SCFOOTBALLBEARS
Member
Liek the title says, I'm looking for a handgun. I need something that is 300 or less(cheaper the better), has cheap ammo, and is a good defense weapon. Any ideas?
looking for a handgun, what to get under 300?
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Novus Collectus
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Hi-Point can be had new for half that.
I have heard good and bad about them, but for the price and with the lifetime warranty I've been thinking about getting one myself.
I have heard good and bad about them, but for the price and with the lifetime warranty I've been thinking about getting one myself.
1911 guy
Member
Go used.
Look for used guns. For sale ads and pawnshops, along with gunshops. Hi-points work, but they are some kind of clunky. Much better than a dirty look, though.
Personally. I'd go looking for a used RIA (1911), Ruger revolver, older S&W's are turning up in shops near me. SGN has ads for the S&W Sigma (auto) guns sold from police trade in for about 325 or 350.
Hey, a quick thought. Look for a Makarov. Relatively inexpensive and a few folks here have and like them. Ask around for opinions, I've never shot one.
Look for used guns. For sale ads and pawnshops, along with gunshops. Hi-points work, but they are some kind of clunky. Much better than a dirty look, though.
Personally. I'd go looking for a used RIA (1911), Ruger revolver, older S&W's are turning up in shops near me. SGN has ads for the S&W Sigma (auto) guns sold from police trade in for about 325 or 350.
Hey, a quick thought. Look for a Makarov. Relatively inexpensive and a few folks here have and like them. Ask around for opinions, I've never shot one.
steveracer
Member
I spent $300 on a model 19 last night.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=242689
My normal answer to this question is MAKAROV. Get a Mak and five magazines, 200 rounds, and a fobus paddle holster for $300. Then you'll have a great gun that's small enough to carry, big enough to shoot at the range, and power somewhere between .380 and 9mm. Ammo is cheap.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=242689
My normal answer to this question is MAKAROV. Get a Mak and five magazines, 200 rounds, and a fobus paddle holster for $300. Then you'll have a great gun that's small enough to carry, big enough to shoot at the range, and power somewhere between .380 and 9mm. Ammo is cheap.
karlsgunbunker
Member
wally
Member
Taurus Millenium PRO 9mm can usually be found for $290 new at larger gunshows around here. The PRO model fixes the issues the older Millenium line had in certain serial number ranges. The Taurus lifetime warranty is good for a newbie, but I've heard mixed reviews on Taurus customer service, but I've never had a problem with any of my Taurus guns. You'll get no warranty buying used. I don't recommend used as a first gun unless you can shoot it before buying to be sure you're not getting someone else's problem.
Other than this, or the Kel-Tec P11 (lousy trigger) or the HiPoint (large and heavy) I think you are looking for used guns. Star BM (1911 style 9mm) "Spanish police surplus" can still be found ~$200 but parts and extra mags are not so easy to find.
For centerfire handgun ammo 9mm is your choice is you want "cheap" shooting. Ten cents a round is doing good for 9mm these days, about twice that or .40 & .45 ammo. Expect to pay $0.40-0.60 per round for SD JHP ammo.
HTH,
--wally.
Edit: Makarov are good pistols, but 9x18 ammo is now more expensive than 9mm, and 9mm is a much better choice for SD as 9x18 is much closer to .380 than it is to 9mm in power.
Maks were tough to beat when the guns were <$150 and 9x18 ammo $80/1000 but those days are gone
Other than this, or the Kel-Tec P11 (lousy trigger) or the HiPoint (large and heavy) I think you are looking for used guns. Star BM (1911 style 9mm) "Spanish police surplus" can still be found ~$200 but parts and extra mags are not so easy to find.
For centerfire handgun ammo 9mm is your choice is you want "cheap" shooting. Ten cents a round is doing good for 9mm these days, about twice that or .40 & .45 ammo. Expect to pay $0.40-0.60 per round for SD JHP ammo.
HTH,
--wally.
Edit: Makarov are good pistols, but 9x18 ammo is now more expensive than 9mm, and 9mm is a much better choice for SD as 9x18 is much closer to .380 than it is to 9mm in power.
Maks were tough to beat when the guns were <$150 and 9x18 ammo $80/1000 but those days are gone
Clipper
Member
...15 year-olds can't own handguns...
lee n. field
Member
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- Dec 29, 2002
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- 4,322
What he said.
