Favorite budget firearm manufacturer?

[Zendude]

HiPoint would top my list for a true budget gun. Fun to shoot and reliable.

 

[Coyote3855]

I've had excellent performance from a number of Kel Tec firearms: P32, P3AT, PMR 30 (2), PF9, P11, P40, second generation Sub2000. None have needed factory service.

 

[DustyGmt]

You can get a brand new FN for $275, if you can shoot .40. It's not a budget pistol, but it's cheap due to low demand:
View attachment 916178

Where do you find this?

 

[Mr. Zorg]

Zastava LK M70 for affordable combination of controlled round feed Mauser bolt action receiver, traditional rich bluing, and walnut stocks.

 

[MedWheeler]

Another vote for Kel-Tec. Got my PF9 used in 2010, on a whim, actually, when they were kind of hard to come by. Felt lucky when I found this one, and have carried it since.

The following year, I got a gun that still intrigues me in the innovation in it, and what it started. The Kel-Tec P32 is, to me, the self-defense gun that could well be the most practical concealed-carry gun for a large percentage of armed citizens. It goes with me every day, usually backing up the PF9, but rides alone to and from my no-carry job site. When it's carried alone, it holds its ten-round magazine, for eleven on tap. On backup duty, it sports its seven-rounder, and the ten rides as a spare in my jeans' watch pocket.

 

[Armybrat]

Kel Tec P32 is a great little gun for the $$. Reliable and a good close range shooter. Tiny as all getout too.

 

[cluttonfred]

Personally, the very low budget new guns have never interested me except as a curiosity, "What could I actually get new for $200?"

I prefer keeping an eye for surplus and/or unpopular but quality guns from respected manufacturers. I do, however, include some of the less glamorous but well-established companies in that category such as Bersa and the better Eastern Bloc guns like a good Makarov or old CZ. I kick myself that I was not in a position to buy back when Sig P6s were readily available and cheap.

Right now I have a Beretta 81 (surplus), a Zastava M70 (surplus), and a Beretta APX (cheap because unpopular). My only full-price new pistol is a S&W 642 Pro that I bought on impulse and regret a little because I don't really need the moon clips, I just thought it was cool. I need to stick to my own advice.

 

[Blnt4rcetrauma]

Maverick 88

 

[Elkins45]

Zastava LK M70 for affordable combination of controlled round feed Mauser bolt action receiver, traditional rich bluing, and walnut stocks.

Where are you finding those cheap?

 

[Zerodefect]

Well the 1911 pistols almost fits in my hand perfectly, but the last time I held a Glock 21, it actually did completely fit.

Really suprised me as I don't have large hands at all...

Where do you find this?

My LGS has overstock 40's for sale. Too bad I stocked up on ammo instead.

 

[rust collector]

ATI supplies 1911s made by Shooter's Arms Mfg in Philippines, and RIA/Armscor also supplies good quality 1911s and others inexpensively. I have had good experiences with both, as well as Heritage Rough Rider. Can't say the same for Umarex products.

 

[Mr. Zorg]

Where are you finding those cheap?

"Cheap" is as always a relative term.

Factory new, Atlantic Firearms has the most inventory I've seen among retailers.

https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/products/zastava-arms-lk-m70-rifle-243-win-l7243pa

I don't know of another current new manufactured bolt action controlled round feed traditionally blued (as opposed to black paint or such) rifle that sells for that number in the USA.

Cabela's gun library has been good for me. I picked up an as-new (looks unfired) 7mm-08 with walnut furniture a few months ago. I sent an email on this one last week and was informed it had already left the store.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/gun-library/rifles-gun-library|/pc/103792680/c/103796280/zastava-m70-7mm-08/3595762.uts?destination=/catalog/browse/rifles-gun-library/_/N-1103070+4294530056/Ne-4294530056/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_103796280?WTz_st=GuidedNav&WTz_stype=GNU

Aren't you left handed FWIW?

 

[Ed Ames]

There aren’t any, unless your idea of “budget” is over $200. Even used, it’s hard to find anything modern under $200.

$200-300 gives you good choices from KelTec, Ruger, S&W, plus some guns I’m not personally familiar with such as from SCCY, SAR, FMK, Remington and the like.

$300-400 gets you an even wider range of good choices.

But under $200? That’s all iffy derringers, hi-points, and rimfires. Buy them if that’s all you can afford, but don’t go hipster and claim they are good.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Hi point, older Rossi's, Taurus, Sccy

For me, I would add RIA to your list. Their 1911 is cheap and reliable.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I like buying budget and non budget brands pre owned at budget prices.

 

[DoubleMag]

SCCY had their popular 9mm pistol for around $150 after a rebate recently. I remember them having a weird trigger, tad heavy, but definitely a shooter. Made in USA like Miami FL if I remember correctly

 

[Robbins290]

Where do you find this?

looks like they are sold out now. but here are the links

https://shoot-straight.com/product/walther-p99c-as-40sw-81-semi-auto-handgun/

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/222656


The beretta is not sold out tho

https://gunprodeals.com/product/ber...71-black-interchangeable-backstrap-grip-black

https://lockedloaded.com/product/be...51-black-interchangeable-backstrap-grip-black

 

[FL-NC]

To me, Ruger qualifies as "budget" if you consider the quality you get for the price you pay. Also excellent customer service.

 

[chicharrones]

Where are you finding those cheap?

Yeah, the Zastava bolt guns were definitely cheaper a few years ago. Now the prices have crept up past plastic stocked guns from other makers.

So, if you want wood and polished blued steel, maybe it's still a good deal?

 

[SSN Vet]

I'll add my vote for Taurus as unlike some of the others mentioned (Keltec), they have a very broad product line.

I've owned several and never had a problem.

 

[drobs]

Used guns = the best budget friendly guns, IMHO.

Used Rugers and S&W autos = the least expensive.

 

[Captcurt]

I would have to go with Taurus for handguns and Mossberg for rifles. If they didn't have such a sloppy bolt I would own serveral. Howa has some nice rifles for under $500 but I have never liked Hogue stocks. They now have a walnut model out. I may have to order one.

 

[Steel Hayes]

I ended up buying the Curve on a whim, 600 rounds later it’s never had a problem.
Liked Taurus so much, ended up buying two more(856&617).

 

[MarkDido]

I have zero experience with Hi-Point, Kel-Tec, or Taurus. I own a number of Rugers and you get a lot for your money with many of them. Great customer service and made in the USA.

-Jeff

I had a Hi-Point carbine (the original, ugly as hell version, not the newer tactical stock on roids version). Never failed to go bang or jam in any way.

 

[hemiram]

Sar is very good by any measure, let alone a budget gun, but it seems that, like the Croat XD's, the prices aren't going to stay low forever. The Sar CM9 Gen 2 is a fantastic bargain at about $260. for now.
Any of the Canik/Tri Star CZ clones are great too.
The S&W M&P's aren't bad, if you like polymer striker type guns...but I have no idea why someone really would!
Almost any of the trade in .40's, pick your brand, are OK or better.