Schuey2002
Member
Another vote for a used Glock 9mm...
What is a good, cheap gun?
- Thread starter dairycreek
- Start date
- Status
Bersa
Ruger p-95
Ruger revolvers (used)
S&W revolvers (used)
FM Hi Power
FEG
CZ
Star
Most of those are more gun for the money than average. Out of the list, I would say that the Ruger revolvers like the Service, Security and Speed Six are the best value for what you get. Often under $200 used, these are amazingly tough and durable guns that are often more accurate than needed for self defense. They might lack some of the refined points of the S&Ws but they make up for it in durability. Like everything, it depends on the intended use.
Ruger p-95
Ruger revolvers (used)
S&W revolvers (used)
FM Hi Power
FEG
CZ
Star
Most of those are more gun for the money than average. Out of the list, I would say that the Ruger revolvers like the Service, Security and Speed Six are the best value for what you get. Often under $200 used, these are amazingly tough and durable guns that are often more accurate than needed for self defense. They might lack some of the refined points of the S&Ws but they make up for it in durability. Like everything, it depends on the intended use.
WhoKnowsWho
Member
I am very happy with my cheap guns.
Makarov
Kel Tec P32
My wife is happy with her kind of cheap Walther P22
I like how the Bersa's felt.
For some reason, FEG's are overpriced around here. The last one I saw used, with NS, for $375!! Though I wouldn't mind one of those at the should be price... not the dreaming price.
Makarov
Kel Tec P32
My wife is happy with her kind of cheap Walther P22
I like how the Bersa's felt.
For some reason, FEG's are overpriced around here. The last one I saw used, with NS, for $375!! Though I wouldn't mind one of those at the should be price... not the dreaming price.
Admiral Thrawn
Member
Well I'd consider a centerfire handgun inexpensive (not 'cheap,'which also implies a lack of quality) if it retails for less that USD $600.
Some quality centerfire pistols that I know are under this price threshold are:
Springfield XD series,
Springfield Mil-Spec M1911-A1,
Glock series,
Ruger P series,
CZ 75 B,
CZ 75 DAO,
CZ 75 Compact,
CZ 75 BD,
CZ 83,
CZ 100,
CZ 85 B,
CZ 85 Combat,
CZ 40,
CZ 75 B SA,
CZ P-01,
CZ 75 D PCR
Some quality centerfire pistols that I know are under this price threshold are:
Springfield XD series,
Springfield Mil-Spec M1911-A1,
Glock series,
Ruger P series,
CZ 75 B,
CZ 75 DAO,
CZ 75 Compact,
CZ 75 BD,
CZ 83,
CZ 100,
CZ 85 B,
CZ 85 Combat,
CZ 40,
CZ 75 B SA,
CZ P-01,
CZ 75 D PCR
Last edited:
dairycreek
Member
You know, there is a surprising amount of agreement.
For such an open ended query there sure is an amazing amount of agreement. Good going and keep those opinions coming. Good shooting
For such an open ended query there sure is an amazing amount of agreement. Good going and keep those opinions coming. Good shooting
Wow, I'm glad to see Bersas mentioned quite a few times. Sadly, my Bersa 380 is the ONLY gun I own (being the first one also), and I'm really pleased with it. I've put 400 + rounds through it with no problems at all (all Winclean and UMC ammo).
I paid a whopping $214 for it, new.
I'd reccomend trying to get a 9 round mag for it though. The 7+1 setup could run out fast if you really needed it.
I'm looking forward to the day I can afford (or be allowed by my wife) to buy a CZ.
I paid a whopping $214 for it, new.
I'd reccomend trying to get a 9 round mag for it though. The 7+1 setup could run out fast if you really needed it.
I'm looking forward to the day I can afford (or be allowed by my wife) to buy a CZ.
ImJustRick
Member
I'd go with Ruger, of course
I would point you towards the Ruger Semiautos. They're built like tanks, eat everything, never fail, have cheap full-capacity magazines and they're American.
As far as looks, Rugers might not be beautiful, but they're much better looking than Glocks or HKs... both of which fell out of the ugly tree.
The only caveat is that they're big. I can't conceal mine without a sweater or jacket. But to quote Boris the Blade from Snatch : "Heavy is good, heavy is reliable, and if it doesn't work you could always throw it at him."
Good luck.