There's more that you need to spend money on than just the gun. If you haven't taken a class, you ought to plan on it sometime.
Dionysusigma
Member
Bersa Thunder .380 - Usually about $220 from Academy Sports. When I get my carry license, it's what I'll be using.
Military surplus guns are another good option. Southern Ohio Gun has a good selection, and many of these would be 4-5 times as costly if they were new, commercial production.
Hi-Point. They are ugly, they are heavy, but they work. They come in .380 ACP, 9mm, .40, and .45 flavors, and are some of the best deals on new guns out there. Their only flaw, IMO, is a minor one--single-stack magazines only.
In the revolver arena, the selection's a bit more sparse. Rossi (built by Taurus) makes a solid, blue, snub-nose .357 that MSRPs for $325. Ideally, they're sold for less than that.
In the end, though, the most important thing is what feels best to you (and also fits your budget).
After picking out what you want, good practice (not practice, good practice) will do wonders. Take a class or two--they don't have to be fancy, Uber-Tactical-Assault-Defensive-1000yard-SWAT-Training classes, but any professional assistance from a certified instructor is a good thing.
Lastly, if you get an autoloader, make sure there are no gaps in your clothing. Hot brass is no fun.
Edit:
Hmm...
Military surplus guns are another good option. Southern Ohio Gun has a good selection, and many of these would be 4-5 times as costly if they were new, commercial production.
Hi-Point. They are ugly, they are heavy, but they work. They come in .380 ACP, 9mm, .40, and .45 flavors, and are some of the best deals on new guns out there. Their only flaw, IMO, is a minor one--single-stack magazines only.
In the revolver arena, the selection's a bit more sparse. Rossi (built by Taurus) makes a solid, blue, snub-nose .357 that MSRPs for $325. Ideally, they're sold for less than that.
In the end, though, the most important thing is what feels best to you (and also fits your budget).
After picking out what you want, good practice (not practice, good practice) will do wonders. Take a class or two--they don't have to be fancy, Uber-Tactical-Assault-Defensive-1000yard-SWAT-Training classes, but any professional assistance from a certified instructor is a good thing.
Lastly, if you get an autoloader, make sure there are no gaps in your clothing. Hot brass is no fun.
Edit:
Eh?
Hmm...
SCFOOTBALLBEARS
Member
I can't own a handgun, but my dad sure can. As long as I pay for it, it's mine. Just like I don't legally own my shotgun, it's in my dad's name, but it's mine. My little brother owns 3 guns, all in my dad's name, but they are is.
Makarov sounds cool, and are there really guns out there where you can buy 1000 rds for 80$? That's pretty cheap for bullets, IMO. I am going to talk to my grandfather today, he has a pair for 357s(nice, real nice), a 9mm, and I think a .45. I also plan to shop around at different shops and stores. Thanks guys. Any more opinions?
Dio- how many .380's are there out there? My dad has one, which I like, he wouldn't sell it, but it's something to check into. It's hsi carry gun, but I don't know what brand, model, or make it is. I think he paid 300-400 for it.
Also, all these talk about classes, what kidna class? I probably can't take it anyway, because I am 15. Couldn't my dad teach me? He has his CCL, and lots of experience in guns. If by class, you mean gun safety, then I know that, I have taken that.
Makarov sounds cool, and are there really guns out there where you can buy 1000 rds for 80$? That's pretty cheap for bullets, IMO. I am going to talk to my grandfather today, he has a pair for 357s(nice, real nice), a 9mm, and I think a .45. I also plan to shop around at different shops and stores. Thanks guys. Any more opinions?
Dio- how many .380's are there out there? My dad has one, which I like, he wouldn't sell it, but it's something to check into. It's hsi carry gun, but I don't know what brand, model, or make it is. I think he paid 300-400 for it.
Also, all these talk about classes, what kidna class? I probably can't take it anyway, because I am 15. Couldn't my dad teach me? He has his CCL, and lots of experience in guns. If by class, you mean gun safety, then I know that, I have taken that.
Dionysusigma
Member
Used to be, but ammo prices have jumped up a lot lately. Although, if you were to go .22lr, 1000rds is about $20 for high-end competition stuff.
