Best Budget Guns?
- Thread starter ChefGW
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10 Ring Tao
Member
Rifles: 10/22, Mosin, SKS, Mauser, Enfield
Shotguns: Used 870
Handguns: Makarov, Old .38 spl like detective/police specials, .22 ruger autos
Shotguns: Used 870
Handguns: Makarov, Old .38 spl like detective/police specials, .22 ruger autos
BryanP
Member
If you're looking for sub-$250 I assume that ammo cost is an issue as well.
Rifle: SKS (rifle is cheap and reliable, 7.62x39 ammo is cheap)
Shotgun: Used Mossberg 5xxs/Remington 870
Revolver: Used Taurus or Ruger. I bought an older Taurus 66 for $179. Not the prettiest thing but it's a reliable shooter.
Semi-auto: Used Ruger. Probably a 9mm.
Rifle: SKS (rifle is cheap and reliable, 7.62x39 ammo is cheap)
Shotgun: Used Mossberg 5xxs/Remington 870
Revolver: Used Taurus or Ruger. I bought an older Taurus 66 for $179. Not the prettiest thing but it's a reliable shooter.
Semi-auto: Used Ruger. Probably a 9mm.
my picks
Shotgun: Mossberg 500. So many options to choose from.
Rifle: Toss-up between SKS and Ruger 10-22. Own both and they are very accurate (SKS sub MOA at 100yds and 10-22 sub MOA at 75yds)
Revolver: I don't know. I have never owned one.
Semi-Auto: Hi-Point 9mm. Reliable and fun to shoot.
Shotgun: Mossberg 500. So many options to choose from.
Rifle: Toss-up between SKS and Ruger 10-22. Own both and they are very accurate (SKS sub MOA at 100yds and 10-22 sub MOA at 75yds)
Revolver: I don't know. I have never owned one.
Semi-Auto: Hi-Point 9mm. Reliable and fun to shoot.
Rupestris
Member
Rifle - Marlin Model 60, Used Remington Nylon 66 or MN 39 or 44, Used Winchester 94 or Marlin 336.
Shotgun - Mossberg 500, Rem 870 Express, H&R/NEF single shot 20ga.
Revolver - High Standard DoubleNine (used -$99), Rossi .38
Semi-Auto - Ruger Mark III 22/45, Makarov, Bersa Thunder .380, KelTec P11
All of the listed firearms have good reputations and a loyal following for the most part. I'd probably not turn one down if it come around with the right price. In fact, I already have six of the fifteen listed because of the price and thier reputation.
Shotgun - Mossberg 500, Rem 870 Express, H&R/NEF single shot 20ga.
Revolver - High Standard DoubleNine (used -$99), Rossi .38
Semi-Auto - Ruger Mark III 22/45, Makarov, Bersa Thunder .380, KelTec P11
All of the listed firearms have good reputations and a loyal following for the most part. I'd probably not turn one down if it come around with the right price. In fact, I already have six of the fifteen listed because of the price and thier reputation.
Tropical Z
Member
Shotgun--Mossberg 500
Rifle---Unissued Yugo SKS
Revolver---EAA Windicator
Semi-auto--Kind of a toss up.I'd say a Kel-Tec P11.Sub $150.00--definitely Hi-Point
I'm assuming the question was geared toward new guns.
Rifle---Unissued Yugo SKS
Revolver---EAA Windicator
Semi-auto--Kind of a toss up.I'd say a Kel-Tec P11.Sub $150.00--definitely Hi-Point
I'm assuming the question was geared toward new guns.
gbran
Member
Makarov, a little underpowered, but absolutely best bang for the buck. Small enough to ccw carry and more poop than a 380.
rangerruck
Member
1mossberg, 2stevens, remmy, mossberg, savage,3star,keltec,llama,bersa,4taurus. these are for all new. otherwise get used, mostly milsurp.
pinetree64
Member
I have a few surplus rifles.
Yugo SKS; Yugo Mauser M48(a); Mosin Nagant M38. All under $250 most closer to $100. The MN38 and the MN44 are handy little carbines but the workmanship cannot compare to the mausers. The SKS is my SHTF rifle. I am thinking about mounting a scout scope to the Mauser. I have others, but these are the bargains and can be found in great condition.