-R
I would point you towards the Ruger Semiautos. They're built like tanks, eat everything, never fail, have cheap full-capacity magazines and they're American.
As far as looks, Rugers might not be beautiful, but they're much better looking than Glocks or HKs... both of which fell out of the ugly tree.
The only caveat is that they're big. I can't conceal mine without a sweater or jacket. But to quote Boris the Blade from Snatch : "Heavy is good, heavy is reliable, and if it doesn't work you could always throw it at him."
Good luck.
-R
RON in PA
Member
Even if I'm redundant:
Smith M10s and M13s (used)
Ruger revolvers (used)
Ruger semi-autos
CZ semi-autos
Makarovs
Police trade-in 9mm autos(usually much holster wear but not shot that much).
Smith M10s and M13s (used)
Ruger revolvers (used)
Ruger semi-autos
CZ semi-autos
Makarovs
Police trade-in 9mm autos(usually much holster wear but not shot that much).
22luvr
Member
Love to contribute an opinion on this...
REVOLVER? I've owned two EAA Windicators. One in .38 spcl with adjustable sights and the other in .357 mag. They're manufactured in Germany; the fit and finish on these is right up there with the best revolvers here in the U.S. The .38 spcl is still the most accurate snubby I've ever shot. You can pick one up NIB for $180-200.
AUTOLOADERS? Make mine a Kel-Tec "anything." I don't think there's a gun manufacturer today that mass produces such innovative desireable products as Kel-Tec. You can find them with more workmanship, more expense, and more sophistication, but the Kel-Tec's are a best bang for the buck.
RIFLE? Make mine an SKS. You can get one for a little over $100 and the firepower of one of these is hard to beat. One of the overall most versatile rifles made anywhere at anytime.
SHOTGUN? Mossberg 500 "Maverick" 12 GA pump - $149-159 at Wal-Mart. Hard to touch that for NIB.
There ya go....a whole basic arsenal for less then $1,000 and the ammo for these 4 examples (.38 spcl, 9mm, 7.62X39, 00 buck), is universally available in bulk for cheap.
REVOLVER? I've owned two EAA Windicators. One in .38 spcl with adjustable sights and the other in .357 mag. They're manufactured in Germany; the fit and finish on these is right up there with the best revolvers here in the U.S. The .38 spcl is still the most accurate snubby I've ever shot. You can pick one up NIB for $180-200.
AUTOLOADERS? Make mine a Kel-Tec "anything." I don't think there's a gun manufacturer today that mass produces such innovative desireable products as Kel-Tec. You can find them with more workmanship, more expense, and more sophistication, but the Kel-Tec's are a best bang for the buck.
RIFLE? Make mine an SKS. You can get one for a little over $100 and the firepower of one of these is hard to beat. One of the overall most versatile rifles made anywhere at anytime.
SHOTGUN? Mossberg 500 "Maverick" 12 GA pump - $149-159 at Wal-Mart. Hard to touch that for NIB.
There ya go....a whole basic arsenal for less then $1,000 and the ammo for these 4 examples (.38 spcl, 9mm, 7.62X39, 00 buck), is universally available in bulk for cheap.
Welcome to THR, Spot77!
I've been thinking about Bersa's as alternatives to PPKs. I've had two PPKs, and they're undeniably good looking albeit a bit pricey as an SD gun. I'm not interested in anything heavier and less capable than a P-11 myself, but many people like DA/SA compacts in .380 despite the size and weight.
I've been thinking about Bersa's as alternatives to PPKs. I've had two PPKs, and they're undeniably good looking albeit a bit pricey as an SD gun. I'm not interested in anything heavier and less capable than a P-11 myself, but many people like DA/SA compacts in .380 despite the size and weight.
"Cheap" guns can be like cheap life preservers, parachutes or crash helmets; when the SHTF, cheap is no bargain.
If you're trying to save money, where you buy, can be more important than what you buy. Last September, I wanted an HK P2000 in the worst way, and that effort just kept getting worse, so I "S-canned" the P2000 idea (does anybody have one of these?). Then I decided on a Sig P226; I called a gunshop up near the Poconos (I live near Philly), that was a good source for Smith & Wesson and CZ, and other LEO trades; a lot of my friends bought guns there. They said they didn't have a P226, but they did have a LNIB Sig P228 for $450.00; the rest is history, and I've been shooting this one happily ever after.
