21 yr old on a budget needs a gun

[GLOOB]

Check the price of gas before you buy the car. You may be more interested in a 9mm. Unless you reload, sending perfectly good .45 ACP ammo downrange out of a Hi-Point on a regular basis is just plain wrong. That's like buying a Yugo that can only run on premium racing fuel and using it for your daily commute.

If you wanna shoot a cheap gun on a weekly basis, make sure it shoots cheap ammo. 9mm luger or 9x18 mak are two calibers to give some consideration. Buying a .45 ACP Hi-Point because you like the 1911 is a pretty big stretch.

 

[Dr.Rob]

I'm not going to join in the hi-point bashing but they are BIG for a CCW pistol. You won't find a great many accessories for them, also adding a compensator just makes them bigger. I had a comp mounted on a 1911, I noticed a SLIGHT reduction in muzzle flip, zero reduuction of recoil. It's sitting on a shelf someplace gathering dust.

I'd recommend the Yugo pistol as more practical for a carry gun. Commercial ammo is available from Winchester, Prvi and others and surplus ammo is plentiful and cheap. Just make sure you clean it religiously when shooting that surplus ammo, it's almost all corrosive.

 

[Tomcat47]

^^^Like moderator Im not gonna bash Hi Point ^^^^^
I had one myself....but it is IMO not going to fill your desire for a 1911!

Unless it is a cannot wait situation.... I believe you will leave yourself still wanting!

A little more saving and you could Park a Taurus 1911 in your ownership and be as happy as a man can be...IMO Again!

And I have never seen a Taurus 1911 used for $200 price point?

If I could find that deal, I would buy a boat load of them and give you one!

But HAPPY GUN huntin and I hope you fill your needs....

 

[PabloJ]

While I do not care for the 9x18 cartridge the Czechoslovak police/security service cz-82 is hard deal to beat.

 

[harmon rabb]

CDNN has CZ-82's for $150 or so these days. That is, by far, your best choice for a budget gun. It can serve fine for home defense, it is small enough to be carried, and it is comfortable to shoot with a great trigger. It's NOT a budget gun -- it's a $500 gun that costs $150 for some reason. Ammo is cheap and plentiful by the way, but you'll need to order it online.

The only real contender is the Makarov, but they're about $230 these days. I will say that the Makarov is more compact that the CZ-82, and if your main goal is carry, you may want to spend the extra money on a Makarov. However, the CZ-82 has a nicer trigger, larger capacity magazines, and is honestly not difficult to carry.

The fact that anybody would consider a hi-point over a CZ-82 or Makarov is laughable, to say the least.

 

[mcdonl]

I had a HI point and because of the way its was designed it would jam when fired by Me or my friend period!

Hi Points are not good beginner guns because of their design and they are suspect to limp wristing.

Personally, if it were me... I would do my best to find a Norinco L213... great full sized 9mm, reliable and feels a lot like a 1907....

Good gun.

 

[rockheadd]

Gonna have to go with those recommending the CZ82. They really are a $500 handgun available for $150.00
12+1 mag, fires HP, very good trigger, ulta-reliable, feels "just right", ambi controls...Easy field strip, accurate, yada, yada...
There isn't a better pistol out there under $250.00.
The Mak would be better for CC...I've carried both IWB and the Mak wins due to it's being thinner and lighter.
If I had to choose between the two, I wouldn't.
Don't just accept a weapon because your budget won't allow a better one. Would you but a Yugo today rather than something better next month?
Save-up for a couple months and get a .45 if you must, but if you positively, absolutely can't wait for some reason, go with the CZ82 today.
I'll bet that you won't be disappointed.

 

[rellascout]

Anyone on budget does not need a 45 acp IMHO. If your gun budget is $200. Get yourself something that will be cheaper to shoot. 500 rounds of 45 ACP will cost you $175.

The CZ82 is a decent sub $200 gun. I would look for something in 9mm or 9mm marakov. They are much more affordable to shoot which after all is the best part of owning a gun. Has anyone gotten a CZ82 from CDNN. It was my understanding that they show a lot of finish wear but internally are in good shape.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Save up another $100 for a brand new Ruger P95.

Everybody says how big they are--but that is flat out false---put side by side-- the deminsions are exactly the same as a Glock 19--other than the grip being 1/4 to 1/2in longer----no big deal and its half the price of the Glock.

You'll get a rugged--reliable--cheap to shoot 9mm--backed by one of the best companies out there. Remember to clean it before you take it out shooting.

Now that I look at your location----these are made in your home town.

 

[DEAHEAT]

Hi Points are not good beginner guns because of their design and they are suspect to limp wristing.

