Please Recommend a First-Time Defensive Pistol

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SR9

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Im new to the whole concealed defense firearm thing. And since i know zilch about what is on the market much less about where the best place to get something from would be, so i seem to have made the happy mistake of stumbling upon this forum. I would like to purchase a handgun preferably semi-auto,nice looking,decent stopping power, i dont care if its new or used and heres the kick...all for under 200 bucks..Possible? or am i dreaming? Thanks for any input any of you provide

-Cody
 
It can be done but I would save up $800 or so and get a quality firearm. You can get a High Point for around $200, but I would only go that route if i had no other choice. They are not horrible pistols but better can be had with a little patience and saving.
 
I dont think you need 800.
200 hundred can get you a used pistol but if you save just a bit more you can get a police turn in glock.

Im not for or against glock. Yea they are not pretty but they work and work and work...Other options are a Keltec. good guns for a good price. I am considering a p3at (.380 acp) or a bit bigger and more powerful PF-9 (9mm)

Both can be had for 250-300

And welcome, you asked a good question and will hear LOADS of different advice.


The best bit I can give you is get some gun safety training at a shop/range and try out some different guns to find out what you like.
 
any suggestions on where to purchase from? all the gun shops around me are notorius for trying to make to much profit..if you get my meaning
 
Don't listen to the "$800" club. They'd rather run off newcomers to our sport/culture than let you start out the way you can afford to, develop more interest, and upgrade later.
Two bills will get you one of a number of quality defensive guns, but you do have to look. Pretty much any one you find will be used. Might find a Kel-Tec in either 9mm or 380ACP for that, or a Bersa Thunder. There are some CZ models in those calibers that shoot quite well, and fall into that price category when sold used.
Heck, I'd rather see you get a beater Davis or Lorcin and learn to rock it than see you turned completely off by "gun snobbery."
 
SR9 where are you at. put your location in your profile. Just needs to be close IE like mine SW Idaho. Some one nearby can help yopu find a good shop.

As far as figuring out prices check out www.budsgunshop.com for new or www.gunbroker.com for used at the auctions where something actually sold and not some of the silly asking prices. Once you have this you are forwarned and forearmed and will know if they try to screw you on the price
They are competive (buds gunshop) and carry most brands. If you cant find a shop with good prices see if they can doa transfer for about $25. Should be no more than than IMO. They can ship to you. At the shop/ffl they ship to you will fill out your 4473/backgrond check
 
im not tryin to be cheap..i just have to very young daughters and a girlfriend in college so our money isnt for my "toys" i believe she said...I would give my left testic&% for a 1911 or a ruger sr9 but i cant afford either one around here
 
First, welcome to THR. We're glad you're here, and hope you learn a lot.

Second, please try a few searches. There's been many, many discussions here on exactly the issues you're wondering about. Plenty of info for the taking.
 
one of which is sleeping on my lap to explain the lack of details in my profile and responses and also the reason why i havent really gotten to take a look around here so i apologize for any repeated questions..im not to lazy to look for myself i promise ;)
 
Hey a self defence gun isnt a "toy" its a tool ;) actually im quite serious.

Even though you cant afford much you deserve the best you can afford. You have two daughters and a girlfriend to look after and protect right? A good gun is no more unreasonable they buying quality brakes or tires for your car. All three can save your life some day.
 
I would look at the keltec p11, they sell for around $300 new. I carry one regularly. They are inexpensive, easy to conceal, and have decent capacity. The high point 9mm compact is cheaper, heavy, bulky, and a bit crude but function fine. Neither one of those is a great range gun though.

since your new to the hobby I'd suggest renting a few guns at your local range to see what you like shooting before plopping your money down.

Welcome to THR
 
id never consider a weapon a toy but she does..personally im 6'6" 225 I have NO need for a gun but she feels more comfortable with me having one here...so im shopping
 
personally im 6'6" 225 I have NO need for a gun
Click to expand...

Gun always trumps body size. You have no need for a gun, unless and until someone ELSE with a gun is assaulting you. I don't care how strong you are, fast-moving lead goes through muscle just as easily as fat.


That said, 200 for a "semi-auto,nice looking,decent stopping power" pistol is asking a lot. Drop the "nice looking" part, and you have some options. Otherwise prepare to spend 400+. Of course, aesthetics are subjective. If you like the way a Hi-Point looks, far be it from me to dissuade you.
 
I only said $800 because if he were to save that much he would have many, many more choices. And as far as trying to run people off, I take offense to that remark.
Heck, I'd rather see you get a beater Davis or Lorcin and learn to rock it than see you turned completely off by "gun snobbery."
Click to expand...
Lorcin, Jennings and Bryco are utter and complete junk. If they work for you fine. But do not call me a snob because I like a firearm that is not made from pot metal. And yes I handled many of them. They are ALL junk. Thanks for calling me anti new firearms owner and a gun snob in the same post.
$800 might be a touch high, but at that level you have your pick of many firearms that are not made with zinc slides. And as I said if $200 is all he can afford then get a High Point and learn to use it... sheesh what a snob I am. SR9 if you are ever out Colorado way give me a pm, I'd love to take you to the range sometime. Heck I'd even let you shoot any of my firearms you like.
 
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hi points are ugly..the gun i buy will be for home defense only as i live in VERMONT...if that doesnt tell you something then you have never been here..but i bet as long as i heard you enter my house i wouldnt need a gun...my favorite gun ever..lousiville slugger..ill cave your head in before your brain registers pull the trigger...but youre very right and im not trying to inflame the gun community against me at all if a person carrying a gun saw me first or heard me or any number of things that would alert the assailant to my presence im up sh^&s creek without a paddle
 
If you got big mits look for one of those glock police turn ins I think they can be had for around 300-350 tops. I know its more than you have but you cant beat em. I find glocks dont fit me well due to my smaller hands.

I couldnt afford much after I came back from overseas. I got a Taurus PT145 milpro. Not the best gun in the world but I have had no problems with it and for $350 it was a good deal.

Like i said if I could get comfortable with a glock Id have one, especially at the turn in prices. My local cableas has them come in from time to time and even they sell them cheap (Cablas is not known for great prices)
 
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