A used S&W Model 10 or Model 64 with a 4" barrel in 38 special. They're readily available at decent prices and they're very easy to operate and shoot accurately. Far from being junk, they're excellent revolvers that served practically every law enforcement agency in the USA for half a century. It's a "can't miss" choice.
Economical, non-junk,home-defense pistol suggestions...
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A used S&W Model 10 or Model 64 with a 4" barrel in 38 special. They're readily available at decent prices and they're very easy to operate and shoot accurately. Far from being junk, they're excellent revolvers that served practically every law enforcement agency in the USA for half a century. It's a "can't miss" choice.
millertyme
Member
Another vote for the deals on J & G. Those DOA Smith revolvers would be great, as would the other LEO trade-ins lke Glock and the SW 40-series pistols. I had a P95 and it was, well, problematic, but Ruger was great to deal with. $300 for a P95 or a Sigma, $350 for a Glock 22 or SW4043 (40SW is plentiful and not that much more expensive than 9mm), or $225 for one of the 38SP revolvers from J&G are all good considerations for a full-sized practical pistol.
If that's still too much he should look into Hi-Point (no one here seems to be a fan). They're functional, reliable, and extremely affordable going for $150 new and less than that for used. Another recommendation that has been made is that he get a short-barreled pump shotgun. A used Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 won't be more than $250 and represent the best the world of affordable pump shotguns has to offer.
If that's still too much he should look into Hi-Point (no one here seems to be a fan). They're functional, reliable, and extremely affordable going for $150 new and less than that for used. Another recommendation that has been made is that he get a short-barreled pump shotgun. A used Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 won't be more than $250 and represent the best the world of affordable pump shotguns has to offer.
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I have not found any real good deals on revolvers
in quite some time. It used to be that you could pick up a good police trade for a couple hundred at your local dealer. The problem is that many PDs moved away from revolvers 15-20 yrs ago. Most police trades are now used semi autos. In my way of thinking that is not a bad thing. I am going to give you a whole list of guns to choose from. I will extol the virtues of the ones I really like starting with what I think is the best Value.
www.summitgunbroker.com has some great deals on both second and third generation G22s. His 3rd gen guns are $360 and his gen guns are $315. Both come with 2 mags and some have night sights. He also has a few G23's for $385. there is nothing wrong with 2nd gen guns if your buddy realy needs to save money.
Kel-tec P11
Kel-Tec PF9
Kel-tec P3AT all between $250 and $300
As far as Hi-points go, my experience, second hand only, tells me to stay away.
Ruger LCP $280 app.
Taurus Millenium and pro series $325 app.
***Ruger p95 9mm $300***
S&W Sigma $300
Kahr CW9 and CW40 $400
Rock Island/Citadel 1911's Great deals but I would not recomend one for anyones only gun especially if they are not into guns. If you have the time and knowledge to school him though, these are a great way to go.
in quite some time. It used to be that you could pick up a good police trade for a couple hundred at your local dealer. The problem is that many PDs moved away from revolvers 15-20 yrs ago. Most police trades are now used semi autos. In my way of thinking that is not a bad thing. I am going to give you a whole list of guns to choose from. I will extol the virtues of the ones I really like starting with what I think is the best Value.
www.summitgunbroker.com has some great deals on both second and third generation G22s. His 3rd gen guns are $360 and his gen guns are $315. Both come with 2 mags and some have night sights. He also has a few G23's for $385. there is nothing wrong with 2nd gen guns if your buddy realy needs to save money.
Kel-tec P11
Kel-Tec PF9
Kel-tec P3AT all between $250 and $300
As far as Hi-points go, my experience, second hand only, tells me to stay away.
Ruger LCP $280 app.
Taurus Millenium and pro series $325 app.
***Ruger p95 9mm $300***
S&W Sigma $300
Kahr CW9 and CW40 $400
Rock Island/Citadel 1911's Great deals but I would not recomend one for anyones only gun especially if they are not into guns. If you have the time and knowledge to school him though, these are a great way to go.
