Top 5 CCW dependable/reliable bargain handguns under $300. Your thoughts?
- Thread starter 40SW
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I think that those on a budget need to take the time to do some hunting. Summertime is best for this. You can get a good gun for under 300-400 if you look. There are scores of police trade in guns that would do very well and you get a well maintained lightly used gun for much less than a new one.
fletcher
Member
+1
Trade-in Beretta 92s and 96s can be had for low $300s around here.
As much as I like them, I'd keep away from oddball calibers like 9x18 and mil-surp handguns. Finding ammo, especially 7.62x25 (sometimes even 9x18), can be a pain. Also, parts can be more difficult to find too. A rule of thumb I'd use would be that if you can't find ammo at Wal-mart, it's not a good choice for a "casual" gun owner. Not everyone is ready, willing, and able to order off the Net, no matter how easy it is.
New, I'd recommend S&W Sigmas.
Used.... wow, big list. Some ideas: Used Taurus snubbies and mil-pros, used Rugers, used S&W metal-frame guns (5906, 1006, 4006, 3913, etc style). Even used Rossis and Charter snubs.
New, I'd recommend S&W Sigmas.
Used.... wow, big list. Some ideas: Used Taurus snubbies and mil-pros, used Rugers, used S&W metal-frame guns (5906, 1006, 4006, 3913, etc style). Even used Rossis and Charter snubs.
The P3AT is very reliable, but it also recoils heavily. So, for the elderly, who may or may not have a strong grip, I don't know. All the same, the .380 ACP is the smallest caliber allowed in our MCPL courses. I would never encourage anyone to carry a .22LR or .25 ACP, not even the .32...they are just too small for reliable stopping power.
Papaster
Member
+1 on the PT145. It's my carry gun, and it ran me only slightly above 300 brand new. Also the RIA 1911 you can find at some gun shows new for just about 300, maybe a little more now. All kinds of bargains in the slightly-used revolver market. My S&W model 10 in good condition was a mere $160. And the Taurus 85 I picked up w/ less than 100 rnds through it was under 220. Saw a good but well used .38 spl Rossi 5 shot for 150. Passed, but still a good deal.
AZAndy
Member
I'd have to recommend an FEG PA63. Lightweight, easy to conceal, 9x18, simple disassembly, reliable... and you can pick up a new one for $110-$120. What more could ya want?
Andy
Edit: Oops, just noticed that mnrivrat had the same suggestion. Didn't read carefully enough, sorry!
Andy
Edit: Oops, just noticed that mnrivrat had the same suggestion. Didn't read carefully enough, sorry!
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I would agree with some of your suggestions, but my top five for CC under $300 would be...
#1 Bersa Thunder 9mm ultra compact 10 +1. Decent capacity, great caliber , nice size and weight for a CCW. Can't think of a bad thing to say about it.
#2 Taurus 85 Ultralight .38+P. Very easy to conceal, and comfortable to wear all day. Decent stopping power. Simple to use in a high stress situation, just point and shoot. Fits in holsters designed for J-frame S&W's. Its only downside is its capacity.
#3 Kel-Tec P3AT .380acp 6+1, Everyone should own one of these. It is the easiest to conceal decent caliber gun. I usually carry one in the pocket as a back up to my S&W 442, and still both those guns together end up weighing less than a 1911!!!! You can say bad things about its trigger, and recoil,...blah blah. But it does exactly what it was designed to do, and it does it very well.
#4 Taurus PT145 Milpro 10+1 .45acp 3rd generation. It's compact and holds a whole lot of firepower, also holsters are readilly availible. Biggest downside is its spotty quality/history. I own a 3rd gen and have never had a problem, but I wouldn't buy a used one. The earlier ones were junk. It however does have a lifetime warranty.
#5 Police Trade-Ins. As mentioned before, you can find Beretta 92/96's, lots of S&W autos, and sometimes some decent Glocks for around $300. These guns may have some holster wear, but most were shot very little. They all come in nice calibers (9mm,.40S&W,.45acp) and alot of time with 3 magazines. However these guns are almost always medium to full size variants and may be hard to use as a EDC in the summer.
I tried to make a list that covers the gambit, from tiny to full size, and from small to large caliber. I really wouldn't trust one of those bobcat/tomcats you mentioned, as they have become known as jam-o-matics for a reason, and offer little stopping power. My girlfriend however carries a Taurus 941 revolver, which is a 8rd .22magnum revolver. She is 5"1' and 95lbs, and has a hard time with larger caliber weapons, also she can't conceal very well with her body type. A snubbie fits her well, and she doesn't mind practicing alot with her .22WMR.