SCFOOTBALLBEARS
Member
I know 22lr ammo is real cheap, but I mean ammo with a little more power. So 9mm is a cheap ammo for a defensive weapon?
Yes, 9mm Luger is going to be your most inexpensive centerfire cartridge well suited for personal protection.
But I'll be honest with you, if I could do it all over again, when I was 15 years old I'd have gotten a nice Ruger .22 autopistol and practiced like crazy.
But I'll be honest with you, if I could do it all over again, when I was 15 years old I'd have gotten a nice Ruger .22 autopistol and practiced like crazy.
SCFOOTBALLBEARS
Member
A little less that than, but I know, it's cool. I'll also have a job in a couple years, and not such a budget. haha I'm actually 16 in April, but I mean, now, I don't have any bills or payments, and the random money i get from yard work, etc. goes to whatever I want. I still wish I had a job though. I thought about buying a .22, and if I can find everything I'm looking for cheap enough, I may buy two pistols. Here is what I am looking for (non specifically)-
Not in order-
Gun safe
Deer/shoot-around rifle
Pistol for defense/shoot around, nothing fancy, just somethign fun to shoot, an capable of killing a dog or medium-sized animal if need be, severly wounding a human, or atleast eliminating the threat of harm to me or my family
Possibly a .22 pistol for fun
LOTS OF AMMO
I was gonna stock up on ammo while I have the cash. All the guns and stuff I am looking for are going ot more than likely be used, and in good shape (I won't buy unless it looks good) and relatively inexpensive.
Also, as far as a safe, I am thinking of buying this cheap 10-gun safe that is at Dick's Sporting Goods for about 80$. I don't need the near-thousand dollar safe my dad has.
P.S. For the people keeping up with this thread, my dad's .380 is a Browning.
Not in order-
Gun safe
Deer/shoot-around rifle
Pistol for defense/shoot around, nothing fancy, just somethign fun to shoot, an capable of killing a dog or medium-sized animal if need be, severly wounding a human, or atleast eliminating the threat of harm to me or my family
Possibly a .22 pistol for fun
LOTS OF AMMO
I was gonna stock up on ammo while I have the cash. All the guns and stuff I am looking for are going ot more than likely be used, and in good shape (I won't buy unless it looks good) and relatively inexpensive.
Also, as far as a safe, I am thinking of buying this cheap 10-gun safe that is at Dick's Sporting Goods for about 80$. I don't need the near-thousand dollar safe my dad has.
P.S. For the people keeping up with this thread, my dad's .380 is a Browning.
wally
Member
I'd sure like to know where, unless you meant $20/100.
Remington Golden Bullet bulk pak is up to ~$10/550 at Wal-Mart. Wolf low end target ammo is up to ~$30/500 (more accurate in my rifle than the ~$10/100 CCI Green Tag).
--wally.
Be careful how you say that, and especially don't go saying that at any gun shop or place of sale. It could easily be considered a straw purchase, which is a big Federal no no. It should be a gift to you, you should not be giving anybody money to buy you a gun. That way everything is legal.
-Ryan
sfhogman
Member
First, go here:
http://www.nrahq.org/youth/
Your Dad sounds like a good man, but it's always good to get your first training from pros. Trust me, it's easier for your Dad and you. The NRA also has some good reading materials for those just starting out.
My suggestion would be to do what a lot of us did: get a .22 to learn your skills, and then purchase a centerfire down the road. If you dig semiautos, get a .22 semiauto like a Ruger Mk ll or lll, If you like revolvers, get a .22 revolver. You'll have a ball; it'll be cheap to shoot, accurate, and you'll have more time to decide just what centerfire you want while still getting in lots of shooting.
I have lots of guns, and the one gun that ALWAYS goes to the range is a .22. After we're done shooting the centerfires, I can continue to plink and sharpen my skills till the sun goes down. Which is fun.
Jeff
http://www.nrahq.org/youth/
Your Dad sounds like a good man, but it's always good to get your first training from pros. Trust me, it's easier for your Dad and you. The NRA also has some good reading materials for those just starting out.
My suggestion would be to do what a lot of us did: get a .22 to learn your skills, and then purchase a centerfire down the road. If you dig semiautos, get a .22 semiauto like a Ruger Mk ll or lll, If you like revolvers, get a .22 revolver. You'll have a ball; it'll be cheap to shoot, accurate, and you'll have more time to decide just what centerfire you want while still getting in lots of shooting.
