Options in the 300 dollar range.

[SecuritySixShooter]

I have a coworker that wants to purchase a gun but she has very little money to do so. She doesn't want to spend any more than 300 on the gun itself. I was just wondering what options were out there in that range? So far I have Hipoint, Bersa, and S&W Sigma perhaps. I just need a few more options for her to try out. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Fmjblack]

What is her primary use for said gun? Is it for self defense, plinking, etc.?

 

[hardluk1]

If it's for self defense the whole KT pistol line be bought for well under 300 dollars, a pf-9 that is my everday carry and I have 240 bucks in it . I also bought a p-11 for 240. Good for carry but maybe to much recoil for range time only. Bersa does make a good pistol and has the weight to be comfortable to shoot with in there line. Also look at used for better priceing with more options.
Try to take her to a gun shop so she can handle some pistols and revolvers and if she likes something see if an indoor range has a rental or a friend owns one for her to try.

 

[SecuritySixShooter]

She wants to use it primarily for self defense. I hadn't considered the Keltec line at all...thanks for the heads up! We are planning to take her to a range close by that has rentals but that will be after I get her shooting a little bit on a .22

 

[wow6599]

Add $50 to that budget and the used world opens up to you, i.e. Glock, M&P, Rugers, etc.

 

[Rem870Fan]

Would she feel better with a full sized pistol? For self/home defense the larger grip might make sense. Gander Mountain was running a special on Sigmas for $299. Like the earlier poster said, get her to a gun store or gun show and see how they feel in her hand and how she likes the trigger pull. I have a Sigma in 40 and the trigger works well for me. She might prefer the recoil of a 9mm instead.

Good luck!

 

[skifast]

I just sold a Taurus PT809 for $300. It would be a good choice, if it fit her hand.

 

[ATBackPackin]

Summit has quite a few proven used revolver models that would be perfect for HD under $300. I also think you can get a Ruger P95 for around $300 in addition to the ones you mentioned. Unless she plans to carry this I think a full sized gun would be a better option. I also have nothing against Hi-Point, but not sure I would want that to be my only gun unless it was absolutely the only thing I could afford.

Shawn

Summit Gun Broker

 

[LKB3rd]

My first thought is a used revolver in .38 or .357 (both with +p .38).

 

[SecuritySixShooter]

That was my first thought too. I know how hard it is to get SOME female shooters to the point that they are easily able to actuate the slide. The main problem with the used market here is that there basically is none. The gun shows have some used stuff but nothing i saw in the price range. I'm actively trying to get her to spend more on it so we can increase the selection. Any other selections would be appreciated!

Thanks again
SSS

 

[rich642z]

Ah,yes,,,,,,, revolvers,my only kinda guns to have ,own,and be buried with.

 

[dallascj]

If you have an Academy Sporting Goods in your area, they usually have excellent prices on Rossi 462 revolvers in .38/.357 and the S&W Sigma pistols. My preference would be the Rossi.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Bersa Thunder in 380 or the 9mm 9 comes out around 4 with taxes.

Every gal that has ever shot my Bersa Thunder has tried to take it home with them .

 

[redbullitt]

That bersa thunder is a pretty nice piece.

You may have the best luck in that price range with revolvers I think. Less possible issues with workmanship/reliability.

 

[mgregg85]

Kel-Tec would probably be the best option, followed by Taurus or Bersa.

I'd avoid the sigmas, horrible triggers and all. If you don't mind the trigger pull then they are a good deal.

Avoid the Hi-points if you can, they are good, reliable guns for the ridiculously low price but I'd rather buy a used kel-tec or taurus than a new Hi-Point.

Bersas are nice but the mags are expensive and holsters are really hard to find.

 

[Mikesull415]

add a little more and you can pick up a brand new SigPro 2022. Very nice pistols.

 

[MedWheeler]

Bersa Thunder vote here, too. Unless she's a brute, she will downright hate shooting any Kel-Tec of a caliber bigger than .32ACP. They are great guns, but make sure she shoots one many times (preferably, ten times or more) before she plunks her much-valued cash on one.
Also, don't forget the CZ line; some of those can be had for 3 bills..
Hi-Points are dandy shooters, but they are heavy, bulky, and single-action, the last trait of which will require additional training.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

My first thought is a used revolver in .38 or .357

That would be my suggestion as well, assuming she likes it.
I think revolvers are great for new shooters, reguardless of whether its a male or female. With a double action, there's nothing to it. Just start pulling the trigger.
A local gun store has used Smith and Tarus .38s for $199 - $239.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Sixshooter,

If $300 is the limit I'd really feel the Bersa CC .380 would be a handy choice.

You might find, if you hunt the pawn shops, a used J frame .38 S&W for that price to (but you might do alot of driving to!)

And a Bulgarian Makarov 9x18 isn't a bad choice either. Those can be had for less than $300.

And I sometimes see Ruger P85s for less than $300 but they are big guns!

Deaf

 

[Hypnogator]

IIRC, CDNN has a batch of police turn-in S&W 5906s for $299.95. They're almost always reliable, easy to shoot, and last forever. Excellent HD handgun, not too big to carry concealed on occasion.

 

[LibShooter]

Another vote for the Bersa Thunder. My wife loves hers. At $279 it was a bargain. And now you can find .380 ammo most anywhere.

 

[SecuritySixShooter]

I just wanted to thank everybody for their responses. I've added quite a few to the list. I would ideally like to get her a steal revolver of some sort but that is completely up to her. We will see what happens. Thanks again!

 

[skiwi]

check out J&G Sales
http://www.jgsales.com/index.php/c/c-r-guns/cPath/290 The CZ82 and 83 are proven designs with readily available ammo.

They also have Police dept used guns, mostly S&Ws for the $300 range.

I think staying away from the Hi-Points for a new shooter is also advisable. Cheap, but you get what you pay for. Perhaps you should discuss with her the probable learning and buying curve we have all experienced. I would wager the $300 limit is based on her simply wanting a gun without much thought of how it shoots or how it's carried or used.

Also look at various Pawn shops. I guess it also depends how soon she wants to make a purchase...

 

[lloveless]

For someone who is not a shooter, a REVOLVER is the route to go. It goes bang when you pull the trigger (provided it is loaded). Learning a manual of arms for a semi auto is time consuming and if you limp wrist your kel-tec what ya gonna do? In other words it is easier to get a newbie up and running defensively with a revolver than with a semi auto.
ll

 

[klutchless]

Try the eaa windicator 38 spl got mine new for 320 bucks and my wife claimed it as soom as she picked it up.