a cheap 9mm or other gun

[Shootcraps]

1911s in general, regardless of their manufacturer are likely to need tuning before they run quite right.

Then I'm a very lucky man. ALL of my 1911s (9 of them) have all been 100% without a gunsmith touching them. I should buy a lottery ticket before my luck runs out.

It might be more correct to say that any 1911 that deviates from JMBs design specs, might need some tuning. A box-stock 1911 to spec should eat ball ammo all day long.

With a $200 budget I'd recommend a used S&W, Ruger or Taurus revolver. All of them have lifetime warranties, and you could shoot lots of 38wadcutter for practice.

I don't have any experience with the Maks, but I hear they are pretty good guns.

 

[Ukraine Train]

Can't believe no one's mentioned Arcus yet. They come in four flavors, all about $250 new. Most parts are interchangeable with hi powers. There's the 94 (SA fullsize), 94C (SA compact), 98 (DA fullsize), and 98C (DA compact). I have a 98C and love it. After a few thousand rounds the only problem I had was a broken extractor but other than that it's been great.

 

[cookekdjr]

I know this is a semi-auto thread, but I feel obligated to suggest a S&W Model 10 police trade-in.
Under $200, and .38 special is available everywhere.
-David

 

[bestseller92]

You can find Ruger P95 9mms in great condition for less than $225 if you shop around.

 

[foghornl]

Not sure if they have stores in your area, but around here (NE Ohio) Gander Mountain chain has the Bersa Thunder .380 for under $230, N-I-B.

While I am not a fan of the .380 cartridge, it WILL get the job done if you do your part. I have shot a couple of Maks over the last few years. Shot them pretty well for the size of the gun and those very tiny micro-sights.

Have seen Maks for sale at or under the $200 mark, so look around a bit.

 

[MCgunner]

If you like the Mak and don't like the caliber, they do make 'em in .380ACP, pretty common caliber. I've often though I'd like to get a Mak to play with, doubt I'd wanna carry it much. I have a Kel Tec P11 that I prefer for carry, lighter, smaller, more powerful, and accurate. It fits in a pocket and a Mak would have to be carried IWB. If I'm going to carry IWB, might as well load up the Ruger P90 with .45ACPs and carry the KT as a back up in the pocket. A Mak would be a fun gun to play with, but then I could say that about a LOT of guns. Heck, I've got a LOT of guns that fit in that category that I don't carry.

 

[cookekdjr]

Suggestions: Used .38/.357 revolver, or .380 Bersa, or Mak.
-David

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Bersa.
www.bersafirearmsusa.com

 

[weregunner]

A couple of suggestions. If you want a cheap gun and can't find a Makarov, then maybe a CZ 82 or 83 would do. Go to www.makarov.com . They sell them there and the other sponsors of the message board have them if the Mak store doesn't. AIM surplus and the other military stores there should have something. J&G Sales also has CZs. Bud's Gun Shop is a good place to find any used or new 9mm. and the prices are hard to beat. J&G Sales has Ruger P94s on sale within your budget. Are there any gunshows in your area? Used Ruger P series 9s would be a good bet.Good luck on your search.

 

[seeker_two]

In this price range, I'd also look at some of the Spanish autopistos. Star Model B's, BM's, and Firestars in 9mm can be found on the surplus or used market for under $200, and they will work well with most non-+P ammo. I have a Firestar M43 that I bought for $150, and it works great with S&B FMJ & Pow'R'Ball ammo (my preference).

Astra and Llama autos can also be found inexpensively. Astra is a great brand, but the Llama's can be hit-or-miss in quality-- caveat emptor.

Happy shopping....