Nailed it i"m not bashing i"m saving his life! I owned one it was garbage never even got past 100 rounds before it was gone

 

[frankiestoys]

Hi point .380 9mm .40 .45 $150+
Armscor revolver .38 $190+
EAA revolver .357 $240 +
Mak auto 9mm $200+
Ruger P-95 9mm $299 +
A used Rossi or Taurus revolver $200+

 

[Shadow 7D]

Get the mil sup, either the Tokarev or a 9mm Mak will do you great, much cheaper ammo bill compared to even a 9mm, and if you want a trail gun, a tok will do you good stead with anything short of a Grizzly

Oh, and I should point out that Ammo is the most expensive part of the gun, actual gun is rather cheap after a few thousand rounds

 

[Thompsoncustom]

Well for your price range I would say the best bet is a cz 52 which takes the 7.62X25 rounds or the cz 82. I have a hi point and they work just fine but are a bigger heavy gun and not the best for CC doesn't mean you can't just wouldn't be my first pick. The cz52 is a keep gun to shoot because of all the surplus ammo but really there is a lot of different guns you can get used for under 200 if you look around.

If you have more money like 400 or 500 then the RIA 1911 is a good buy or the cz 75b which is a great gun but you most likely won't find them onder 200

 

[JTH]

Unfortunately most of the posters, didn't help you one bit and I probably won't either. Is the pistol for SD, there's just not much out in your budget price range, that will really do the job. If you could add about $50 more your getting into the Makarovs and Tokerevs. My only pistol is a Norinco 9mm Tok but I purchased it back in the mid 90's NIB $110, now they're double that+ but it's a durable tough proven pistol(small capacity mag though). Hi-Point is the only semi auto pistol in you price range. DO NOT let the gun snobs sway you! If you don't need a consealable pistol, you won't go wrong but I wouldn't put my life on the line but it's a hell of lot better than nothing. You will not find a better warranty even on high end weapons. I have one of their 9mm carbines, it works just fine but it's one fugly rifle. I've been looking for another high capacity semi auto pistol. Academy has the SW Sigmas for $299.
I've heard good and bad about them but that's what's tough some high end pistol aren't great. I know this doesn't help but I've narrowed my choices down to either a Stoeger Cougar(Beretta) 9mm/45ACP or a Sig 9mm both about $400. I've never liked the composite frame pistol but that's me Glock have been around a long time 45ACP can be had for about $550+. I really have no need to carry but for trips I'd like a higher capacity semi auto pistol. Your going to have to find one because if you order you end up paying shipping and FFL paper work. Last week Academy had the Hi Point in the $150 range. So you can walk with a new pistol and ammo for under $200.
I recommend finding a lay away plan and go for a better quality pistol but there are so many pistols out there unless you're very knowledgable, it's tough.
Good luck, with they way things are going, we all need a SD weapon. If it doesn't have to be a pistol a decent 12 ga. shotgun is within your budget. I still plan on purchasing a Draco AK pistol very reasonably priced for what you get, especially if you have an AK, accessories for under $425-$450. See what I mean one is not enough but you have to start somewhere!

Norinco MAK90, Norinco SKS, Remington 870 Police Issue 12 ga. Hi-Point 9mm Carbine, Vintage Winchester Model 72 Bolt Action 22 rifle, Norinco 9mm Tokerev pistol, enough ammo to start a small war!
JT

 

[gudel]

There is point where the budget just becomes unreasonable

yup, $200 is no budget. Save it up, you get more choices at $500. at $200, you can get a new Hi Point, but you can't compare with the higher end guns.

 

[harmon rabb]

Get the mil sup, either the Tokarev or a 9mm Mak will do you great, much cheaper ammo bill compared to even a 9mm, and if you want a trail gun, a tok will do you good stead with anything short of a Grizzly

I say no to the tok due to the lack of good defense ammo out there, and due to the fact there's no safe way to carry a tok with one in the tube.

yup, $200 is no budget. Save it up, you get more choices at $500. at $200, you can get a new Hi Point, but you can't compare with the higher end guns.

a $150 cz-82 has all the features of a $500 gun. more than some $500 guns. and a better trigger than almost all $500 guns. the only downside is that they're chambered in what some consider to be a marginal caliber. as long as you're not a big caliber snob and are ok with 9x18, the cz-82 is one of the best values on the market.

 

[Mike J]

There are some of the Norinco 213 Tokarevs in 9 mm luger. A buddy of mine has one & it is a pretty nice gun.

 

[Onmilo]

Mil surp pros, cheaper than RIA
Cons, no spare parts and expensive spare magazines

The RIA can be easily upgraded as time and money allow.
Standard barrel so reloading cartridges with lead bullets makes for cheap shooting, again, as time and money allows.
It will be more reliable than the Hi-Point too.

