Rasputin747
Member
So I am in the market for a new pistol, and I have set myself a $350 limit. That's not a lot of cash. I was really thinking a Makarov, but I just wanted to see what anyone else had to say?
$350 limit.
- Thread starter Rasputin747
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KingAirDriver
Member
For that you could probably get most KelTecs, probably a Taurus PT111, I think I've seen Stoeger Courgars for about that much, and I think Budsgunshop is selling M&Ps right now for around $399 or so? I know you said Tree-fitty...but what's another fitty bucks if you can get an M&P?! 
Rasputin747
Member
Eh, yeah but I'm a conservative spender and I love old commie guns. Cheap, durable, reliable, built like mini-tanks. This gun is going to be used for defense purposes. Home since I dont have a CCW license.
yhtomit
Member
Rasputin:
What's the pistol to be used for?
There really are quite a few options that don't break your budget, and many others that woudn't break it if you're willing to include a bonus like "that jar of coins on the nightstand" or similar
Used guns aside (I'm sure a lot of people are thinking that you should get a police trade-in J-frame, just because that's IMO one of the cliche answers this question always gets, whether or not it's a great idea), I think that $350 is the MSRP of the Stoeger Cougar, which feels like a great gun. I haven't shot it, but a) at heart it's a Beretta, and I'd be surprised if the quality was other than completely acceptable and b) if the maker's hype is even partly credible, the rotating barrel system should make it a soft-recoiling gun. (Plus, it's not small, which would help on that count.)
If you're looking for a CCW autopistol (which I'm guessing from the option of Makarov), you might also consider a P11 from Kel-Tec.
There's also the sig (226, IIRC?) that Gander Mountain stores have been selling lately used (some great condition, some so-so) for exactly your price limit; I wouldn't complain if someone handed me a Sig I don't know if Gander Mt. is in Indiana, but markets are markets, so that seems like a price you could at least aim for in that type of gun. Ammo cheaper than 9mm Makarov, too.
timothy
What's the pistol to be used for?
There really are quite a few options that don't break your budget, and many others that woudn't break it if you're willing to include a bonus like "that jar of coins on the nightstand" or similar
Used guns aside (I'm sure a lot of people are thinking that you should get a police trade-in J-frame, just because that's IMO one of the cliche answers this question always gets, whether or not it's a great idea
), I think that $350 is the MSRP of the Stoeger Cougar, which feels like a great gun. I haven't shot it, but a) at heart it's a Beretta, and I'd be surprised if the quality was other than completely acceptable and b) if the maker's hype is even partly credible, the rotating barrel system should make it a soft-recoiling gun. (Plus, it's not small, which would help on that count.) If you're looking for a CCW autopistol (which I'm guessing from the option of Makarov), you might also consider a P11 from Kel-Tec.
There's also the sig (226, IIRC?) that Gander Mountain stores have been selling lately used (some great condition, some so-so) for exactly your price limit; I wouldn't complain if someone handed me a Sig
I don't know if Gander Mt. is in Indiana, but markets are markets, so that seems like a price you could at least aim for in that type of gun. Ammo cheaper than 9mm Makarov, too. timothy
rantingredneck
Member
Ruger P95. 9mm. Built like a tank. Uber reliable. Usually to be found for around $350.00 new. Sometimes you can find deals around $300.00
yhtomit
Member
Now I've read your followup / reply post to someone else's post with similar ideas as my slower typing, and have a new thought:
CZ-83 and a 9mm barrel
That gets you an old commie pistol, plus 9mm Luger -- two guns in one, for (basing on the wind, the phase of the moon, and what I remember from a recent gun show) something well under $300. (I saw the pistol for $189, I think, and the 9mm barrels that I've seen have been $50-80.)
timothy
CZ-83 and a 9mm barrel
That gets you an old commie pistol, plus 9mm Luger -- two guns in one, for (basing on the wind, the phase of the moon, and what I remember from a recent gun show) something well under $300. (I saw the pistol for $189, I think, and the 9mm barrels that I've seen have been $50-80.)
timothy
KevininPa
Member
Cz82
CZ82's are going rather inexpensively these days. Do a search on them. I have a CZ83 myself and find it to be very reliable. Paid a little over $350 with taxes and such. The 82's are rather plentiful now the same way Mak's were at one time.
Kevin in Pa
CZ82's are going rather inexpensively these days. Do a search on them. I have a CZ83 myself and find it to be very reliable. Paid a little over $350 with taxes and such. The 82's are rather plentiful now the same way Mak's were at one time.
Kevin in Pa
Rasputin747
Member
Well, I looked at the world.guns.ru page on the CZ-83 and I'm impressed. All this does is make my decision harder! I like the Makarov, but the CZ seems like a brother to it...
I think I'll have to go to the gun store and see for myself maybe?
I think I'll have to go to the gun store and see for myself maybe?
BADUNAME13
Member
I saw you wanted it for home defense... look into the Tokorev... I understand there are some GOOD defensive loads being made, and the Romanian's being sold now are EXCELLENT (I have two) and are ~$250, and come with 2 mags...
AND it's a GREAT knock off of a Browning design, and so feels GREAT!
(You can get a 9mm barrel if you want and be ~ $350 total)
AND it's a GREAT knock off of a Browning design, and so feels GREAT!
(You can get a 9mm barrel if you want and be ~ $350 total)
GunNut
Member
Used Glock. Many Glock 17, 19, 22 and 23's out there right now around $350.