As for pistols; Ruger 22's, Kel-tecs. CDNN sells a good number of trade ins at good prices. I have a MKII which is a solid fun gun.
tjg
Yugo SKS; Yugo Mauser M48(a); Mosin Nagant M38. All under $250 most closer to $100. The MN38 and the MN44 are handy little carbines but the workmanship cannot compare to the mausers. The SKS is my SHTF rifle. I am thinking about mounting a scout scope to the Mauser. I have others, but these are the bargains and can be found in great condition.
As for pistols; Ruger 22's, Kel-tecs. CDNN sells a good number of trade ins at good prices. I have a MKII which is a solid fun gun.
tjg
tom barthel
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bargin guns
You may find a savage or their stevens 200 on sale in that price range. Chect the used market. Lots of bargins there. The only other new rifle I can think of is the nef handi-rifle single shot. The problen with nef is, you must like to tinker with the rifle to make it reliable. Other than those, you should consider a surplus firearm.
You may find a savage or their stevens 200 on sale in that price range. Chect the used market. Lots of bargins there. The only other new rifle I can think of is the nef handi-rifle single shot. The problen with nef is, you must like to tinker with the rifle to make it reliable. Other than those, you should consider a surplus firearm.
Nathanael_Greene
Member
On a budget, I think used firearms offer some excellent bargains, but it can take some time to find them.
As an example, a used Star BM 9mm can be found for $160 or so; great little all-steel semi-autos. I'm also a fan of Rossi .38 special revolvers. They're unspectacular but in my experience reliable little guns.
Rifles...there are so many sub-categories here that it's hard to summarize, but an SKS or a Marlin 336 are hard to argue with.
For me, searching is a big part of the fun, so have at it!
As an example, a used Star BM 9mm can be found for $160 or so; great little all-steel semi-autos. I'm also a fan of Rossi .38 special revolvers. They're unspectacular but in my experience reliable little guns.
Rifles...there are so many sub-categories here that it's hard to summarize, but an SKS or a Marlin 336 are hard to argue with.
For me, searching is a big part of the fun, so have at it!
p35
Member
New or used? The legend is that most used guns have under 50 rounds through them, but I don't know where that comes from. Lessee, from my collection..
Ruger Security Six
S&W CS9
Makarov
High Standard Duramatic
Berretta 21A
FEG Hi-Power copy
Remington 870 (allegedly prison surplus, 20" barrel & extended mag, looks beat to !@#$ but shoots fine)
Could be one or two others as well.
Ruger Security Six
S&W CS9
Makarov
High Standard Duramatic
Berretta 21A
FEG Hi-Power copy
Remington 870 (allegedly prison surplus, 20" barrel & extended mag, looks beat to !@#$ but shoots fine)
Could be one or two others as well.
Preacherman
Member
Handguns: I'd suggest a used S&W K-frame revolver, or the Ruger equivalent. By shopping around, you'll be able to find them under $250. .38 Special or .357 Magnum will do for defensive use (the latter preferred, but not absolutely necessary).
Shotguns: No question - either get a Wal-Mart special (Remington 870 Express or Mossberg 500) new, or (my preferred method) check out pawnshops, etc. for used Remington 870 Wingmasters. The last one of the latter that I bought was in great condition and cost me $175!
Rifles: SKS in semi-auto, milsurp in bolt (Yugo Mauser, Mosin-Nagant, etc.). For a .22, there are lots of options, particularly at Wal-Mart and similar vendors.
Semi-auto (I assume you mean handgun): Difficult. There are those who love Makarov's, but I've seen several very disappointing examples, so I'm not sold on these. I'd suggest a good-condition Star Model B in 9mm., as these can be very reliable, but I've seen lemons here too. If you can find one in your price range, the Ruger pistols tend to be built like blockhouses, and be pretty reliable. Overall, however, I'd say that for $250, you won't get a great pistol.
Shotguns: No question - either get a Wal-Mart special (Remington 870 Express or Mossberg 500) new, or (my preferred method) check out pawnshops, etc. for used Remington 870 Wingmasters. The last one of the latter that I bought was in great condition and cost me $175!
