Looking to buy a new handgun, Got around $200 to spend

[JoshuaC]

I've got the itch to buy another gun but I don't have a great deal to spend on one.

I've already got a nice Ruger MK2 but I'd like something that shoots a little bigger round. I'd mainly use it as a plinker pistol.

I'm looking at a CZ82 right now since they're cheap and reliable and apparently really accurate. I'll know tomorrow if they've got any at the local shop but what other handguns would you guys recommend for around the price I'm looking at? Willing to go as high as $300.

 

[Moonclip]

I think thats a fine choice if you don't mind the somewhat odd caliber. Or maybe a Makarov. Or a Star BM. Used decent .38special S&W revolvers can be found under $300.

 

[JoshuaC]

How much do Makarov's usually go for? The Star BM look pretty interesting, I'll have to look into those a little bit more.

I like revolvers but I want another semi auto right now.

 

[Moonclip]

Makarovs can be found for around $200 or a little more in the more common variants.

 

[JoshuaC]

Sounds good I'll have to ask about one if they don't have the CZ82. If you've got any other semi auto's I'd probably like in the same price range please let me know.

 

[jonnyc]

I don't like them, but CZ52s are cheap and plentiful.

 

[Pilot]

Try to find a police trade in Sig P6 (P225). They are great deals right now and can be had for under $300. CDNN, Dan's and Aim are carrying them. Your FFL can order from any of them for you.

 

[trekgod3]

You can pick up a Star BM for around $150. I just got a Cobra Patriot (.45 ACP) for $275.

 

[Mad Magyar]

Wow, $200 isn't much anymore, even in a pawnshop...Visiting our local two recently, even with haggling, the best you could do with $200 is purchase one of their Jimenez pistols...

 

[Glockorama]

I am assuming that you do not have a C&R license, but even with a dealer transfer fee (usually about $25), this is still a good deal. And a very capable firearm:
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/New_Pistols.html

If you want to spend a little more this is even a better option, although the finish may be in not so great a shape:
http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Sig_Sauer_P225_P6_9mm_Pistol.html

 

[theotherwaldo]

For $200 you're probably going to wind up with a wheel gun. That's what I paid for my ugly old Super Blackhawk .44mag. Beat, battered, but a sweet shooter. Still my favorite.

 

[JoshuaC]

Gave the shop a call and they don't have any CZ82's but they did have a Makarov but couldn't give me a price. I'll be checking it out tomorrow.

 

[noskilz]

I'll play. How about a Ruger P95 (9 mm) at CDNN for less than $300?

 

[azhunter12]

The p95 would be a good choice.

 

[CWL]

When buying a gun, pay special attention to the cartridge that it fires since you will likely spend several times the cost of the pistol on ammo.

Don't buy a cheap gun that uses expensive bullets, takes all the fun out of shooting it.

A used 9mm or a .38spl will both be economical pistols to own.

Take your time to shop around for one, try not to get over excited about any specific gun.

 

[JoshuaC]

Those Ruger P95's look really nice and shoot the standard 9mm. It would also be able to share ammo when I decide to plop down for a Glock 19.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

You can get a Taurus tracker in .44 for about $350 if you look around.

 

[eng23ine]

What about a Keltec P11? About $270 new, lifetime warranty, good for CCW, and easy to find 9mm ammo.

 

[bensdad]

Bersa Thunder is $209 at Cabelas right now.

 

[bobn]

Me and a buddy shot another buddy's CZ82 - it bit all 3 of us. No fun at all - the back of the gun smacks your hand hard on recoil.

 

[Hoppy590]

sigma, 250$ (300 with a 50 $ rebate and 2 free mags)

 

[JoshuaC]

Thanks I'll be looking at the KT P11 and the Bersa Thunder when I head over there tomorrow.

 

[p89cajun]

Academy has Taurus pt140 and pt145 pro for $299. I belive they have the 9mm as well. I have quite a few rounds down mine and not a hickup yet. All the early problems are fixed now.

Also Rock Island 1911's go for about $350 new at the gun shows so if you can find a used it would be in your price range. I think it is one of the best "value" guns out there.

 

[tinygnat219]

Your choices are going to be limited with that budget.

Here's what I see fitting into that:
Hi-Point. Brand new firearm, ugly as sin, etc. Reliable.

Used Ruger. Will have lots of finish wear on it, etc. probably a trade-in by a security company or something. Good news, it won't have been shot a lot. My local shop has these P-85s for 225.

CZ-82. Nice gun. Probably the best value out there right now for the dollar. Decent sights, low recoil, polygonal rifling.

Used Taurus. Avoid like the plague. They are being sold for a reason.

S&W Revolver with no finish. This will most likely be a Model 10.

Kel-Tec. Brand new, just don't expect to shoot this much and have it be enjoyable.

 

[JoshuaC]

After researching a bit I'm starting to like the Bersa Thunder mainly since it's a newer pistol, the cartridge it shoots is common and it seems like the design is friendly for hollow points meaning it would be a nice CCW gun when I get my permit.

Still looking at the P11 but I'm not a fan of the look of keltec pistols.