I have lots of guns, and the one gun that ALWAYS goes to the range is a .22. After we're done shooting the centerfires, I can continue to plink and sharpen my skills till the sun goes down. Which is fun.
Jeff
Bergerboy
Member
You can get a Hi-Point 9mm and ~1200 rounds of WWB ammo for $300
I would strongly consider the man's words above me. ESPECIALLY since you're young, are starting out in handguns, are a little tight on money, and can't carry your piece. A .22lr pistol/revolver will allow you to get started cheap, shoot as much as you want to each week, and learn the basics and get good form on a round that will not induce flinch or bad habits as easily.
Once you get older and well-practiced, you can sell your gun for a good sum and buy what you want. I didn't do this, but really wish I had.....my last purchase was a .22 pistol and I'm tryin to belatedly learn the things I never learned right in the first place!
I would strongly consider the man's words above me. ESPECIALLY since you're young, are starting out in handguns, are a little tight on money, and can't carry your piece. A .22lr pistol/revolver will allow you to get started cheap, shoot as much as you want to each week, and learn the basics and get good form on a round that will not induce flinch or bad habits as easily.
Once you get older and well-practiced, you can sell your gun for a good sum and buy what you want. I didn't do this, but really wish I had.....my last purchase was a .22 pistol and I'm tryin to belatedly learn the things I never learned right in the first place!
dasmi
Member
Makarov all the way.
CajunBass
Member
I've got a Hi-Point 9mm that I paid well less than $300.00 for. It's a good gun. Not great, but pretty darn good for the money.
The Makarov is a good choice if you can still find them for that money. I haven't seen one in a while, but I haven't been looking for them either. I think I paid about $175.00 for mine. (Bulgarian)
I've seen some Smith and Wesson 39-2's (used of course) for less than $300.00 lately. I really like that gun.
I hear there are all kinds of Smith and Wesson revolvers in that range, used.
After all that, I'd rather have a good 22. I shoot them a lot more than I do anything else.
The Makarov is a good choice if you can still find them for that money. I haven't seen one in a while, but I haven't been looking for them either. I think I paid about $175.00 for mine. (Bulgarian)
I've seen some Smith and Wesson 39-2's (used of course) for less than $300.00 lately. I really like that gun.
I hear there are all kinds of Smith and Wesson revolvers in that range, used.
After all that, I'd rather have a good 22. I shoot them a lot more than I do anything else.
SCFOOTBALLBEARS
Member
Thanks for pointing that out, I will watch my wording. Also, I just had the idea, to drop the deer rifle idea, because I don't have any land, and wouldn't have consistent oppurtuniteis to deer hunt. Icoudl go sparingly, but not every other weekend. I might just invest in a nice pistol, a .22 pistol, and a .22 rifle, and practice my shooting. A .22 outfitted with a scope, would be good practice don't you think? I am a good shot, I know for sure, but I can always hone my shot. I also shoot trap with my shotgun, but .22lr bullets are abundant and cheap, and I am starting to think that the above idea may prove beneficial in the long run.
Also, does anyone know how often scopes need to be sighted in? And can I do it very easily without a gun rest, evne though I may look into one If I don't get a large rifle.
Also, does anyone know how often scopes need to be sighted in? And can I do it very easily without a gun rest, evne though I may look into one If I don't get a large rifle.
BoneDigger
Member
Ruger or Taurus
I would opt for a Ruger P-series (P89, P95, P90) for around $300 new at some gun shows, or a good used one in the $250-300 range. I would choose the 9mm for cheap shooting and defence, .45 if mostly for defence purposes.
I would also consider a Taurus revolver or Mil Pro handgun. Either will run you under $300. In the Taurus, you can get a new M605 .357 for around $300 new, and quite less used (I just bought one for $200 the other day, used but with only a box of ammo out of it). Then shoot the cheaper .38 loads out of it for range time. The M85 Taurus is a .38 Special only pistol and may be a little chaeaper, not sure...
Of course, Taurus also has the lifetime warranty.
Todd
I would opt for a Ruger P-series (P89, P95, P90) for around $300 new at some gun shows, or a good used one in the $250-300 range. I would choose the 9mm for cheap shooting and defence, .45 if mostly for defence purposes.