Rifles: SKS in semi-auto, milsurp in bolt (Yugo Mauser, Mosin-Nagant, etc.). For a .22, there are lots of options, particularly at Wal-Mart and similar vendors.
Semi-auto (I assume you mean handgun): Difficult. There are those who love Makarov's, but I've seen several very disappointing examples, so I'm not sold on these. I'd suggest a good-condition Star Model B in 9mm., as these can be very reliable, but I've seen lemons here too. If you can find one in your price range, the Ruger pistols tend to be built like blockhouses, and be pretty reliable. Overall, however, I'd say that for $250, you won't get a great pistol.
Michael Courtney
Member
ChefGW said:
Shotgun: I really like the H&R break actions. Under $100 for a basic 12 or 20 gauge smoothbore, and around $200 for a heavy barreled rifled slug gun.
Rifle: At that price, I think the H&R handi-rifles have the highest quality.
Revolver: Lots of good used S&W's and Rugers to be had in the pawn shops. I'd look for something with holster wear but no signs of abuse.
Semi-auto: None.
Michael Courtney
Rifle: 10/22 and Hi Point Carbine in 9mm or 40 and SKS
Handgun: Kel-tec P11 (9mm) and Hi Point in 9mm or 40 to match the carbine with the same mags. Look for a used quality gun.
Shotgun: Mossberg 500 combo with 28 and 18.5" barrels
Some of these I already have! Don't forget to budget for mags, ammo and holsters, slings ect...
Handgun: Kel-tec P11 (9mm) and Hi Point in 9mm or 40 to match the carbine with the same mags. Look for a used quality gun.
Shotgun: Mossberg 500 combo with 28 and 18.5" barrels
Some of these I already have! Don't forget to budget for mags, ammo and holsters, slings ect...
Savage.250
Member
Gotta go with gbran on this one. I have a high polish blue Bulgarian Makarov which is fairly accurate and doesn't jam.
Wish I could say the same about the CZ 50 and 70 in the cabinet. To be fair the CZs aren't jamming quite as much now that they're getting broking in a little. Accuracy still stinks even at close (15 yards) range. CZ 52 is crude looking but works well and has penitrating power. Not much knock down power.
Can never go wrong with an 870 express.
Don't know about cheap rifles though. I've got a Marlin .22 semi-auto model 36W with a Simmons 4x that shoots pretty small groups at 50 yards. (It's been a while since I've had it out. Maybe a little bigger than gold ball size???)
Wish I could say the same about the CZ 50 and 70 in the cabinet. To be fair the CZs aren't jamming quite as much now that they're getting broking in a little. Accuracy still stinks even at close (15 yards) range. CZ 52 is crude looking but works well and has penitrating power. Not much knock down power.
Can never go wrong with an 870 express.
Don't know about cheap rifles though. I've got a Marlin .22 semi-auto model 36W with a Simmons 4x that shoots pretty small groups at 50 yards. (It's been a while since I've had it out. Maybe a little bigger than gold ball size???)
Don't Tread On Me
Member
Revolver: Charter Arms. Cheap, built well, does the job
Semi-Auto Rifle: SKS. Undeniably the cheapest, most reliable, most robust, yet still powerful rapid fire rifle you can get.
Precision rifle: NEF or H&R Handi-Rifles. By far the cheapest accuracy for the money. Most are good shooters. Some are MOA guns with good ammo. Comes with a nice scope rail. Stock trigger is decent.
Semi-auto pistol: STAR. These are built well, very reliable - quality firearms. Very underrated.
Shotgun: Saiga. Semi-auto AK actioned shotgun. A+
All of these are firearms worthy of ownership and quality enough for practical use and NONE are junk - yet they are all under $250. The CharterArms, NEF/H&R, Saiga would be under $250 brand new. The SKS under $250 unissued. Only used option is the STAR pistols. I don't think there is any other autoloading pistol I'd want to own in the sub $250 range. Maybe Maks, but I'm no expert on them.