Steve
Steve
gaudio5
Member
you can find a rick island
cslinger
Member
Eat Raman for another week, squeeze out an extra $20 and pick something up with a little class and a lot of history.
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Sig_Sauer_P225_P6_9mm_Pistol.html
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Sig_Sauer_P225_P6_9mm_Pistol.html
ftierson
Member.
Personally, I'd use my $350 to pick up one of the 'new' Stoeger Cougars in either 9x19mmP or .40S&W (and I'd pick the 9mm)...
Even with sales tax, you shouldn't be much over the $350 self imposed limit...
Forrest
Even with sales tax, you shouldn't be much over the $350 self imposed limit...
Forrest
jeff-10
Member
Prices are higher where I live than other places and you really can't get much here for $350. I say a used Taurus or possibly a Bersa. Around here, with cash in hand, gun shows are usually the best option.
cslinger
Member
ain't nothing wrong with a brand new CZ for $350
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=74563812
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=74563812
elkhuntingfool
member
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check gunbroker.com - I picked up a Taurus PT145 for $250. It was a great steal at that price - looked for quite some time, but bargains are out there. Check pawn shops. I've seen new Bersa's for around $300-350.
lee n. field
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$350 will get you into a Mak with extra goodies with money left over. Don't forget, you'll need magazines and ammo.
Say what? A 9x19 barrel for the Makarov sized blowback CZ-83? I'm dubious.
Say what? A 9x19 barrel for the Makarov sized blowback CZ-83? I'm dubious.
My East German Makarovs are the best $300 guns I've ever owned, and you should be able to find a Bulgarian under that. A Mak is my daily carry gun in cooler weather, when I can cover the holster with a sweater or jacket. Dead nuts reliable and will hit a 12 inch steel plate at 50 yards every time if I do the job. I prefer the safe hammer drop available on the Makarov as compared to the CZ-82/83 which requires that you lower the hammer with your thumb if you don't want to carry it cocked and locked (which I don't.)
That said, I must admit that I'm attracted to the CZ-82/83 for their smoother double action trigger and double stack magazine. The 82s are available for about $200 these days, but I understand that they have one spring that apparently is easily lost if you disassemble the thing (even accidentally) and it CANNOT be replaced from CZ. The 83s have a different spring in that position that doesn't have the same problem and can be replaced, so if the 83 is within your price range it might be preferable.
BTW, I do NOT believe you can safely put a 9mm Luger barrel on a CZ-82/83 frame. The CZs are designed for, at most, the 9mm Makarov cartridge, which operates WAY below the pressure of 9mm Luger. That's why the CZs (and Makarovs) can get away with a blowback action, while virtually all 9mm Luger handguns use some sort of locked breech mechanism.
That said, I must admit that I'm attracted to the CZ-82/83 for their smoother double action trigger and double stack magazine. The 82s are available for about $200 these days, but I understand that they have one spring that apparently is easily lost if you disassemble the thing (even accidentally) and it CANNOT be replaced from CZ. The 83s have a different spring in that position that doesn't have the same problem and can be replaced, so if the 83 is within your price range it might be preferable.
BTW, I do NOT believe you can safely put a 9mm Luger barrel on a CZ-82/83 frame. The CZs are designed for, at most, the 9mm Makarov cartridge, which operates WAY below the pressure of 9mm Luger. That's why the CZs (and Makarovs) can get away with a blowback action, while virtually all 9mm Luger handguns use some sort of locked breech mechanism.
Technosavant
Member
1) Get your C&R license
2) Have a nice CZ 82 shipped to your door, along with a bunch of ammo.
2) Have a nice CZ 82 shipped to your door, along with a bunch of ammo.
BADUNAME13
Member
Other pistols I've bought under $350:
Russian .380 MAK
Glock 19, 17
S&W 13, 14, 65, 66, 1917, 649, Victory model
CZ52
CZ75B
1911 Springfield
Kel Tec P32, P11, P40
Ruger P90
Walther PP
Hi Power
NAA .22 Mag
Taurus .38
And I'm sure a few others...
Russian .380 MAK
Glock 19, 17
S&W 13, 14, 65, 66, 1917, 649, Victory model
CZ52
CZ75B
1911 Springfield
Kel Tec P32, P11, P40
Ruger P90
Walther PP
Hi Power
NAA .22 Mag
Taurus .38
And I'm sure a few others...
Any police trade should be a good deal. Maybe some exterior mileage and wear, but the mechanicals should be relatively unused.
I'd shop for a used gun with that budget and watch gunbroker, auction arms and the likes until you find what you want.
+1 on used sigs, that's a $500-$600 gun new, maybe more, for only $369, sweet.
Your wish list says East German Makarov, I'd start there.
I have enough guns for now, I have enough guns for now, darn these threads....
I'd shop for a used gun with that budget and watch gunbroker, auction arms and the likes until you find what you want.
+1 on used sigs, that's a $500-$600 gun new, maybe more, for only $369, sweet.
Your wish list says East German Makarov, I'd start there.
I have enough guns for now, I have enough guns for now, darn these threads....
Tomcat47
Member
I vote Taurus or as above an old reliable Ruger P95. I am a Taurus fan to say the least but the P95 can be found very reasonable and it is a tank. The Taurus wuld be easier to conceal, however the coposite frame is jst not my cup of tea...and thats just a opinion thing.
I like Metal!
I like Metal!
waterhouse
Member
CDNN had the Steyr pistold for $350. Hard to beat that price for a new gun. As other have mentioned, the used market can yield some good buys as well. Try to get to a gun store and try them out to find out what fits your hand.
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