Looking for opinions on Jimenez handguns

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jason97496

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I spent some time looking for information on them online. I found several emotional responses, but nothing fact based.

I want to purchase handguns for my wife and myself, but I do not have much money. These guns are very inexpensive. I am just afraid of "getting what I paid for".

Thank you
 
I checked a couple at a gun show, and even for that little amount, I'd steer clear.

They're not well known for a reason. The couple I got to look at had pieces made from inferior (the frames appeared cast potmetal or zinc) materials, and the slide on the one I checked was loose. Of course, if they won't see nightstand duty at all, any gun can make a passable range toy.

You might get a better one if you look around, but I'd stay away. I'd be leery over the reliability of some of the parts inside, and I've never heard anything about their customer service.

For inexpensive, look at Hi-Point. They're big, they're clunky, they look like a crabapple out of the ugly tree, but assuming it will be for the range and home (I wouldn't carry a Jimenez and you can't conceal a Hi-Point) they've got a reputation for reliability.

For a little more, Bersa's metallurgy may not be up to H&K's, but they've got a good reputation and their customer service is good. I'm also a fan of their 9mm models, for the price.
 
Jimenez = Bryco = Raven = Jennings = run for your life.

Seriously, Jimenez, Bryco, Raven and Jennings are all companies owned by the same group of bottom feeders. They'll periodically be sued into bankruptcy, then incorporate under a different name, whereupon they'll be sued into bankruptcy again, then incorporate again under another different name and so on.

If you don't have a lot of money to spend, take a look at Ruger's output. You should be able to get a good, used Ruger pistol or revolver for under $300 and it won't blow up in your hand and permanently injure you.
 
I have noticed that people are overly negative on Jamenez products, and although I have never owned one I would have to advise you to stay clear.

I thought to myself... how bad could they be? If you look around on the internet for a while I'm sure you can come to a consesus for yourself... SAVE YOUR CASH.

I made my decision after stumblimg accross a forum devoted to Jamenez Firearms. Once you read what actual owners say you will be even more inclined to never buy one of these disposable firearms.

Check out this forum.... If I had to play Russian rulet with one type of fully loaded firearm it would be made by Jamenez.

http://www.bryco-jennings-jimenezar....php?f=4&sid=0c0e8d6577ba9a3153827427cbdbe172
 
Jimenez, Bryco, Raven and Jennings are all companies owned by the same group
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Close...but no cigar ......
Ring-Of-Fire companies simplified 101
PREVIOUS COMPANIES
Raven arms = George Jennings. The Raven was resurrected eventually by Phoenix Arms.
Jennings/Bryco = Bruce Jennings (George's son). The tooling and design bought by Paul Jimenez.
Davis Industries = Jim Davis (George's son-in-law). Currently Davis designs are produced by Cobra Arms.
Lorcin = Jim Waldorf (school buddy of Bruce Jennings). Currently Lorcin designs are produced by Cobra Arms.
Sedco = John Davis & Jim Waldorf (Jim Davis' brother). Sedco made a sorta-J22 copy for about 3 months.
Sundance = nobody remotely related to George Jennings.

CURRENT COMPANIES
Jimenez Arms = Paul Jimenez....no relation to the Jennings family, didn't go to school with them, etc.
Cobra Arms = a group who bought tooling/designs for various Davis, Lorcin, Standard, and some others.
Phoenix Arms = George Jenning's daughter-in-law & grandkids, produced the Raven and HP-22/25

FWIW- The frames/slide on these (except Lorcin LT25) are ZAMAK. Like the slide on most Hi-Points, Henry rifle receivers, etc. I know one guy who just this past week put the 9,000th round through his Jimenez JA-22. Seems to be holding up for him.
I collect Ring-Of-Fire guns just for giggles...something about red-headed-stepchildren and underdogs....so I own and regularly shoot many examples from all of these companies. I still have all my fingers, never a problem, and most of them shoot surprisingly well. Sure, I carry a S&W 6946, or a Walther PPK/s, etc....but most of the ROF guns I own have had no more problems out of the box than say the Ruger LCP.
 
Welcome to THR Jason!

If this a first-time gun purchase for your family, then a 12ga. pump shotgun would be an inexpensive first choice.

If you feel that you want to purchase inexpensive pistols, I would suggest that you consider buying a used .38spl revolver or maybe a Ruger semi-auto in 9mm (either new or used). These are very rugged and reliable firearms AND they fire bullets in calibers that are easy to find and relatively cheaper than the smaller calibers (.25ACP, .32ACP, .380) that Jimenez is known for.

Something in .38 spl or 9mm also tend to be more-effective SD rounds.
 
According to wikipedia:
Bryco's former foreman, Paul Jimenez, bought the bankrupt Bryco Arms for $510,000 in August 2004, and renamed the company Jimenez Arms.
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I would spend my money elsewhere even if it meant saving for a little longer. My brother's ring of fire 9mm was NOT reliable.

+1 on the 12 ga. pump shotgun. It makes an excellent home defense weapon. Six months ago with a rebate I got a brand new 870 for less than $300. Prices have gone up but basic pump shotguns are still the most bang for your buck.
 
I collect Ring-Of-Fire guns just for giggles...something about red-headed-stepchildren and underdogs....so I own and regularly shoot many examples from all of these companies. I still have all my fingers, never a problem, and most of them shoot surprisingly well. Sure, I carry a S&W 6946, or a Walther PPK/s, etc....but most of the ROF guns I own have had no more problems out of the box than say the Ruger LCP.
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I actually do own a Phoenix HP-22, and it is a decent little plinker, especially with teh 5" barrel. But I still wouldn't bet my life on it from a reliability standpoint. I removed the magazine safety, just because I hate them. But the slide-mounted firing pin block started engaging on it's own after a short time. So I superglued it in place and continue to enjoy the little pistol on the range. But when it's my a$$, I'll take my Tanfoglios, Kel-Tecs, colts, S&W's, etc.
 
i read that jiminez forum for a bit. lol, apparently we're gun snobs.
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I just went over there and surfed around a little. It seems that Jimenez actually has a service department and people actually send their guns in to be serviced, which cracks me up. It would probably be cheaper to just throw the damn thing in the garbage and buy a new one than to pay the shipping and service charges.
 
If money is the limiting factor, get a HiPoint - from everything I've read they're generally reliable and have good customer service.

Ugly as sin though...
 
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