I am in need of a handgun, I have a 12 gauge home defense shotgun but need something to carry around while at my home and taking walks in the woods or just down the road. I don't need to conceal it, even tho I can while on my property without a permit, I'll be open carrying most times. the gun has to be $300 or less, I don't have anymore to put with it. saving is done for a while so please just let me know of anything that is decent for that price. i prefer a revolver but can't be picky at this point on an auto or derringer. any caliber from 22 and up, thanks for any help
Inexpensive handgun
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VA27
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I hear good things about the Armscorp revolvers.
Panzerschwein
member
As much as people like to bash them, the Hi-Point auto pistols are usually very reliable and serviceable guns for the money. I'd get the .45 ACP version if it were me, but they also make them in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .380 ACP.
They can be had brand new for under $200. That gives you enough money left over for a few more magazines and a couple boxes of ammo.
They can be had brand new for under $200. That gives you enough money left over for a few more magazines and a couple boxes of ammo.
Guntoter
Member
Lot of good options out there for $300.00 or less. Do you have a transfer dealer already and are you including his fee in your max? Any other fees where you are that have to be included?
Classic has the Arcus line of autos, both compact and full size for $299.99 shipped. Great handgun at a bargain price.
Several available at SOG that would come in around that price including shipping.
If you don't mind a little ugly, Gary Cole at cdisales on Gunbroker has some bargain Hi-Powers right now. The nice ones exceed your limit but there are a few with pitting that might do. An ugly Hi-Power is STILL a Hi-Power!
Might be able to pic up a used Ruger .22 at a local shop for around that.
A Tokarev should easily come in under that and there are some nice ones out there right now. Not much you'll likely run into that the 7.62x25 can't handle.
Lots of options, you just have to look and decide what will fit you best.
Good Luck!
Classic has the Arcus line of autos, both compact and full size for $299.99 shipped. Great handgun at a bargain price.
Several available at SOG that would come in around that price including shipping.
If you don't mind a little ugly, Gary Cole at cdisales on Gunbroker has some bargain Hi-Powers right now. The nice ones exceed your limit but there are a few with pitting that might do. An ugly Hi-Power is STILL a Hi-Power!
Might be able to pic up a used Ruger .22 at a local shop for around that.
A Tokarev should easily come in under that and there are some nice ones out there right now. Not much you'll likely run into that the 7.62x25 can't handle.
Lots of options, you just have to look and decide what will fit you best.
Good Luck!
weblance
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Look at your local Armslist for good, used deals. Charter Arms revolvers are generally very good, and in your price range, if you want a wheel gun. .38 special is a good choice. Make sure you research how to check a used revolver for problems.
Going the Autoloader route, a Ruger P series pistol is in the low $300 range, and are very well made pistols. The P95(9mm), P97 or P345(both 45acp) can be had for just a few dollars more than $300, and will serve you very well.
Going the Autoloader route, a Ruger P series pistol is in the low $300 range, and are very well made pistols. The P95(9mm), P97 or P345(both 45acp) can be had for just a few dollars more than $300, and will serve you very well.
MedWheeler
Member
Three bills will get you a secondhand Charter Arms or Taurus .38 snub, or a Taurus Model 82 police (Brazilian) trade-in service revolver. More than likely, it will also fetch a S&W Model 10 police revolver as well at a gun show or in a pawn shop.
The SCCY CPX-II appears to be a fine choice for a defensive autoloader, and runs under your price point. It's a DAO pistol that comes with two ten-round magazines, and is chambered in 9mm.
As was mentioned, the Ruger P-series runs about that price point as well, and are hearty, well-built guns. Though discontinued in October of last year, there are still plenty of new ones in dealers' cases.
If you wanna start shooting now, and don't mind a single-action revolver in .22LR, the Heritage Rough Rider will leave you with plenty of coin left for ammo (ammo may be harder to find but, since it's a revolver, it's not gonna be picky about running what you do find.)
The SCCY CPX-II appears to be a fine choice for a defensive autoloader, and runs under your price point. It's a DAO pistol that comes with two ten-round magazines, and is chambered in 9mm.
As was mentioned, the Ruger P-series runs about that price point as well, and are hearty, well-built guns. Though discontinued in October of last year, there are still plenty of new ones in dealers' cases.
If you wanna start shooting now, and don't mind a single-action revolver in .22LR, the Heritage Rough Rider will leave you with plenty of coin left for ammo (ammo may be harder to find but, since it's a revolver, it's not gonna be picky about running what you do find.)
