First Auto for Under $400

[kludge]

Ruger P89, P95, cheaper used, or Sigma. Both run around $329-$389.

You might be able to get into used XD or M&P for four bills, but not likely.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Bersa Thunder 9. Usually costs around $350. I have three Bersa 9mms and all three have been 100% reliable with very good triggers.
www.bersafirearmsusa.com

 

[TurboFC3S]

There really are a ton of options at that price point. I got my New CZ75b with Omega trigger for $429 out the door. There are lots of police trade-in guns around, Glocks, Berettas, S&W's, P6's, etc. You can also find some of the 'less-desireable' HiPower clones for that price.

I do have to say, there aren't many guns I dislike. Usually if it goes bang and puts lead in the general area I'm aiming, I like it. But the Sigma's have such a terrible trigger I couldn't possibly advise somebody to buy one ...

 

[woad_yurt]

$400 on the nose.

Here's one for $400. I have one of these; I guarantee satisfaction. It's a monster gun. Ramline makes mags for S&W 5900s and they work well with this pistol. 17+1!

It doesn't fail, it doesn't kick and you can break it down in a moment. It has a sweet DA trigger and shoots dead on, too.

I can't kill the thing. It is solid. Seriously, these are the overlooked & underpriced 9MM of all time. This one's NIB:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=129100302

Holy crap! Here's one for $300!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=129158641

 

[KBintheSLC]

I would recommend he hit the used market before buying a Taurus auto. He might be able to find a used Glock 17/19, XD, Ruger, Smith M&P, etc. Those will make much better choices IMO. Tell him to make sure he has a budget for ammo... without some practice, he would be fooling himself.

 

[desire4one]

Thanks for the great info everyone. I wanted to get him started off on a revolver, .38, but he'll have none of it. I've already given him the speech getting what you pay for, he is still dead set on a new auto under $400. Although I won't recomment a Bersa to him (I own one and it was a nightmare getting everything straightened out with it), I overlooked the Stoeger. I've looked at them once or twice and will mention that to him. Keep the great recommendations coming!!!

 

[Javelin]

Ok if no Glock for ~$500....

then I agree that the SIG P6 is gun to get. It is basically a $700 pistol for ~$350 or so. Can't argue with that. Just be sure to inform him that it is worth it to get one with 2 mags if he can as they are $50+ each.

 

[hometheaterman]

Ruger P95 or P89 if you want used. If you can go slightly over $400 a SR9 seems to be a good choice.

Another option is the S&W's like mentioned.

 

[ScareyH22A]

Seriously, why not save a hundred or two more and get what he really wants? XD, Glock, etc? Is he in a big hurry? Tell him that median gun prices are around $500-$600 new.

 

[shiftyer1]

I don't know about your part of the world but in Austin Tx used glocks bring the same price as new glocks. You can find all kinds of good pistols under $400 if you watch all the pawnshops and newspaper. There is also a website called texas gun trader. I don't know if a similar website exists for your area. It's like craigslist kinda, but just for guns.

 

[bang_bang]

EAA Witness is around the $400 mark.

 

[Oro]

Check out the link to summit that SigP229r posted - Glock 17's for $380 and S&W 5906's for $315. $315!!!! Holy cow. They are Out of Stock on those at the moment, but when they get more that's great. He actually has one on GB for $355 shipped.

 

[remingtondude58]

The Stoeger Cougar's seem to get good reviews.

 

[Mike J]

I'd also suggest the P-95. While I have never owned one I do own another P series auto & they are good guns. There is a P-95 mentioned in this thread-I thought it was kind of interesting www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324738 Sorry this is the thread I meant to link talks more about the P-95's performance www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=55230

 

[Racinbob]

Gander has the Sigma on sale for $399 with a rail mount laser included. I got my SR9 for just under $400 and love it.

 

[gunlaw]

i would go with the sigma ve in 40 s&w.it is my carry gun. high capacity and a sufficient caliber. also not too heavy. try one with 165g hydra-shock. The trigger can take some getting used to. it is like a heavy revolver DA pull.

 

[HippieMagic]

Cabela's was selling new Sigma SW9VEs for $300 even

 

[slammy]

I found a almost New Glock 19 at a pawn shop a couple of months ago for $395.... not a scratch....most model Glock police trade In's I have seen also run around $400....Good luck to your friend!

 

[zbock]

A used gun will get him the best deal.

If new, definitely a stoeger cougar or sigma . I cross shopped the two and bought the cougar - I hated the sigma trigger and the stippling/grip angle wasn't to my liking.

 

[Flopsy]

I had my Cougar out yesterday. I don't think you can get a better deal for $400.

 

[guide1]

Another vote for the Ruger P series, new or used. Probably some of the most underrated pistols on the market, especially for the price. You can still find an EAA witness or used CZ for under $400 if you look hard enough.

 

[DuLL_ExIsTeNz]

Another vote here for the Ruger P-95. Excellent pistol for the money.

 

[moewadle]

Stoeger Cougar $399 NIB

at Scheels in West Des Moines, Iowa. Probably other places also. I am not trying to plug any certain business, it is just that I live 120 miles from there but was there this evening and looked at them. Of course, Stoeger is a Beretta owned company and the Cougar used to have the Beretta label. The rep at Scheels told me they are made on the Beretta machinery that was moved to the Stoeger plant.

 

[Hikingman]

Sig P6

 

[bestseller92]

Ruger P95.