

CZ82

Private Txn

I love a value challenge. +1 the FEG PA-63. Its a PPK clone chambered in MAK (9x18) which is both affordable and easy to find. Hi Points are a great value as well, but...

I don't know what state you live in but if it is possible to do a private FTF transaction that is the first thing that I would be doing. Look in the classifieds, ask friends and their friends if anybody is selling anything. You won't be paying additional taxes, shipping, FFL, or background checks. Those 4 things will eat into your $200 quickly.

Best of luck to you!

mosin

two mosin revolvers, or one and two boxes of ammo
tt-33
vz-82
fair grade Mauser
fair grade schidt-rubin

Well $200 dollars limits the choices greatly but, you can get
a Armscor M200 (.38 special) for that price.

For a little more you are into Kel Tec and Bersa territory.

For another hundred you can get the S&W Sigmas in 9mm
or .40cal

I would save up a bit more or buy something used.

I'd say trawl the classifieds/pawn shops first just to see whats available. Also look around at the online retailers. You never know what you might run across. This past April I had just purchased a P-11 & told a guy at work about it. He replied-"my neighbor has a P-95 for sale for 200 dollars, if I had known you wanted a gun...." I don't need a P-95 but I might have got it instead of the Kel Tec if I hadn't just spent my rathole money. I'd just take a long look around & examine my options.

I was at the local shop and they had a couple of Hi-Points. I could be wrong but they didn't look as bad as I remember them looking. I mean the steel is painted and the frame looks like two halves screwed or riveted together but they didn't look too bad. Some people on this forum swear by them for truck guns, boat guns, keep in the cabin guns, etc. I think what you probably loose with a Hi-Point for the money is the ability to pass the thing on to you grandkids or whatever...if you shoot it a lot.

$125 NIB.

I picked up pre Model 10 S&W .39sp for $175 a couple years ago.

That .39sp must have some kind of collector value!

OK, just needlin' ya.

I say, take the 200 and an open mind to the next gun show.

Good deals can be had if you ask around a gun club, range, or something similar. My friend happened into a decent shape Sig P6 for $220 from a fellow at our range. Otherwise, I'd say Hi-Point would be better than nothing in that situation, or maybe a used Sigma pending generation. Also as mentioned, the PA-63 can be serviceable, just check it over real well, I've had and seen some PA's that would fire when decocked due to weak springs. Other nice deals are around, he just might have to do some exploring to find the right one...

i'd vote for a hi-point, there not as ugly in person as on the web. and the c9 i have shoots really well and doesn't have much recoil and is not as heavy or chunky as alot of people say.

I paid $100 for a brand new never fired Model 10. A buddy of mine had a whole box full of the things. Now just try and find 38 SW was the challange. Cleaning the waxy crap off it was fun also. Its a victory model.

A used .22 of some type, preferably the Ruger 22/45 if he can find one, since this is just for range time. I don't blast for fun with anything other than a .22 due to the cost of ammo. When I'm shooting centerfires, it's not for fun, it's for training. 9x19 and the other common calibers are just too expensive and scarce to just plink with.

He'll want a holster, some extra mags, and better sights, etc... that's exactly what I did and every one else does (broadly speaking).

atomd, no one was being superior friend. Like RBernie said, "it was just advice."

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Some people are very resistent to advice. The OP's buddy sounds like one of those people, and the only thing you can do is give them the options that absolutely fit the criteria they established. I.e., gun under $200. At least it seems that the OP's friend will not be betting his life on it, so no worries there.


Many of us have realized that the gun is only a part of the equation...mags, ammo, and parts are also a significant cost. New shooters don't realize that until they are buying that stuff. I thought I was totally prepared but still a bit shocked at what I have spent outfitting myself for CCW with good leather, mags, night sights, etc.

Couple of things...

The first (and others have mentioned it here) would be a Mosin and some ammo from your local classifieds. I got that same deal for an M44 and a tin of 440 rounds. The gun was in REAL nice shape and, while not an EBR, it's quite a conversation piece. Especially when you affix the bayonet. The other option would be a used Rem 870 shotgun. However, you'd still be short of ammo. The Mosins are great deals if you need a hard hitting caliber in your collection and you can still find tins for decent prices.

I think what you probably loose with a Hi-Point for the money is the ability to pass the thing on to you grandkids or whatever...if you shoot it a lot.

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Well, considering their Lifetime Warranty which is attached to the gun, it might not work when it gets to your great-great-great-great-grandchild, as long as hi-point is still in buisness they can send it in and basically get it like new again.

Wow, nobody mentioned the most obvious and best choice-- Phoenix Arms .25 ACP

Rossi 357 revolver

If the max you could spend is $200, what would you get? I know the options are limited at that price, but just try to humor me here... Thanks.

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A really nice knife to carry in my pocket.
Maybe a Benchmade or a Spyderco or a Buck or an Emerson.