Tempest 455
Member
My carry is a Bersa UCP 45. Pretty inexpensive for a .45 but well built. Pretty much a copy of a Berreta.
Cheapest handgun you would consider using
- Thread starter bernie
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22-rimfire
Member
Cheapest? If it works reliably, I have no problem carrying anything. My preferences are for better handguns and primarily revolvers. But I have semi-auto, single action revolver, and double action revolvers. Use what you have is what I say which in most cases is better than a rock if the need ever comes up that you have to defend yourself.
this one to me goes to the ruger p series.
300 bucks brand new, less than that used.
P95s are accurate enough, reliable as a glock or sig, a little over 200 used. 9mm ammo is a lot cheaper than 38 ammo to buy off the shelf, which would equate to more practicing for someone on a budget.
Plus, most will come with 2 15 round mags depending on state laws...trumps the euro-imports and surplus 38s. Ruger also has a great warranty.
I would look to the p95.
300 bucks brand new, less than that used.
P95s are accurate enough, reliable as a glock or sig, a little over 200 used. 9mm ammo is a lot cheaper than 38 ammo to buy off the shelf, which would equate to more practicing for someone on a budget.
Plus, most will come with 2 15 round mags depending on state laws...trumps the euro-imports and surplus 38s. Ruger also has a great warranty.
I would look to the p95.
Onward Allusion
Member
Cheapest? Don't you mean least expensive?
For SD it would be a CZ-82 (about $200). For plinking and such, it would be a H&R 922 (about $100).
For SD it would be a CZ-82 (about $200). For plinking and such, it would be a H&R 922 (about $100).
mgmorden
Member
CZ-82 - about $175 or so.
Confederate
Member
Didn't we have a topic on this just the other day?
I always love these 'cheap gun' threads where somebody starts talking out their 4th point of contact about how "If your life is only worth $169 go buy a HiPoint, har har har!"
Must be nice to afford $400 for a good police-trade Glock. Or $300 for a Ruger or a Taurus. Or $250 for a police-trade S&W.
I'm fortunate enough to be able to spend some cash on nicer guns. And I've gotten some nicer guns for really good prices, like a nice police-trade S&W 10-6 HB 4" for $159.
But y'all who start bashing HiPoints, C&Rs and any gun that costs less than any arbitrary dollar amount- Y'all ever been dirt poor and broke, with a psycho stalker ex-boyfriend and a court system that thinks a TRO is as good as a jail cell? Ever had to choose between paying the electric bill's final notice or getting that flat tire replaced so you can stop running on the donut spare for another month?
You can pick up a HiPoint C9, a Polish PA64 Makarov, or an 1895 Nagant revolver for well under $175.00 with a box of ammo and a gun lock, including sales tax. Any of them will perforate a goblin quite nicely, but they won't look all sexy under the flourescent lights in the evidence cage like a nice Glock or Kimber.
As long as in my examination the pistol was mechanically safe to fire its designed ammunition, price would not even come into the equation. I've got a 25 auto vest-pocket that I paid $10 for. I've got a couple of free guns. All of them go bang. Price has nothing to do with utility. Certainly there are some poorly made inexpensive guns which would be bad choices for defense use, but there are also some really solid guns that go for cheap if you look.
Judging purely on price? Stupid. Discriminatory. Don't do it.
Sure, my life or anyone's life is worth "more" than a $99 used HiPoint C9. But I just may not be able to afford better. Not that I wouldn't wish to have better, I just don't have the money.
Sure, you say- Take that $150 for the HiPoint and put it in an envelope, and then add to it for a couple months and then you could maybe afford a $400 Glock.
Assuming nothing happens to suddenly lay claim to that little envelope of greenbacks- maybe a kid gets sick, or the car breaks down, or some other unexpected bill crops up- Or maybe that psycho stalker ex-boyfriend will kick in your door, strangle you, and pocket that envelope of cash when he attacks you THIS month. Oh well. At least you were saving up
Good to see your so concerned with what I would use. After all the thread is titled :
"Cheapest handgun YOU would consider using". I can afford a Glock and a Kimber, guess that makes me the bad guy.
Best of luck with your crazy ex boyfreind, hope he doesnt use that $99 Hi point / Jennings on you after it jams up or breaks right when you need it. Then again that never happens.....
"Tounge in Cheek" comments aside any functional gun is better then no gun. As for having other bills come up and taking away funds I guess you have to deside whats more important, that hospital bill or protecting your self from a crazy ex that wants to put you in the hostpital.
Must be nice to afford $400 for a good police-trade Glock. Or $300 for a Ruger or a Taurus. Or $250 for a police-trade S&W.
I'm fortunate enough to be able to spend some cash on nicer guns. And I've gotten some nicer guns for really good prices, like a nice police-trade S&W 10-6 HB 4" for $159.