Semi-Auto Rifle: SKS. Undeniably the cheapest, most reliable, most robust, yet still powerful rapid fire rifle you can get.
Precision rifle: NEF or H&R Handi-Rifles. By far the cheapest accuracy for the money. Most are good shooters. Some are MOA guns with good ammo. Comes with a nice scope rail. Stock trigger is decent.
Semi-auto pistol: STAR. These are built well, very reliable - quality firearms. Very underrated.
Shotgun: Saiga. Semi-auto AK actioned shotgun. A+
All of these are firearms worthy of ownership and quality enough for practical use and NONE are junk - yet they are all under $250. The CharterArms, NEF/H&R, Saiga would be under $250 brand new. The SKS under $250 unissued. Only used option is the STAR pistols. I don't think there is any other autoloading pistol I'd want to own in the sub $250 range. Maybe Maks, but I'm no expert on them.
KriegHund
Member
MMakarov, CZ=52
Cosmoline
Member
Among my favorite used firearms I can usually find for under $250 are:
Mossberg 500
Finnish Mosin-Nagants
Ruger Security Six, Ruger Super Blackhawk (new model will be cheaper)
Makarovs
Mossberg 500
Finnish Mosin-Nagants
Ruger Security Six, Ruger Super Blackhawk (new model will be cheaper)
Makarovs
cracked butt
Member
Semiauto rifle- SKS
Bolt gun- The Stevens model 200 can be found pretty close to $250
Bolt gun- Czech or Swedish mausers. Yugo 24/47. Mosin Nagant 91/30. No. 4 enfield
Semi-pistol- Makarov, ruger markII
Revolver- Ruger GP100s that are ex-police guns. Russian Nagant.
Shotgun- Rem 870 express
.22 rifle- Romanian M69
Bolt gun- The Stevens model 200 can be found pretty close to $250
Bolt gun- Czech or Swedish mausers. Yugo 24/47. Mosin Nagant 91/30. No. 4 enfield
Semi-pistol- Makarov, ruger markII
Revolver- Ruger GP100s that are ex-police guns. Russian Nagant.
Shotgun- Rem 870 express
.22 rifle- Romanian M69
aaronrkelly
Member
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2005
- Messages
- 1,087
ChefGW said:
Shotgun - Mossberg 500 ($225ish), Maverick 88 ($150ish) or Remington 870 ($225ish) depending on what is available cheaply in your area
Rifle - SKS, unissued Yugos are around $160 and Chinese run $175 to $200....if you like pistol caliber carbines a HiPoint 9mm for $140 or .40 for $160
Revolver - Smith and Wesson model 19 .357 magnum ($225) or Ruger GPs ($200), I have seen both used in recent flyers
Semi-Auto - Bulgarian Makarov ($150ish), Bersa Thunder ($200), CZ52 ($125ish)
dodge
Member
In my area you can find used Savages without scope for $250 or you may buy a new Stevens 200 for about that price but these come without sights.
MachIVshooter
Member
Well, lemme see.........
Shotgun: new or used 870
Rifle: In the new category, the only sub-$250 rifles I own or ever would buy another of are the NEF single shots. I suppose if you like the Mosin or the SKS than go that route. Lots of decent use rifles in that range, especially the Enfields.
Revolver: Used K-frame or Ruger .357, possibly a Taurus
Autoloader: Unless you're talking rimfire or pocket pitols, not much in this price range as new guns go, but I've gotten some pretty decent used stuff in the ballpark. Best bet: used Ruger P-series or used EAA witness.
Sure would open up a lot of options if the budget were $350 or $400.
Shotgun: new or used 870
Rifle: In the new category, the only sub-$250 rifles I own or ever would buy another of are the NEF single shots. I suppose if you like the Mosin or the SKS than go that route. Lots of decent use rifles in that range, especially the Enfields.
Revolver: Used K-frame or Ruger .357, possibly a Taurus
Autoloader: Unless you're talking rimfire or pocket pitols, not much in this price range as new guns go, but I've gotten some pretty decent used stuff in the ballpark. Best bet: used Ruger P-series or used EAA witness.
Sure would open up a lot of options if the budget were $350 or $400.
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