Looking for a cheap reliable pistol

[xdoctor]

Check out the Witness line by EAA. I own one in .45 and another in .40 and they've been some of the most reliable weapons I've ever owned.

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=31689250

 

[Shipwreck]

I think a Ruger is the cheapest gun I would buy that is reliable.

I have a Taurus PT22, but after seeing so many neg comments about Taurus semi-autos, I would only possibly buy their Beretta clone.

 

[Scottmkiv]

I like my Makarov a lot, and ammo is cheap. I would also suggest you look at the Arcus 94. I got mine for $239 for AIMsurplus.com. I think it is an absolute steal for that price. It is quite accurate, and the only malfunctions I have ever had were due to $6 30 round magazines.

 

[cosmonick]

If this is a first gun, then I'd suggest buying a nice 22 (Ruger, Browning, Smith & Wesson, ect.). Learn to use it, then save your money for something bigger.

If you are set on starting with something bigger (I'm assuming still that this is a first gun), then I'd suggest a mid-size (say 4") 357/38spc revolver. If you get a decent brand - Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Taurus, ect. - there are probably few guns as reliable. Then you have also have the benefit of super cheap 38spc practice ammo, while still being able to use full power 357 Mag ammo.

If you're set on an auto, then a Makarov is hands down the most gun for your money.

Mo

 

[bakert]

A used Ruger P series pistol can be had for a fairly reasonable price. Not likely to be worn out either.
Baker

 

[Longbow]

Star BM 9mm!
A used S&W model 10 is a good choice too.

 

[ezypikns]

Star BM????

Longbow, are thse pistols any good?

 

[El_Guapo]

Can't find Marakov anywhere on the internet

 

[sfhogman]

Education, education, education. Then go back and refer to what Cosmonick said.
By the way, there was a guy named Elmer Keith that once said something like, When it comes to protecting your life, the best is none too good!

Best,
Jeff

 

[medmo]

"Can't really agree with that, sometimes you run into the wrong guy trying to make a buck and you just bought the POS he couldn't sell to anybody else."

What? And sometimes I have stepped in dog poop.

Crooked or shady folks don't last very long in this industry. The market is small and tightly knit.

Really if you don't know squat check out a local shop. If you think the folks in the store are looking to ring you up than excuse yourself and find another one.

Just be careful about the stepping in dog poop.

 

[Tomac]

Another vote for the Makarov. Go to Makarov.com for info, parts & accessores. I use a Mak w/the Silver Bear 115gr JHP @1,000fps for my CCW piece.
Tomac

 

[lee n. field]

Can't find Marakov anywhere on the internet

http://catalog.jgsales.com/

http://www.makarov.com/guns/index.htm

http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplushandguns.html

 

[Longbow]

Longbow, are thse pistols any good?

A friend of mine has one since the early 90's. We always go shooting together then, and I never recall having any malfunction at all. We fired HP's and even flat point truncated cone bullet trough it without any problem. He still has it and carries it from time to time.
The only negative I've heard, is that it can't take a lot of dry firing. But snap caps can take care of that.
I think they go for $150 now (dealer price?).

 

[L-Frame]

A good revolver in .357 mag. is ideal in my opinion. Rugged, simple, ultra reliable, and flexible (shoots .38's or .357's). A good used Taurus, or Ruger, especially the Security, Service, or Speed Sixes can often be had for less than $300.

 

[Zundfolge]

El_Guapo , Here's a good one.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=138849


Basically a CZ-40 slide on a P-01 frame.

 

[The_Antibubba]

Not trying to give you a hard time, El Guapo, but if you've got the money to sink into high-end car audio, then you've got money to get gun training and a decent revolver or pistol. Revolvers are generally better for a new shooter, as they are easy to use and reliable. But if you want an auto, I, too, recommend the Makarov.

AND: Welcome to The High Road! Read everything here, there's a lot of good information here.

 

[WVleo]

Hi, Get yourself a .38 and some training and some ammo and practice . You should be able to become quite accomplished with a revolver for around $300 ,plus a little extra for ammo every time out . .......WVleo

 

[Texian Pistolero]

I have seen NEW ruger 9mm semis at gun shows for $250, with two 15 rnd mags!