But y'all who start bashing HiPoints, C&Rs and any gun that costs less than any arbitrary dollar amount- Y'all ever been dirt poor and broke, with a psycho stalker ex-boyfriend and a court system that thinks a TRO is as good as a jail cell? Ever had to choose between paying the electric bill's final notice or getting that flat tire replaced so you can stop running on the donut spare for another month?
You can pick up a HiPoint C9, a Polish PA64 Makarov, or an 1895 Nagant revolver for well under $175.00 with a box of ammo and a gun lock, including sales tax. Any of them will perforate a goblin quite nicely, but they won't look all sexy under the flourescent lights in the evidence cage like a nice Glock or Kimber.
As long as in my examination the pistol was mechanically safe to fire its designed ammunition, price would not even come into the equation. I've got a 25 auto vest-pocket that I paid $10 for. I've got a couple of free guns. All of them go bang. Price has nothing to do with utility. Certainly there are some poorly made inexpensive guns which would be bad choices for defense use, but there are also some really solid guns that go for cheap if you look.
Judging purely on price? Stupid. Discriminatory. Don't do it.
Sure, my life or anyone's life is worth "more" than a $99 used HiPoint C9. But I just may not be able to afford better. Not that I wouldn't wish to have better, I just don't have the money.
Sure, you say- Take that $150 for the HiPoint and put it in an envelope, and then add to it for a couple months and then you could maybe afford a $400 Glock.
Assuming nothing happens to suddenly lay claim to that little envelope of greenbacks- maybe a kid gets sick, or the car breaks down, or some other unexpected bill crops up- Or maybe that psycho stalker ex-boyfriend will kick in your door, strangle you, and pocket that envelope of cash when he attacks you THIS month. Oh well. At least you were saving up
Good to see your so concerned with what I would use. After all the thread is titled :
"Cheapest handgun YOU would consider using". I can afford a Glock and a Kimber, guess that makes me the bad guy.
Best of luck with your crazy ex boyfreind, hope he doesnt use that $99 Hi point / Jennings on you after it jams up or breaks right when you need it. Then again that never happens.....
"Tounge in Cheek" comments aside any functional gun is better then no gun. As for having other bills come up and taking away funds I guess you have to deside whats more important, that hospital bill or protecting your self from a crazy ex that wants to put you in the hostpital.
PT92
Member
I might have to get their .45 handgun to complement my HP .45acp carbine:
By the way, I have the C9 and did not have to perform a 'fluff&buff' as it worked right out of the box. I agree that HP offeres the general public a good product at an affordable price which is particularly attractive in this sad economy where you hope to have a nearby range so the ammo costs don't wind up in your gas tank (and yes I am jealous of those that have their own land to shoot on)
.-Cheers
Mike1234567
member
^^^ Do it. You won't be sorry. 
guyfromohio
Member
New? S&W Sigma or Ruger P series. That's as low as quality-wise. No HiPoint, Taurus, Bersa, Jennings, etc ....
PT92
Member
I know it sounds like a cliche, but I have them both and it's like choosing between a Ford or Chevy (as neither are luxury vehicles if you will). Forced, I would go with the Ruger in this case as it just feels more like a tank and still is quite accurate at the range--The P series is more akin to the SR line (to me) than the Sigma line is to the M&P.
That being said, you could actually flip a coin and be fine with the results.
-Cheers
Deaf Smith
Member
Bersa .380 or my old stainless Charter Arms .38 Undercover (paid $100 bucks for it and it works fine!)
Barring that a H&R single shot 12 gauge with barrel cut back to 19 inches.
Deaf
Barring that a H&R single shot 12 gauge with barrel cut back to 19 inches.
Deaf
Omaha-BeenGlockin
Member
Ruger P95---own one---considering adding another
JohnBiltz
Member
I'd say there are a high percentage of the CCW community carrying sub $300 pocket .380s right now and they are very happy with them. You don't need a two thousand dollar customized 1911 to defend yourself. Nor does price indicate effectiveness.
bikerdoc
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run your own life
Manage your own finances
Make your own decisions
live with the consequense or benefits
Manage your own finances
Make your own decisions
live with the consequense or benefits
I wish I could "like" or "+1" evan price's post #47.
The best self defense firearm is the one you have when you need it. If all you can afford is a Bryco, HiPoint, or insert-inexpensive-firearm-brand-here, then it's certainly better than being at the receiving end of whatever violence is directed your way.
The cheapest handgun I would consider using is free...and everything more expensive than that.
The best self defense firearm is the one you have when you need it. If all you can afford is a Bryco, HiPoint, or insert-inexpensive-firearm-brand-here, then it's certainly better than being at the receiving end of whatever violence is directed your way.
The cheapest handgun I would consider using is free...and everything more expensive than that.
Franco2shoot
Member
I was looking for something not more than 200 bucks along the line of the S&W .38 snubbie. (You pay alot for those two letters) so I jumped on an EAA .357 magnum that's a copy. Many trips to the range, and no failures, what's to fail on a revolver?
It Speed loads if you think you're gonna need more than 6 shots ( I think you thrown the Damn thing and run like he LL if you haven't stopped the attack by then) S&W holsters and accessories fit. What's not to like?