Save your pennies and buy something I am betting will make you more satisfied than a smaller caliber mil surp. or the Hi-Point. HTH

 

[harmon rabb]

Mil surp pros, cheaper than RIA
Cons, no spare parts and expensive spare magazines

I'd like to point out that neither of these apply to Makarovs. Spare parts are available, spare mags aren't too expensive. Plus they don't really break.

I don't think parts are an issue for the cz-82 either, because the cz-83 is still produced, and it's the same darn gun (only chambered in 380). Extra mags are like $30/ea, so you do have a point on the price of mags.

 

[rellascout]

I'd like to point out that neither of these apply to Makarovs. Spare parts are available, spare mags aren't too expensive. Plus they don't really break.

I don't think parts are an issue for the cz-82 either, because the cz-83 is still produced, and it's the same darn gun (only chambered in 380). Extra mags are like $30/ea, so you do have a point on the price of mags.

The CZ82 meets all the requirements for the OP. IMHO it is miles ahead of a Hi Point.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

Could put a Rock Island 1911 on layaway with $200

 

[rellascout]

Could put a Rock Island 1911 on layaway with $200

Yup and take out a loan in order to afford to shoot it. LOL

Again if you can only afford a $200 pistol 45 ACP is not the caliber for you. The cost of the gun will be eclipsed before you hit 600 rounds which IMHO is really just a few range sessions.

 

[millertyme]

Sounds like someone needs a reality check. The guy lives in Prescott, in the same town as JG Sales, who has lots of decent guns and great prices on new, used, and milsurps. When you think you need a gun, your preference for caliber and pistol size is diminished when your budget doesn't put you in the ballpark, let alone the same area code as what you want. The Hi Point is a great firearm for the price, but you say you're looking for something to CC, which makes sense since AZ has constitutional carry. You can't afford a .45ACP 1911. A Hi Point is certainly not a 1911 and if you're against getting one for your purposes then you need to reconsider your caliber. Especially if you thinking of using it for weekend shooting. A few weekends of shooting .45 ACP could easily cost you a couple hundred alone, depending on what you call weekend shooting. Go over to JG and look at the Tok's (great round, pistol modeled after the Browning designed 1903), the Makarov pistols (both the CZ and the other offerings) and maybe a Bersa in .380, all of which work fine for stopping people, despite what some individuals you encounter will tell you. I've said often that if it came down to buying a gun on less budget than I previously have (I own a CZ 75B, hardly an expensive handgun), I would pick up a CZ 82 - double stack magazine, excellent ergos, extremely reliable, a little over $200, and ammo is pretty cheap. Forget the .45 and get something you can not only afford right now, but something you can afford to shoot and become proficient with. It will cost you almost exactly half of what a bottom-end 1911, will cost nearly half as much to shoot, and if you still think you need a 45, all the money it will save you in the long run will put that 1911 RIA in your hands. Or, just save your money now and wait instead of buying something you really don't want or like.

FWIW, I have owned several pistols in several different calibers and I still want a CZ-82.

 

[trickyasafox]

59bass and millertyme make great points.

the 22 lr is a great option for an affordable entry gun that will allow you to better your marksmanship. Ruger 22s (I don't care what model) have always been solid in my experience. Smith and Wesson 22 (the sport) is also a very affordable, reliable plinker.

I own a CZ-82 as well as a PA-63. Both are great, affordable guns in 9mm mak and would serve you well. The PA-63 has a bit of bite, as it is an alloy framed gun- however it is a joy to carry.

Used guns can be found in your price range- I have 2 revolvers which I enjoy very much that cost 160ish each (ruger 4inch security six and a colt official police, both with a lot of 'character'). However, deals like that are few and far between, and I wouldn't count on finding one.

If you could raise your budget to 250, your in the range of Kel-tecs, which are also (in my experience) good guns with a good warranty. A p11 is a nice carry gun- though again because its so light, a bit tough for extended shooting sessions. My p11 doesn't get hundreds of rounds down range on every visit.

The people who mention the cost of ammo are speaking truth. even if you shop around online and order good deals, your not gonna walk with 45acp for under 16 or 17 dollars a box after shipping is factored in. I also doubt you lack the resources to reload at this point as well, eliminating that as a cost saving option. There is nothing wrong with buying on a budget, but no one gun can be a great range/carry/defense/affordable all in one package. Like tools, they can be pressed into multiple types of service, with varying success.

 

[JHex]

Thank you all for posting, this is why i joined this forum! Collectively, you have successfully talked me out of high point, which would have been an impulse buy id always regret. Soi think ima go with the tok, i can get one in like new condition for 200, and 1260 rounds for 100. Thanks again!