Erik M
Member
I have seen some very good deals on police trade in weapons as of late. S&W 5904 9mm for $325, Most all 9mm and .40 Glocks for around $375-400. I cashed in on a surplus S&W 64 for $275 that was in good shape cause the dealer threw in a set of factory new target grips. Those seem to be everywhere at the moment. Even BUD's had a case of them last Christmas.
TheWorstKind
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I used to think only Sig Sauers and H&K were acceptable firearms, but I have chosen to become a bit more open minded. A few weeks ago I purchased a Bersa Thunder 45 UC Pro; that is a .45 ACP (why try to get by with something that makes little holes when you can make quarter sized ones!) with a fantastic double action/single action set-up and a brilliant thumb safety. The gun cost me $340.00, comes with two magazines and a lifetime warranty. It shoots almost as good as my Sig P220 (arguably the best shooting pistol on the planet 
), field strips easy, and is an easy carry gun, too.
), field strips easy, and is an easy carry gun, too.Hoppes Love Potion
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For $300, a new Rossi revolver or used S&W police trade-in. 38 Special is fine for home defense. You want a revolver for simplicity and reliability, especially for a new shooter. .38 Special ammo comes in a wide range of power and is plentiful and cheap.
carbuncle
Member
Another vote for a Ruger P85, P89 or P90, great guns and perfect for this application.
clance
Member
If this is going to be strickly a homedefense gun I don't think they could go wrong with the Taurus Judge. It is chamber for either the 45LC or .410 which Winchester make a nice little defensive shell for (http://www.winchester.com/Products/shotshell-ammunition/supreme-elite/pdx1410/Pages/S410PDX1.aspx).
Demostration of Judge with differing ammo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYchEMw1pT4&feature=related).
Police trade ins
Most guns under $100-150 are probably really junk or they're stolen. He could probably find a used Glock or SW revolver at a gun show for near what he can afford. Glocks just seem to last forever and even 1st gen. will keep on shooting. There are good guns made by Taurus, Star, Rossi, Ruger, Bersa,etc... You will need to have a shooter go with you to know what to look for at a show.
Most guns under $100-150 are probably really junk or they're stolen. He could probably find a used Glock or SW revolver at a gun show for near what he can afford. Glocks just seem to last forever and even 1st gen. will keep on shooting. There are good guns made by Taurus, Star, Rossi, Ruger, Bersa,etc... You will need to have a shooter go with you to know what to look for at a show.
neededausername
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I'm putting in another vote for a .38 wheelgun. Some of the guns mentioned are great but .38 ammo is less expensive. I'd rather someone own a lower powered gun that they know how to shoot, than a hand cannon they can't afford to train with.
People toss around the "stick to a revolver" advice, and sometimes it makes sense, but sometimes it doesn't.
I didn't take to shooting revolvers accurately at first. The way a semi-auto grip fit my hand just gave me much better accuracy. I agree that you should let him shoot what you have an get him to try as many other options as possible, then hit the gun stores looking for some good options.
Personally, I'd always want a good concealable centerfire handgun, a good repeating centerfire rifle, and a .22 rifle as my minimum collection.
I didn't take to shooting revolvers accurately at first. The way a semi-auto grip fit my hand just gave me much better accuracy. I agree that you should let him shoot what you have an get him to try as many other options as possible, then hit the gun stores looking for some good options.
Personally, I'd always want a good concealable centerfire handgun, a good repeating centerfire rifle, and a .22 rifle as my minimum collection.
Samari Jack
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When I got my conceal carry permit our instructor told us just about all the times a person would use a weapon for defense purposes is at a range of 12 ft or less. If it is over 25 ft you could be in trouble or considered the aggressor. The reason being that you should consider other choices besides the use of a gun. CC people are not supposed to chase bad guys.
.455_Hunter
Member
Similar thread took place here...
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=385522
Interesting result!
http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=385522
Interesting result!
mcdonl
Member
I would recommend any gun 38/357, 9mm or bigger he can find in a reputable gun shop for $300.