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=DsciT5jeOOPz0gGFvOznCA&ved=0CEUQ8wIwAA#
KKKKFL
It Speed loads if you think you're gonna need more than 6 shots ( I think you thrown the Damn thing and run like he LL if you haven't stopped the attack by then) S&W holsters and accessories fit. What's not to like?
http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=DsciT5jeOOPz0gGFvOznCA&ved=0CEUQ8wIwAA#
KKKKFL
stonecutter2
Member
I'll join the chorus praising the CZ82. Mine is SO smooth - the action is like glass, and it runs great and is really accurate. And mine was around $200.
The only hangup is 9x18 makarov ammo is hard to find locally, but buying online is super easy and will save you money - makes practice cheap.
Whether you get a free Hi Point from a friend because his wife doesn't want a gun in the house anymore, or you spend $2000 on some custom 1911, price becomes irrelevant when it comes to relying on a firearm for self defense. Shoot the thing, make sure it runs reliably, and you can shoot it well! That's really all that matters, not how much you spent on it.
Buying a Jennings 22, or a Glock 19, or a Kimber, and putting it in the drawer until you need to use it in a life threatening situation is taking a big gamble with your life. Don't do it. Put your defensive weapon through the paces, make sure it's good to go.
The only hangup is 9x18 makarov ammo is hard to find locally, but buying online is super easy and will save you money - makes practice cheap.
Whether you get a free Hi Point from a friend because his wife doesn't want a gun in the house anymore, or you spend $2000 on some custom 1911, price becomes irrelevant when it comes to relying on a firearm for self defense. Shoot the thing, make sure it runs reliably, and you can shoot it well! That's really all that matters, not how much you spent on it.
Buying a Jennings 22, or a Glock 19, or a Kimber, and putting it in the drawer until you need to use it in a life threatening situation is taking a big gamble with your life. Don't do it. Put your defensive weapon through the paces, make sure it's good to go.
MCgunner
Member
Amen. I have a 175 dollar Radom P64 that's danged accurate and always feeds and goes bang. I have carried it. I normally carry a Kel Tec P11 or a Taurus 85 stainless ultralite, but I have carried the P64. It's a little heavy in a pocket, being all steel, but not THAT bad. My kel tec broke an extractor the other day, they sent a new one. But, it's got over 11,000 rounds trouble free to date. I bought it in 1996 when i got my permit and it's been my preferred carry since for a lot of reasons. I've installed the extractor and soon as I put a few rounds in it, it will go back in my pocket and my Taurus revolver will get stored again.
armysniper
member
I would trust my life with any firearm that I practiced with and as long as it went bang and a projectile came out of the end. Ive seen plenty more people killed with cheap street thug guns than with $1000 pieces of art like Sigs and Kimbers.
I recall that a cheap super old .32 caliber revolver that had no grips other than duct tape, bent front sight, and super rusty had been used in 2 seperate murders by different people. On the street they murder with it, then sell it to another thug for $25.
These people dont sit around on the internet theorizing about what gun they would trust their lives with, they actually just get one and use it. Obviously in criminal acts, but it is used none the less and often with ammuniton that is obtained from god knows where.
So basically my thoughts on the matter are to use whatever gives you that piece of mind, because unless your a criminal the likely hood of you ever using it on anyone is slim to none.
I recall that a cheap super old .32 caliber revolver that had no grips other than duct tape, bent front sight, and super rusty had been used in 2 seperate murders by different people. On the street they murder with it, then sell it to another thug for $25.
These people dont sit around on the internet theorizing about what gun they would trust their lives with, they actually just get one and use it. Obviously in criminal acts, but it is used none the less and often with ammuniton that is obtained from god knows where.
So basically my thoughts on the matter are to use whatever gives you that piece of mind, because unless your a criminal the likely hood of you ever using it on anyone is slim to none.
paradox998
Member
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Cz-82, can't beat it for price and accuracy. Nice having a little extra punch over a 380.
jad0110
Member
Well, they are mechanical devices, and they can fail, just as Glocks, Sigs, S&Ws and Rugers can fail. That said, I have experienced far fewer revolver issues, so I'm more confident with them. But to each his own.
You are right, 9mm ammo is cheaper. Then again, I run a LOT more rounds through an auto before I trust them (versus a revolver) - like, roughly 75 rounds minimum of my carry load through each magazine. That's what I did with my 1911 before I'd rely on it. Depending on how many rounds you choose to run in either platform, the cost equation may actually swing to the revolver (at least in the short term). So it is something to at least figure in.
Then again, if you are living below the poverty level, you may best be served by an inexpensive .22 that one can actually afford to shoot. Used Ruger semi autos and H&R revolvers can be found for under $250.
As for me, the most inexpensive firearm I've personally relied on is my 4" Ruger Police Service Six in .357 Magnum. Tough as nails, runs perfectly and I paid $274 for it 2 or 3 years ago.
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