Everyone should be able to afford a decent CCW, and there are alot of nice options out there. I try to stay away from used guns if possible, unless it's a "classic". If money is really tight, you could always get a High-Point until you can afford something better, and the nice thing is most gun shops offer a layaway program.
#1 Bersa Thunder 9mm ultra compact 10 +1. Decent capacity, great caliber , nice size and weight for a CCW. Can't think of a bad thing to say about it.
#2 Taurus 85 Ultralight .38+P. Very easy to conceal, and comfortable to wear all day. Decent stopping power. Simple to use in a high stress situation, just point and shoot. Fits in holsters designed for J-frame S&W's. Its only downside is its capacity.
#3 Kel-Tec P3AT .380acp 6+1, Everyone should own one of these. It is the easiest to conceal decent caliber gun. I usually carry one in the pocket as a back up to my S&W 442, and still both those guns together end up weighing less than a 1911!!!! You can say bad things about its trigger, and recoil,...blah blah. But it does exactly what it was designed to do, and it does it very well.
#4 Taurus PT145 Milpro 10+1 .45acp 3rd generation. It's compact and holds a whole lot of firepower, also holsters are readilly availible. Biggest downside is its spotty quality/history. I own a 3rd gen and have never had a problem, but I wouldn't buy a used one. The earlier ones were junk. It however does have a lifetime warranty.
#5 Police Trade-Ins. As mentioned before, you can find Beretta 92/96's, lots of S&W autos, and sometimes some decent Glocks for around $300. These guns may have some holster wear, but most were shot very little. They all come in nice calibers (9mm,.40S&W,.45acp) and alot of time with 3 magazines. However these guns are almost always medium to full size variants and may be hard to use as a EDC in the summer.
I tried to make a list that covers the gambit, from tiny to full size, and from small to large caliber. I really wouldn't trust one of those bobcat/tomcats you mentioned, as they have become known as jam-o-matics for a reason, and offer little stopping power. My girlfriend however carries a Taurus 941 revolver, which is a 8rd .22magnum revolver. She is 5"1' and 95lbs, and has a hard time with larger caliber weapons, also she can't conceal very well with her body type. A snubbie fits her well, and she doesn't mind practicing alot with her .22WMR.
Everyone should be able to afford a decent CCW, and there are alot of nice options out there. I try to stay away from used guns if possible, unless it's a "classic". If money is really tight, you could always get a High-Point until you can afford something better, and the nice thing is most gun shops offer a layaway program.
evan price
Member
My top five picks for someone with a serious budget who would also be a casual user tend strongly towards the used brand-name type firearms, leaning towards wheelguns primarily. I am biasing my list towards a novice shooter who would not be as hands-on as someone who is used to safeties, cocked & locked, etc. and wants simple point & click interface. Also, there is no replacement for displacement, so carry a bigger caliber if possible. My list also biases for .36" or larger.
+1 on the Wal*Mart ammo selections. If you can't buy it at wallyworld think again.
#1. Used wheelguns in the .38/.357 range. I see snubs under $250 all day long. Ammo is 'cheap' and plentiful. Ruger Whatever-Sixes, S&W's, charter arms, Taurus.
#2. Traded-in plastic fantastics- you can deal shrewdly on a used Glock or XD and walk out with a holster worn well used but perfectly functional sidearm for about $300.
#3. Hi-Point pistols. Bash on them as much as you want, Hi-Point haters, but from personal experience, as ungainly and ugly and top heavy as they are, they shoot pretty good and are pretty reliable. Plus you can get a HP 9mm and a case of ammo and a good holster and still have enough cash left over to pay for range sessions or a CCW class. That big clunky topheavy slide also absorbs recoil surprisingly well making a 9mm Hi-Point a pretty good first gun.
#4. Police trade semiautos: Lots of departments are transitioning to M&Ps or Sigs or whatever is in vogue this year. I see S&W 3913's for under $275 here and there and lots at $299. Plus other S&W semis for that price too. I see Beretta 92 (as mentioned above) in there, too. Just be aware that they look beat on sometimes but shoot well, if you can field strip them before you buy, you can weed out the ones that got shot a lot and buy the Detective Sergeant's gun that sat in a drawer for ten years and only did annual qualifying.
#5: TIE! Budget-priced new semiautos: Kel-Tec, Bersa, etc. -OR-
Makarovs. Great little guns. Can get them used for under $200 and buy a half a case of surplus ammo and you're set.
+1 on the Wal*Mart ammo selections. If you can't buy it at wallyworld think again.