Taurus or Keltec might have semi autos in that price range. Hi points are also an option, most people agree they go bang when the trigger is pulled. Might be able to find a used ruger p-series, but don't get too hopeful most that I've seen have been over 300, but you might be able to haggle. I would recommend staying away from anything in .380 if you want to use the gun anytime in the near future, its about as rare as .22lr at the moment.
Charter Arms, EAA, Rossi, and taurus might be less than 300 used if you want a 38 special. Like other have mentioned you might be able to find a police trade in that is under 300, though it seems like the S&W model-10s aren't as plentiful as they were 2 years ago. I would not recommend a nagant revolver (even though they're about $200 now) everyone who has shot them seems to agree that they're a nice piece of history, but not a gun to rely on in a stressful situation plus the ammo is expensive.
Of Course up until this point I've ignored that you said .22lr would be fine. A heritage rough rider is well within your price, and so is a puma. You might also see other SA .22lr at the LGS of varying qualities between 100 and 200. I'd stay clear of cheap .22 autos unless you buy from a store that will let you test fire, some are perfectly fine guns, but others are real lemons with constant feeding failures.
Charter Arms, EAA, Rossi, and taurus might be less than 300 used if you want a 38 special. Like other have mentioned you might be able to find a police trade in that is under 300, though it seems like the S&W model-10s aren't as plentiful as they were 2 years ago. I would not recommend a nagant revolver (even though they're about $200 now) everyone who has shot them seems to agree that they're a nice piece of history, but not a gun to rely on in a stressful situation plus the ammo is expensive.
Of Course up until this point I've ignored that you said .22lr would be fine. A heritage rough rider is well within your price, and so is a puma. You might also see other SA .22lr at the LGS of varying qualities between 100 and 200. I'd stay clear of cheap .22 autos unless you buy from a store that will let you test fire, some are perfectly fine guns, but others are real lemons with constant feeding failures.
KansasSasquatch
Member
An interesting fact about SCCY pistols, they have a lifetime transferable warranty. Meaning if you buy a used one you still have a warranty on it. They even replace stolen guns under warranty. Edit: I just checked their website and it appears they may have changed their warranty policy. It might be wise to call them and ask what their warranty is if you're interested in one.
But for $300 I could find plenty of decent to good used pistols. Plenty of used revolvers for that price, the finish may be a little worn but on some but the function is still there. For auto loaders I even see an occasional used Springfield XD or older Glock for $300 or so.
New for $300 limits things a little bit but there's still plenty of choices if you have some good local shops around or are willing to order online and pay a reasonable transfer fee. Canik pistols seem like a real bargain if you look online. I see them going for right at $300, add in a $20 or so transfer fee and you're set. But the above suggestions for a Ruger are also very valid. Rugers may not always be pretty but every one of them I've ever fired or seen has been dead-on reliable.
ColtPythonElite
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300 bucks should score a decent police trade in Smith revolver.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I agree, a nice Model 10 or even a Model 64 if you like Stainless instead.
A 4" revolver in a nice leather holster will serve you well on your property.
A couple years ago maybe. Haven't seen anything under $350 that wasn't beat up badly in the last year. However sometimes you can find an individual who doesn't know values and if you don't either a deal that meets your budget can be had. My brother in law bought a nickle model 36 .38 spl from a guy he knew last year for $150 that's like new. Probably was in the guys sock drawer for the last 30 years. My brother in law still doesn't realize or appreciate how good a deal he got.
You might be able to pick up a SIG P-6 in that price range. I am also seeing some SIG P-350's for around that price range and I don't think the SIG 2022 is far beyond that.
The only thing I've seen lately for under $300 was a used Kel-Tec PF9 for around $250 and a use S&W K-frame .38 for $299. But I have seen used Ruger P-series 9mm's for $250 to $300. IIRC, the P95 wasn't much above $300 new.
I also think the Turkish Canik CZ-75 clones may be close to your budget.
The only thing I've seen lately for under $300 was a used Kel-Tec PF9 for around $250 and a use S&W K-frame .38 for $299. But I have seen used Ruger P-series 9mm's for $250 to $300. IIRC, the P95 wasn't much above $300 new.
I also think the Turkish Canik CZ-75 clones may be close to your budget.
mgmorden
Member
There are a lot of Taurus and Rossi .38 Specials out there that go for ~$200 or less used. Perhaps an oldColt Police Positive for $200-250. A used S&W might able to be found for $300 or under but they have been inching up in price lately.
