Recommend a newbie a practical carry weapon

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ManDude

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Hey everyone,

I currently own a Ruger MKII pistol, but it lacks practicality as a carry pistol (I think). While it is certainly better than nothing, I'd feel more comfortable shooting cans and targets with it rather than trying to defend myself in a life or death situation.

My budget is pretty limited, I'm interested in cheap(er) new handguns or a decent used handgun under $250. I expect to purchase ammo and two new clips for my new purchase separate, so that pushes the price tag to over $300.

Anyhow, as far as the caliber goes I am uncertain as to what would be best in a self defense situation. I'm looking for a smaller weapon, one that can be easily concealed.

A few I have been looking at, that i'd like to get some feedback on from experienced people are:

Phoenix Arms HP25A Pistol - Won't break the bank, more powerful than current gun and small. Would allow me to spend more on getting a nice concealed holster, extra clips, and good ammo selection. Also much better looking than hi-points and other similarly priced guns (IMO)

Hi Point 9 MM Compact Pistol, 916HC - Affordable, made in the good ol' USA. Lifetime Warranty. Ugly, but i'm more of a 'function over fashion' type of guy.

Kel-Tec P-32 Semi-Automatic Pistol - Affordable, seems practical. Smaller than the other choices, I believe.

Kel-Tec Compact P11 Semi-Automatic Pistol - Affordable, 9mm ammo also affordable and easy to find. I'm willing to bet like the guns posted above (and the inevitable posting of the more expensive guns some of you will suggest to me) would all be more than capable of saving my life in the event I needed to defend it.


Basically, i've posted several different sizes of guns (all compact) of different calibers.

Thoughts?
 
If intended for defense, I would suggest something a bit more substantial than a .25acp. Not that it won't "do the job", but it doesn't leave much room for error.

It's not a bad idea to look at used firearms when on a budget and there are currently some great deals in military surplus. Though it's still on my short list, I would suggest looking into the Polish P64. They're selling for around $160-$180 or so and I understand they're easy(ish) to conceal, accurate and reliable.
The 9x18 is more than enough to do what you're looking for and with a 6+1 capacity, it'll give you 2 more rounds than your typical snub nose .38special (and in about the same power range).

Here's a link to SOG's offering
SHG-P64_newweb.jpg
 
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Hmm, interesting. I guess there are a ton of guns I have never seen since they are no longer 'new', and not featured on the sites Google displays on its first page when I search for guns online.

How common is 9X18 ammo? I hadn't heard of it before, but after a quick search it appears to be a shorter 9mm?
 
It's a soviet-era cartridge that's gaining popularity due in part to all the milsurp handguns being being imported. It's readily available online, though might also be stocked at your local gun shop/sporting goods store.

9x18 Makarov cartridge is in between the .380acp (9x17) and 9mm Luger/Parabellum (9x19) in cartridge length (and energy, though closer the .380acp end of the spectrum). It's also not a true 9mm as it's a tad larger in diameter.

Here's a link to more information on the cartridge.

It's certainly a viable option for defense, especially when considering the price of the CZ-82 or P62, both found within the $200 range.
 
I'd forget the Phoenix. I've heard too many horror stories about them and don't care to risk my life with something like that.

The Hi Point is a pretty functional firearm but kind of chunky and not my cup of tea.

The Kel Tec is a well made but a 32 is a pretty weak cartridge to bet your life on.

The P11 is the only gun you list I would carry. Well made, pretty accurate, and a serious SD cartridge.

Used guns are another alternative but make sure you buy something that you can buy parts for if it ever needs to be fixed.
 
the CZ version of the Makarov is a solid gun.

About $10 a box to shoot, and it's suprisingly energetic, Just be careful, some of the import rounds can be Steel.

If you can stretch up to the $300 ish range ($50 rebate currently after that, or 2 free Magazines. Gun comes with 2 Stock) The SW S(t)igma is a 9mm that keeps my wife happy. It's so close to a Glock that SW got Sued and still makes it.

The Sigma is a very polarizing gun though.
 
Save up your money and get a proven firearm.

As a new shooter, you can't go wrong with one of the modern "point and press" firearms that have been proven in competition and duty use.

A 9mm is a good starter gun, and you can't go wrong with a 9mm from either glock, the smith and wesson M&P series, or the springfield XD series. While they will all cost you more than the "under $250" you are looking to spend, they will be worth the extra investment, and very fine firearms for defense and target shooting alike.
 
If you're really on a budget, I too would suggest a Makarov or a Polish P64. ( x 18 is still easy enough to find and those guns are concealable and IMHO much more trustworthy than a Kel Tec, or Hi Point. The Russians don't use guns that aren't reliable.
 
Well, off your list I would pick the P11.

I second the Sigma 9VE as a great pistol for your needs, they are reliable, durable, have triggers that are not best but can be improved here and there, have great grips, and are pretty compact, though bigger than anything on your list. And they are inexpensive, can be found in the neighborhood of $250, plus there is that S&W rebate that gets you another pair of magazines.

And 9mm is the cheapest non-surplus centerfire ammunition around to my knowledge. Great economy and practical advantages to the 9mm.
 