I own two hi points and they are as reliable as any other gun but I would not recommend them to someone who is not a gun guy... they have a lot more felt recoil that any other equivalently sized 9 or 40 due to the blow back design. Good range or truck gun for someone who already has others and wants a beater.
Now, I WOULD recommend a 9mm hi point carbine....
I own two hi points and they are as reliable as any other gun but I would not recommend them to someone who is not a gun guy... they have a lot more felt recoil that any other equivalently sized 9 or 40 due to the blow back design. Good range or truck gun for someone who already has others and wants a beater.
Now, I WOULD recommend a 9mm hi point carbine....
Rail Driver
Member
Ben86 said:
Are you thinking of the Beretta CX4 Storm? The Hi-Point carbine only works with hi-point mags as far as I could tell on mine before I traded it.
Another thing - just look around and keep your eyes open.
About two years ago I picked up a Russian Makarov with adjustable sights for $125. A few months later I saw a barely used Ruger SP-101 .357 for $259 at another shop.
If you look around you'd be surprised what comes up at times.
About two years ago I picked up a Russian Makarov with adjustable sights for $125. A few months later I saw a barely used Ruger SP-101 .357 for $259 at another shop.
If you look around you'd be surprised what comes up at times.
DNS
Member
The 3" Rossi .38 is in the Academy black Friday add for $199.
I've got the same with a 2" and like it.
I've got the same with a 2" and like it.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I'm surprised no one really talked about this.
If he's on a very tight budget and has very little money to spend how is he going to afford the ammo necessary to practice?????? You said he isn't a gun guy so he's going to need A LOT of practice. A handgun isn't magic, you don't pick it up and become well protected. If he's a non-shooter and broke a handgun is not the HD weapon for him. A shotgun is a much better choice for HD in this case. (and most cases) Shotgun ammo is cheaper for practice and becoming comfortable shooting a shotgun well is less a learning curve than with a handgun.
Do your friend a favor and suggest a good used shotgun and some #4 Buckshot...
If he's on a very tight budget and has very little money to spend how is he going to afford the ammo necessary to practice?????? You said he isn't a gun guy so he's going to need A LOT of practice. A handgun isn't magic, you don't pick it up and become well protected. If he's a non-shooter and broke a handgun is not the HD weapon for him. A shotgun is a much better choice for HD in this case. (and most cases) Shotgun ammo is cheaper for practice and becoming comfortable shooting a shotgun well is less a learning curve than with a handgun.
Do your friend a favor and suggest a good used shotgun and some #4 Buckshot...
Guns and more
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You said "pistol" but I'm thinking you meant "handgun".
My first, I did a lot of research, not very exciting, for H/D was a S&W model 65 with a 4" barrel. Shoot .38 at the range or for real, or .357. They don't get more dependable.
I still have that firearm, it was a great choice, even though now I find pistols more interesting.
My first, I did a lot of research, not very exciting, for H/D was a S&W model 65 with a 4" barrel. Shoot .38 at the range or for real, or .357. They don't get more dependable.
I still have that firearm, it was a great choice, even though now I find pistols more interesting.
Yo Mama
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This is just me: now that I have kids, a shotgun is much harder to keep out during the night. I have them in the safe ready if the handguns don't work.
I have no problem sleeping with a 350 dollar Taurus Pt145. It has been rock solid. Wife has a 350 dollar Taurus .357 loaded with .38s that she's pretty good with.
If shotgun is an option, Mossberg 500 all the way.
I have no problem sleeping with a 350 dollar Taurus Pt145. It has been rock solid. Wife has a 350 dollar Taurus .357 loaded with .38s that she's pretty good with.
If shotgun is an option, Mossberg 500 all the way.
scottishclaymore
Member
J&G Sales has trade-in S&W M64's for under $300. These are great guns, very solid, and most of them have very decent triggers. To my knowledge there is no better value on the gun market right
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