PinoyInFL
Member
Another vote for Smith 10. If it has to be an auto loader, I'd recommend the East German Makarov.
Best Handgun Under $400
- Thread starter nksmfamjp
- Start date
- Status
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Remember, he said he wanted a "NEW" gun. There are MANY good used handguns that can be had for under $400.
Deanimator
Member
If the goal is just to learn to shoot, start with a .22lr. I recommend a used Ruger MkII or a Browning Buckmark. They're accurate, reliable and reasonably priced.
If you need it for self-defense too, a medium frame .357 Magnum/.38 Special revolver or a 9x19mm medium to full size semi-auto are best. S&W Model 15 or Model 19 revolvers, or Ruger GP100 revolvers work very well. Recently, there have been a bunch of used ex-German police 9x19mm SIGs for sale at reasonable prices. Ex-police Glock 17s and Glock 19s are usually available at good prices.
If you need it for self-defense too, a medium frame .357 Magnum/.38 Special revolver or a 9x19mm medium to full size semi-auto are best. S&W Model 15 or Model 19 revolvers, or Ruger GP100 revolvers work very well. Recently, there have been a bunch of used ex-German police 9x19mm SIGs for sale at reasonable prices. Ex-police Glock 17s and Glock 19s are usually available at good prices.
sohcgt2
Member
I agree with Bill and Stonecutter The S&W Sigma is way under rated. I've noticed a lot of people here like to bash the Sigmas but for a first defensive pistol they are hard to beat.
AWP79
Member
I personally like the Ruger P95 or P89 if you can find them they both sell for under $400. Police trades arent a bad choice either, you can find Glock 17s or S&W 5906 for under $400.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
About the Sigma, the first generation Sigmas were terrible. The current Sigma pistols are much better.
scythefwd
Member
I am seeing a lot of recommendations for the S&W sigma. Personally, I didn't like it when I fired it, so if he gets a chance I would go to a range that rented guns out so he could try a few and see what fits before he buys.
Hoot Gibson
Member
Nothing wrong with a Taurus 85 .38 Special....blue steel 2" can be picked up for $320 off the shelf(registration required), and from a private dealer at a gun show(no Registration papers, no problems) for about $350.
I know it's not an auto loader, but really....an auto for his first gun?
I know it's not an auto loader, but really....an auto for his first gun?
For a new gun, i would also say the S&W Sigma 9.
It was my first gun, and it takes a while to get used to the trigger, but after 500 or so rounds, you'll be shooting 3 in. groups at 15 yds. its a great gun, never had any mishaps yet, and its super easy to clean and disassemble.
It was my first gun, and it takes a while to get used to the trigger, but after 500 or so rounds, you'll be shooting 3 in. groups at 15 yds. its a great gun, never had any mishaps yet, and its super easy to clean and disassemble.
rbernie
Contributing Member
Ruger P95 in black; still $300 in most stores and darn near unbreakable.
- Status