#1. Used wheelguns in the .38/.357 range. I see snubs under $250 all day long. Ammo is 'cheap' and plentiful. Ruger Whatever-Sixes, S&W's, charter arms, Taurus.
#2. Traded-in plastic fantastics- you can deal shrewdly on a used Glock or XD and walk out with a holster worn well used but perfectly functional sidearm for about $300.
#3. Hi-Point pistols. Bash on them as much as you want, Hi-Point haters, but from personal experience, as ungainly and ugly and top heavy as they are, they shoot pretty good and are pretty reliable. Plus you can get a HP 9mm and a case of ammo and a good holster and still have enough cash left over to pay for range sessions or a CCW class. That big clunky topheavy slide also absorbs recoil surprisingly well making a 9mm Hi-Point a pretty good first gun.
#4. Police trade semiautos: Lots of departments are transitioning to M&Ps or Sigs or whatever is in vogue this year. I see S&W 3913's for under $275 here and there and lots at $299. Plus other S&W semis for that price too. I see Beretta 92 (as mentioned above) in there, too. Just be aware that they look beat on sometimes but shoot well, if you can field strip them before you buy, you can weed out the ones that got shot a lot and buy the Detective Sergeant's gun that sat in a drawer for ten years and only did annual qualifying.
#5: TIE! Budget-priced new semiautos: Kel-Tec, Bersa, etc. -OR-
Makarovs. Great little guns. Can get them used for under $200 and buy a half a case of surplus ammo and you're set.
40SW
Member
Excellent suggestions folks. I will add them to my list. I have not recommended used guns to novice students much. The main reason is that novice shooters don't know what to look for in purchasing a used firearm. The pitfalls inherent are many for a new shooter, but its more difficult to get stuck with a junk Makarov, (not impossible, just more difficult), simply because they are built like tanks. So used ex Soviet Bloc pistols like Russian/Bulgarian Maks, CZs, etc, I have no problem recommending to novices, since its so hard to get stuck with a lemon, I own several Maks and many of my friends and students do as well, with thousands upon thousands of rounds through them, simply built under the Soviet premise of durability over aesthetics.
Deanimator
Member
Not that I've seen in NE Ohio, but that's apparently the case elsewhere.
Earlier this year, I bought an ex-NYPD S&W M&P from RM Vivas for $190, not counting shipping and FFL. It was far cheaper than any comparable effective self-defense firearm. It's missing a lot of finish, but is in mechanically excellent shape and shoots well.
hamourkiller
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Used spasmatics are like used boat motors! you are buying some one elses problems.
Used police trade ins, M&P 10, mod 13, Mod 19. For under 300 you will have to put up with some surface wear but internal will be great and reliable.
Used police trade ins, M&P 10, mod 13, Mod 19. For under 300 you will have to put up with some surface wear but internal will be great and reliable.
Harry Paget Flashman
Member
Add the Armscor Model 200 .38 Spcl revolver to the list.
They sell for $149 and are very nice.
They sell for $149 and are very nice.
Durby
Member
I have bought two police trade-ins, and the advantage of a police trade-in over a used gun is that police have to keep their guns mostly original, or they will get sued for intending to kill someone, or some nonsense like that. This way you don't get guns that people have "improved" on their own. I have bought a Glock 22, with "San Antonio Police Department" on the slide, came with tritium sights on it, and a Smith and Wesson 411, also in .40 S&W, and it came with 3 mags. I questioned the dealer about round count, and he field stripped the pistols and let me examine them. So far I have hundreds of rounds through both guns, with no problems in either.
cstreu1026
Member
I am not sure what they are going for now but the last time I considered buying a Taurus PT145 they were pretty cheap....$290 for a new one stands out in my mind. I know I have seen their .38 and .357 wheel guns for less than $300 locally when they are on sale. I would think those would probably be two of the best choices in the new and under $300 segment.
I use to have a Bersa .380 and found it fun and comfortable to shoot though I was surprised at how much recoil it had. It wasn't unpleasent I was just a little surprised at how much pop that little cartridge had. I also had a tough time finding a holster for it...there just aren't many choices.
I was pretty set on the a Taurus but I have found that locally a S&W wheel gun in .38 isn't that much more but sure seems like a lot nicer gun.
I use to have a Bersa .380 and found it fun and comfortable to shoot though I was surprised at how much recoil it had. It wasn't unpleasent I was just a little surprised at how much pop that little cartridge had. I also had a tough time finding a holster for it...there just aren't many choices.
I was pretty set on the a Taurus but I have found that locally a S&W wheel gun in .38 isn't that much more but sure seems like a lot nicer gun.
geekWithA.45
Moderator Emeritus
WRT used guns, police trade ins, and "factory inspecteds" are usually a good bet.