Some of the people who tell you to save your money (meaning: wait to arm yourself) won't leave the house today unarmed. It's about you, not them. How soon do you wish to be armed?
Of those choices, the P-11 is the most practical, though the most difficult to conceal (still pretty easy, though.) The Phoenix is a great little piece, but amazingly heavy for something so small, and not potent. I have one in 22LR, and it's a dandy shooter, but, because of what else I have to choose from, is not a carry piece by any means. In fact, the 22 round, though not as always as "feed-reliable" in some mini-autos, is usually ballistically superior, though the difference is marginal at best.
I don't have any Hi-Point experience. Just from what I've seen, they are ugly, bulky guns that are reputedly super-reliable, and backed by great customer service. And they're cheap, which means more dough for practice ammo.
I carry a Kel-Tec PF-9, very similar to the P-11 in design; it is just slimmer and holds seven rounds in the mag instead of ten (and it's NOT a $700 gun!)
Ammo for the Makarovs is way cheaper than for a 380, but not quite as cheap as is 9x19 (Luger/Parabellum) ammo.
There are plenty of people who carry and rock the P-32, and it's definitely easy to have when you need it. Not as potent as its brother, the P3-AT, but you can actually find, and afford, ammo for it.
Bottom line is it depends on what you find in the new and used gun markets for your intended price, and how soon you wish to start carrying.
 
You've also got to factor in the cost of a holster and probably a belt. The $200s really isn't the price point at which you'll find a really practical carry gun. The really reliable and durable firearms in this range are mostly surplus East Bloc sidearms in 9x18mm. The sticky issue there is that you may not be able to get good hollow point rounds or holsters for them.

The Sigma is probably your best bet in terms of power, ammo selection and holster availability in this price range. However, you're going to have to spend more on the holster (and belt) for it.
 
Of the pistols the OP listed the KelTec P11 (or PF9) is the only one I'd recommend under any conditions.

If you want something tiny, the KelTec P3AT or Ruger LCP would be a better choice than the P32 (.380 is hard enough to find in stores, I can't imagine finding .32 anywhere and if you can find it expect to spend a lot on it).

Looks like you're looking at new guns. Don't overlook quality used guns (especially from private individuals so no sales tax- ). Armslist in Indiana is pretty active. For example here's a PF9 for $225 and a PA-63 in 9mm Mak for $175.
 
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Of your list, as a bunch of people have said, the PT11 is by far the best choice.

I also happen to agree with the folks who recommend the Makarov. There are a lot of people who can afford more gun that still carry the old Makarov and that should tell you something. Fancy and tactical no. Dependable and proven, yes.

The S&W Sigma of today is not the same as the Sigma that resulted in the lawsuit. A Sigma wouldn't be a bad choice for you on a budget if you want a brand new gun, and while you will see a lot of internet people berating them, that is more a function of blasting away at the old Sigmas as opposed to the new ones.

I am not telling you not to worry about magazines (not clips. I am surprised someone hasn't already launched into a diatribe about that), but that is something you can pick up along the way. Spend the money you would be spending on two extra mags on a good pistol, and you will be better off in the long run.

If saving up is an option for you, you open up a whole new world of choices. There are some really, really solid choices under $600.00. But, I have lived on a tight budget before, and I know that sometimes you have to work with what you have to work with.
 
If you could up your budget to the $300-400 range your options would widen considerably.


That said, remember that the first rule of a gun fight is; bring a gun!
 
Save your money then look at Glocks, M&Ps, and XDs. A Glock 19 makes a good carry pistol that will last and can fill multiple roles with ease.
If that is not an option, the P11 is the better choice on your list, the PF-9 may be better.

In addition to the Makarov/P64 suggestions, you may be able to afford a surplus Sig P6/P225. I have seen them floating in the $300 range before. They usually have a lot of finish wear, but have been shot very little. The one I had was very nice.

Have you thought about selling your .22 pistol in order to have more money to afford a carry pistol ?
 
Hey everyone, thanks for all the replies!

I know my budget is pretty low, and it is because I am taking into consideration the cost of getting a proper carry setup. (Permit, holster, ammo, extra mag or two).

Thanks for the links Zundfolge, that PA-63 is located somewhat close to me. I'm going to look heavily into that.

Sapper771, the Ruger was a gift to me that I received just this year. I've been having a couple problems with it as well. It shot fine when I first got it, then I took it to the range for the first time a few months ago. It jammed, a lot. I then started only filling the clip half way, which seemed to alleviate most jamming issues. I've had it cleaned since then, and also had an issue corrected where I was unable to pull the slide to load the pistol (After my first attempt of disassembly failed due to a stuck bolt stop pin).

I need to get it looked at and fixed before anything, but I think i'd like to keep a hold of that one anyhow.

I may just spend more on the actual pistol and live with getting only one box of ammo for testing it out and a holster later on when I can afford it. We'll see ;)
 
A Ruger LCP can be had new for $269. Mine works flawlessly.
Bersa Thunder is another one to consider (also in .380)
Ruger P95, while not 'easy' to conceal shoots the 9mm, has a great track record for reliability and accuracy, and can be found for $270 new.

My advice would be to pick one of the guns mentioned so you have something now but keep saving, and buy a Glock 26 or XD9 when the funds are there.
 
KodiakBeer, thanks for the link, CTGunner, thanks for the advice.

Basically I wanted a cheaper one to get started with, I dream about a nice gun collection but I have the itch to get something now (or real soon). Money wise, in a middle of a move and inbetween jobs so until I get that sorted I really cant allocate much for a Glock or other nice, highly recommended pistol.

Of course I expect this time next year to have another, nice pistol. And a few long rifles of various sorts. Going to the range and target shooting / plinking around is just too fun, and with moving to the city it seems practical to have a decent carry.

Regards,
 
I find that my Ruger 22 does not like the Winchester Super-X ammo. I'm not the only one who has said this. Is that the ammo you're using when your gun malfunctions?
 
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