can i find a full size pistol for $300

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Hi dbrown,

Look around for a used (or new) Ruger P95. Retail depending on your location would be around $300-350 new. It's a very solid, proven pistol.

The only other full size pistol that comes to mind for that price is a Hi-Point. I've never shot one; they tend to be a little controversial because they're so cheap. However, from the research I've done they are as reliable as any other pistol. For that price you'd have your choice of calibers and still have a few bucks left over for some ammo.

If neither of those blow your hair back, save for another few months til you can get up to the $400-500 price point. Your options increase greatly there.

Good luck!
 
Depending on your definition of full size you could get a Milsurp CZ-82 for about $225. It holds I think 13 rounds of 9mm Makarov. Used Glocks and Beretta 92s can be had for $350 ish.
 
Ruger p95. Maybe $309. Real pistol. Real maker. Real caliber (9mm) and 2 15 round mags. Short recoil action (not a blowback). Reliable as any pistol on the market even at thrice the price. Hard to beat for the money.
 
you could probably find used glocks for 300 maybe a little more. I known the range im a member at always has several glocks on consignment for 350$
 
Cdnn has several ATI pistols for $300.

Sarco inc has FEG hi power clones from $250. I have one of them it's definitely used but is extremely reliable, and laser accurate.
 
3ed gen. S&W's. I bought a 910 earlier this year for $300. I've seen the 5906's and 6906's online for $300 to $329. Lots of good choices, check over on Gunbroker and the local pawnshops.
 
i actually only have $200 right now so i will have to save my money for a better gun.
Not to sound bad but if you only have $200 buying a gun right now might not be a good idea. Besides the cost of the pistol you will need safety equipment like safety glasses and hearing protection. Money for ammo because practice is a necessity and don't forget the cost of cleaning and upkeep supplies like a cleaning rod, solvent, patches and a good gun oil. I just want to make sure you are all set up to do this right before you jump in. (but for sure save up and jump in!)
 
In that price range I'd probably spring for a Ruger P95. I've been happy with the ones I've shot--enough that I'm willing to put one on self-defense/home-defense duty even though I have guns costing several times as much.
 
My first handgun was a hi point 9mm and it was great. Definitely not pretty to look at but was fun to shoot and was 100% reliable for me. Best part is that it can be had for less than $200.
 
i actually only have $200 right now so i will have to save my money for a better gun.

Why do you want the pistol? Do you just eventually want to get into pistols for plinking or do you have a pressing desire / need for a self defense gun?

If you want a self defense gun sooner rather than later and $200 is what you have, go get a Hi-Point. They just got one vote above from a satisfied owner; that's been the general reaction I've found in my research. You probably won't be disappointed.

As seen by the other various votes for the P-95, "more money" does NOT necessarily get you "a better gun." That's a great candidate for a large frame pistol and isn't too far off from your $300 price point.
 
+1 on the Hi-Point.

The 9mm (C9) isn't exactly full-size, but it aint exactly compact either. Mine was a great value for $125 (used) with a hard case and extra mag. It's reliable, accurate and not uncomfortable to shoot. The Hi-Point .45 is full sized (fat? lol) and anybody who has one seems to have nothing bad to say about its performance.

Get a Hi-Point and shoot it. For $200 you can probably get a C9 and 250 rounds of factory ammo if you shop around just a bit.
Eventually you'll want something fancier but at least you'll have something to shoot while you're saving up for a glock or whatever.
 
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$300 on the dot for a Ruger 22/45 at Bud's Gunshop online. At your proposed budget, a rimfire will allow you to spend the day shooting for the price of a fast-food burger and can reinforce good habits.

I have a number of firearms from bolt actions to ARs, customized 1911s and SA revolvers. If civilization ended tomorrow and I had to choose one it would be my sub-$90 Marlin bolt action .22 rifle. I know handguns are all the rage but the rifle puts them to shame. Getting out as a kid and hunting rabbit and squirrel is what led to a lifetime love of the outdoors and shooting. A 9mm Hi-Point would have ended that affair before it started.
 
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