Re: the Bersa: I like it for a ppk style handgun, but being a lefty, it's one of the designs that's simply lefty hostile, and must reluctantly place the KT into that niche.
Re: the Bersa: I like it for a ppk style handgun, but being a lefty, it's one of the designs that's simply lefty hostile, and must reluctantly place the KT into that niche.
horge
Member
Yes, the Thunder 380 is lefty hostile 
I'm right handed, and I think it's a serious disadvantage:
like, what if my right hand is severely injured ?
As for Mach IV pointing out, that there are 9's and 40's in the same size/bulk
category as the Thunder 380, I'll counterpoint that one of the explicit
considerations in the OP was affordable price.
The Thunder 380 can't touch the KelTec P3AT for concealability, but I
simply can't shoot as accurately and rapidly with it, no matter how much
I practice (may be my fault, and not the pistol's).
horge
I'm right handed, and I think it's a serious disadvantage:
like, what if my right hand is severely injured ?
As for Mach IV pointing out, that there are 9's and 40's in the same size/bulk
category as the Thunder 380, I'll counterpoint that one of the explicit
considerations in the OP was affordable price.
The Thunder 380 can't touch the KelTec P3AT for concealability, but I
simply can't shoot as accurately and rapidly with it, no matter how much
I practice (may be my fault, and not the pistol's).
horge
jaholder1971
Member
Around here the bottom is falling out of older Smith and Wesson revolvers. I know of one dealer right now who has an older Model 10 (no dashes) with a 5", yes that's 5" barrel for $320.00 Same dealer has an older 1917 in good condition for $350.00. I'm going back tomorrow to put both on a layaway plan.
Saw a S&W Victory .38 Special at a show last month for $225.00
Saw a S&W Victory .38 Special at a show last month for $225.00
seeker_two
Member
Maybe, as well as teaching CCW, you could teach your students how to shop for used guns as well. THR & TFL have some good stickys on how to shop for used pistols & revolvers (as well as long guns), and you can sometimes get a phenomenal bargain at a gun store or pawn shop if you wave a little cash around....
If you teach a man to fish....
If you teach a man to fish....
SAG0282
Member
Pretty much the only handgun I'd get under $300 is the Bersa. Had one, only don't have it now because I gave to a female friend that had had her apartment burglarized. It was an amazing little gun.
Nitrogen
Member
Geronimo45
Member
Lots of PPK-ish guns fit your price range: Astra Constable, Walther PPs, CZ 70...
Seen many Smith K-frames for a little above 300. Snubbies... tend to be higher in my part of the country.
Seen many Smith K-frames for a little above 300. Snubbies... tend to be higher in my part of the country.
TimboKhan
Member
My bargain 5 are all guns that I have seen pretty regularly for under $300.00, used.
1. Taurus 92/99 - No less an authority than Massad Ayoob has endorsed them in the 5th edition of "Combat Handgunnery". Even if you are a Taurus hater, they really are fantastic pistols IF you happen to like the M9 design to begin with.
2. Ruger P Series - Yes they are blocky. Yes, a lot of people find them ugly. All that being considered, they are rugged, dependable and accurate. Also, despite their size, they actually carry fairly well.
3. Mak - I can't say anything different than anyone else here....
4. Bersa - Same as number 3
5. S&W Sigma - Strat81 and I apparently agree on this one. The older Sigmas, the so-called "Swocks", were not particularly impressive guns. The newer ones seem to be much, much better. The couple that I have handled were pretty straight-forward and functioned well. They weren't the greatest gun I have ever handled, but they were good guns, and I actually thought then that they would be a good gun for a person on a budget.
1. Taurus 92/99 - No less an authority than Massad Ayoob has endorsed them in the 5th edition of "Combat Handgunnery". Even if you are a Taurus hater, they really are fantastic pistols IF you happen to like the M9 design to begin with.
2. Ruger P Series - Yes they are blocky. Yes, a lot of people find them ugly. All that being considered, they are rugged, dependable and accurate. Also, despite their size, they actually carry fairly well.
3. Mak - I can't say anything different than anyone else here....
4. Bersa - Same as number 3
5. S&W Sigma - Strat81 and I apparently agree on this one. The older Sigmas, the so-called "Swocks", were not particularly impressive guns. The newer ones seem to be much, much better. The couple that I have handled were pretty straight-forward and functioned well. They weren't the greatest gun I have ever handled, but they were good guns, and I actually thought then that they would be a good gun for a person on a budget.
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