If looking at autos in that price range CDNN has the SAR BP6 for $250 new.
http://www.cdnnsports.com/eaa-sarb6p-9mm-4-5-bbl-polymer-frame-1-17rd-mag.html#.Uywtf_mwLYg
If looking at autos in that price range CDNN has the SAR BP6 for $250 new.
http://www.cdnnsports.com/eaa-sarb6p-9mm-4-5-bbl-polymer-frame-1-17rd-mag.html#.Uywtf_mwLYg
Ed Ames
Member
Your location can have a bearing on what is going to be available, but I'll offer some options.
1. Chiappa .22mag/.22lr single action revolvers - $180 (Heritage is similar)
2. EAA Windicator .38Sp - $270
3. Hi Point .40S&W - $150
4. Yugoslavian Tokarev (surplus) 7.62x25mm - $180 (other variants range up to about $250)
Personally, I would get a Romanian Tokarev for $220ish, or the .22wmr/.22lr, and spend the rest of the $300 on holster etc.
If you can find a good used gun locally, awesome, but the guns above can all be ordered online and shipped to your local FFL for a total cost (including transfer fees) of under $300 (maybe not the EAA).
1. Chiappa .22mag/.22lr single action revolvers - $180 (Heritage is similar)
2. EAA Windicator .38Sp - $270
3. Hi Point .40S&W - $150
4. Yugoslavian Tokarev (surplus) 7.62x25mm - $180 (other variants range up to about $250)
Personally, I would get a Romanian Tokarev for $220ish, or the .22wmr/.22lr, and spend the rest of the $300 on holster etc.
If you can find a good used gun locally, awesome, but the guns above can all be ordered online and shipped to your local FFL for a total cost (including transfer fees) of under $300 (maybe not the EAA).
anothernewb
Member
Taurus, Hi Point. They do make good guns.
You might be able to find a smith or ruger that's in poor cosmetic condition for that as well.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...4/products_id/716007170/used+Kahr+CW40+2+mags
You might be able to find a smith or ruger that's in poor cosmetic condition for that as well.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...4/products_id/716007170/used+Kahr+CW40+2+mags
Furncliff
Member
Since you prefer a revolver, I add my vote for the Smith model 10. Lots of good used ones around, super reliable and a good variety of .38 special ammo is available. At a price of $300 it might not be pretty, but these are simple guns that last a long time. If you can buy it local your dealer should be willing to guarantee it's function.
Vern Humphrey
Member
mr.trooper
Member
A used S&W or Colt 38 will always be servicible.
As nice as some of the Turk clone pistols are for the price, you cant say that about them.
Get an old 38 from a pawn shop or off gun broker.
Whatever you do DONT GET A TOKAREV or anything in 7.62x25 right now. The cheap ammo is gone for good on the primary market, and they new manufacture ammo is imposible to find right now. Go with something mainstream.
As nice as some of the Turk clone pistols are for the price, you cant say that about them.
Get an old 38 from a pawn shop or off gun broker.
Whatever you do DONT GET A TOKAREV or anything in 7.62x25 right now. The cheap ammo is gone for good on the primary market, and they new manufacture ammo is imposible to find right now. Go with something mainstream.
gamestalker
member
You should be able to find a S&W model 10 for a couple hundred. Check the pawn shops, I always see them, and pawn shops will usually work on the price.
GS
GS
BSA1
member
Some of the comments about cheap S&W Model 10's and even Taurus must be regional. Here in my part of The Land of Oz the used gun market is very tight. Pawn Shops are among the worst places to shop with overpriced guns.
One of the best buys right now is the CZ-82. It is a excellent quality 12 shot 9 x 18 semi-auto with the option of carrying it double action mode or cocked and locked. They are dealer priced below $300.00 and with transfer fee you'll be close to $300.00 mark.
One of the best buys right now is the CZ-82. It is a excellent quality 12 shot 9 x 18 semi-auto with the option of carrying it double action mode or cocked and locked. They are dealer priced below $300.00 and with transfer fee you'll be close to $300.00 mark.
mgmorden
Member
Check online rather than locally. There have been a good deal of surplus Taurus/Rossi imports in the last 2-3 years that come in between $160-180. Add in ~$20 for shipping and another $20 for transfer and you're still in the low $200's.
Just a few guns that were on my Gunbroker "watchlist" that ended within the last day or two:
Rossi M685 ended for $206:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=400968034
Colt Official Police for $199 recieved no bids
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=402036846
Rossi .38 had a minimum bid of $189 and ended with no bids:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=400987492
It's not that hard to find a shootable revolver. Heck I picked up my 4" H&R 732 for around $125. It shoots .32 S&W Long which isn't that common these days not very powerful but still a good little gun for the price.
improperlyaged
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I recently saw a EAA Windicator revolver at a local shop for 279.00 NIB. I haven't heard a single bad thing about EAA or the revolver.
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