I would also consider a Taurus revolver or Mil Pro handgun. Either will run you under $300. In the Taurus, you can get a new M605 .357 for around $300 new, and quite less used (I just bought one for $200 the other day, used but with only a box of ammo out of it). Then shoot the cheaper .38 loads out of it for range time. The M85 Taurus is a .38 Special only pistol and may be a little chaeaper, not sure...
Of course, Taurus also has the lifetime warranty.
Todd
Piedmont Plinker
Member
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2006
- Messages
- 941
If you're willing to go up $50 you could get a new Stoeger Cougar. 15-shot 9mm, less expensive copy of a Beretta design. Just as good. Also, Hi-points are 80-150$.
I know your situation. I'm 13.
I know your situation. I'm 13.
jad0110
Member
22
When I first started shooting, I turned my back on the 22. Thought it was "below" me. I was an idiot, but at least I figured that out real quick. You are making a wise decision by at least considering a 22. Every gun guy or gal needs at least one! Quality semi auto 22s and Single Action (SA) revolvers are pretty easy to come by. On the semi auto side, a Browning Buck Mark or Ruger Mk I, II, II or 22/45 would all be excellent choices (given to you as gifts, in your case, because of you age). I hear S&W makes a good one too, the 22A I think?
SA revolvers are a lot of fun too, with the most popular being the Ruger Single Six. Often you can get them with a cylinder for cheap 22 LR and another for more powerful 22 Magnum. Used ones can be had in the $250 range. Or if you don't mind something new that is not finished so nice (but still reliable), the Heritage Rough Rider Combo (22 LR and 22 Mag cylinders) is a great value. I used to own one, bought it new for $150! Sold a short time laterbanghead: ). I still have a bit of idiot in me.
Double Action 22 revolvers are a little harder/more expensive to come by. However, for training, they are probably the most desireable 22 of all. If you can master the long, heavy pull of a double action revolver, you should be able to shoot anything very well. On the new market, the only affordable 22 DA is the Taurus 94. My particular gun was a lemon, got rid of it. The 94 seems to be hit or miss, you either get a good one or a junker. S&W makes their 317 and 617, very nice, but pricey. I don't think Ruger makes their SP101 in 22 LR anymore, but they can be found used for very reasonable prices. The two best DA 22s are probably the Colt Diamondback in 22LR and the S&W K-22 Masterpiece.
I own a S&W K-22 Masterpiece, specifically a Model 17-0 made in 1959. Of all my guns, this one is definitley my favorite!
When I first started shooting, I turned my back on the 22. Thought it was "below" me. I was an idiot, but at least I figured that out real quick. You are making a wise decision by at least considering a 22. Every gun guy or gal needs at least one! Quality semi auto 22s and Single Action (SA) revolvers are pretty easy to come by. On the semi auto side, a Browning Buck Mark or Ruger Mk I, II, II or 22/45 would all be excellent choices (given to you as gifts, in your case, because of you age). I hear S&W makes a good one too, the 22A I think?
SA revolvers are a lot of fun too, with the most popular being the Ruger Single Six. Often you can get them with a cylinder for cheap 22 LR and another for more powerful 22 Magnum. Used ones can be had in the $250 range. Or if you don't mind something new that is not finished so nice (but still reliable), the Heritage Rough Rider Combo (22 LR and 22 Mag cylinders) is a great value. I used to own one, bought it new for $150! Sold a short time later
banghead: ). I still have a bit of idiot in me.Double Action 22 revolvers are a little harder/more expensive to come by. However, for training, they are probably the most desireable 22 of all. If you can master the long, heavy pull of a double action revolver, you should be able to shoot anything very well. On the new market, the only affordable 22 DA is the Taurus 94. My particular gun was a lemon, got rid of it. The 94 seems to be hit or miss, you either get a good one or a junker. S&W makes their 317 and 617, very nice, but pricey. I don't think Ruger makes their SP101 in 22 LR anymore, but they can be found used for very reasonable prices. The two best DA 22s are probably the Colt Diamondback in 22LR and the S&W K-22 Masterpiece.
I own a S&W K-22 Masterpiece, specifically a Model 17-0 made in 1959. Of all my guns, this one is definitley my favorite!
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