Cheapest handgun you would consider using

[bernie]

I was wondering, with all the surplus and used guns on the market right now, what is the cheapest handgun that you would consider viable for defending yourself. I know that better guns are always good, hey, I am a 1911 man. Let me know what the gun is, and what the prices are in your area for them. This is strictly for the conversation, I am not recommending nor planning on purchasing any recommendations here!

 

[Mike1234567]

Hi-Point JHP... $169 including shipping and FFL fees. After I cleaned the crud out of the mags and fiddled with the feed lips it functions perfectly. I haven't shot in awhile because I have nicer handguns now but I still keep it handy around the house. It was a GunBroker purchase and it was NIB.

 

[Shadez]

After some good cleaning and TLC I have bought a couple of Taurus 82's from jgsales.com. They are in the $150 range and mechanically are good. For pointing, shooting and making noise they are solid guns. and you can always use it as a club. Lol.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Glock. $475

 

[tubeshooter]

Hmm - cheap, surplus, baseline viable...

I always kind of wanted a Makarov, and I wouldn't feel any worse off with one for carry than I do my 5-shot .38.


For a number of people, it's "not quite enough" for defense; YMMV.

 

[Jaymo]

Makarov, Tokarev, CZ52, CZ82.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Older S&W revolvers Mod 10, 13 3" barrel , 36, 49 are ones I like best

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I got this S&W about 6 months ago and had 150 bucks in it. I'd have no trouble relying on it for a defensive weapon.

 

[bigfatdave]

Makarov, Tokarev, CZ52, CZ82

Bold mine, I have and wouldn't hesitate to use those.
All in the $200 neighborhood, drifting upwards at nearby shows, the biggest issue is Yugo Tok mags (found some, need to test them out) and CZ52 mags (found some, they were crap) ... so the CZ82 has a bunch of 12x magazines, each loaded with 10 rounds of Silver Bear 9x18 JHP, I own and carry nicer guns but that little CZ82 is a gem, everything about it but the finish and the stiff magazine release button is superb.

A Hi-Point carbine is pretty cheap, don't have but they run well enough for basic defensive uses
DO have a KelTec sub2000, wouldn't hesitate to use it - if it was needed

 

[Telekinesis]

I'd probably say a Makarov. A bit more than .380 power and very reliable. They're about $200 online + the transfer fee.

 

[Strykervet]

A 3rd gen. Smith, they aren't exactly "cheap" just not very expensive. I usually carry a Glock, those are pretty cheap but reliable.

 

[Byrd666]

Seeing as how this for conversation only, I'll add a few options.

Any used Makarov - Found one the other day for 200 even. Unfortunately I didn't have any cash on me when I found it. Gone the next day

Any new or used CZ83. I own one of these and it is exceptional. - A local and very small gun show had them going for around 300 new and 200 used. Once again, no cash on hand.

Any Hi-Point pistol. Though I don't yet own one, I will. As a truck box backup mostly. - Seen them in all calibers for under 200, and from what I've read and heard from people, the warranty is unsurpassed by any manufacturer.

Oh yeah, probably any Bersa as well.

 

[M2 Carbine]

As has been said. I'd trust any of my ($135) Makarovs.


And of course I'd trust any of the $165 S&W 38 Specials.


The prize would go to my seventeen dollar GI 1911A1 though.
(it's changed a bit since the day I bought it)

 

[Pyro]

My derringer.
Paid $70 for it.
Carry it every day.
Look around gun shows, gotta browse for the best prices.

 

[mavracer]

I'd take most any commie surplus. I bought a used Tx Dept of Corrections Smith 65 for 187 out the door that was awesome.

 

[oneounceload]

Any of the S&W guard trade in model 10sf

 

[mortablunt]

If I were to get one for my birthday for free, then that would be the cheapest handgun I would use.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

Price doesn't matter much to me. If I can make it run reliable and hit where I aim it, I'm good to go!

 

[TheBurns]

to purchase, I'd buy surplus, or a ruger p series to depend on.

 

[roadliner]

Both my CZ and Tok always go bang when I pull the trigger. About $115.00 each. And $160 for the HiPoint 9mm carbine, before the ATI re-stock and Aimpoint.

 

[browningguy]

A CZ 52 would be ok with me, the 7.62 x 25 round is seemingly a pretty potent SD round with the right bullet. The smaller 50 and similar guns (Makarovs/etc) are equally reliable and would be fine also.

 

[Nushif]

Probably a Mak, but if I can verify it shoots I'll carry the thing. No matter what it is.

 

[hirundo82]

Any of several ComBloc surplus pistols in 9x18--P64, CZ-82, Bulgarian Makarov.

 

[baylorattorney]

Tokarev


Waste not want not.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't feel price has anything to do with it. Reliability is everything and some inexpensive guns can be totally reliable. And on the other side some very expensive guns can be not so reliable. Just think about Colts from years ago. They were one of the most expensive 1911s around and after you bought one you would need to almost double the price in gunsmith work to make it reliable...