BTW, last week I saw a NIB CZ 75 PCR Compact at a local gunstore for $450.00; that gun felt like it was molded to my hand!; can somebody please show me a better new gun at a cheaper price?
If you're trying to save money, where you buy, can be more important than what you buy. Last September, I wanted an HK P2000 in the worst way, and that effort just kept getting worse, so I "S-canned" the P2000 idea (does anybody have one of these?). Then I decided on a Sig P226; I called a gunshop up near the Poconos (I live near Philly), that was a good source for Smith & Wesson and CZ, and other LEO trades; a lot of my friends bought guns there. They said they didn't have a P226, but they did have a LNIB Sig P228 for $450.00; the rest is history, and I've been shooting this one happily ever after.
BTW, last week I saw a NIB CZ 75 PCR Compact at a local gunstore for $450.00; that gun felt like it was molded to my hand!; can somebody please show me a better new gun at a cheaper price?
Dorrin79
Member
All of my guns are cheap guns, that's why I bought them!
Cheapest is my 10/22 which was $140. Most expensive was my $400 P89 (I paid too much for it, that's what I get for 'supporting my local gun store")
I can think of a lot of more expensive guns I would love to own, but none I'd like to pay for...
In regards to the question, I think that the KelTec P11 and the Bersa .380s are the best value in new production firearms for @ $200.
A Makarov in good condition for @ $150 is the best among the milsurps.
Cheapest is my 10/22 which was $140. Most expensive was my $400 P89 (I paid too much for it, that's what I get for 'supporting my local gun store")
I can think of a lot of more expensive guns I would love to own, but none I'd like to pay for...
In regards to the question, I think that the KelTec P11 and the Bersa .380s are the best value in new production firearms for @ $200.
A Makarov in good condition for @ $150 is the best among the milsurps.
sm
member
Less Expensive
I prefer Less Expensive than the term "cheap".
Any number of quality used revolvers by Smith and Wesson and Ruger for instance.
My experience with Keltec is the P-11 only, lot of gun for the $ IMO. I've never had a problem with mine. It's not for everyone tho'
I still go back to Gun Fit, The role of the gun (CCW, plinking, target, BUG...), Budget set aside ( define-less expensive).
I prefer steel guns,( mod 10's and 36 ) I do like the alloy smith mod 37 Security Six is a real sleeper and a bargain.
I own one ugly polymer gun...fits a niche, a role and the price was right.
Try before you buy
I prefer Less Expensive than the term "cheap".
Any number of quality used revolvers by Smith and Wesson and Ruger for instance.
My experience with Keltec is the P-11 only, lot of gun for the $ IMO. I've never had a problem with mine. It's not for everyone tho'
I still go back to Gun Fit, The role of the gun (CCW, plinking, target, BUG...), Budget set aside ( define-less expensive).
I prefer steel guns,( mod 10's and 36 ) I do like the alloy smith mod 37 Security Six is a real sleeper and a bargain.
I own one ugly polymer gun...fits a niche, a role and the price was right.
Try before you buy
Gerald McDonald
Member
Some of what I am seeing as considered cheap dont qualify as cheap in most places. Whats cheap to some may not be to others. To some one making 10 bucks and hour and supporting a family on that income a Sig or CZ could be almost if not more than a weeks pay.
Gerald
Gerald
denfoote
Member
I'm surprised that Tropical Z has not chimed in with his particular vice!!!!
Anyway, in addition to the above already mentioned, I would endorse the Taurus M85. It has been around for enough years to have the bugs worked out of it and comes at a reasonable price!!
Anyway, in addition to the above already mentioned, I would endorse the Taurus M85. It has been around for enough years to have the bugs worked out of it and comes at a reasonable price!!
12-34hom
Member
Glock - New or used.
12-34hom.
12-34hom.
The following can be found for around $250 or less:
FEG PA-63 or High Power clone
Star B or Super B
Astra A100 or A75
Ballester Molina
CZ52
Surplus Makarov (avoid the hi-cap models)
I've owned all of the above and found they offer excellent value for the money.
If you push the bar up to $350 a whole new world opens up for you.
FEG PA-63 or High Power clone
Star B or Super B
Astra A100 or A75
Ballester Molina
CZ52
Surplus Makarov (avoid the hi-cap models)
I've owned all of the above and found they offer excellent value for the money.
If you push the bar up to $350 a whole new world opens up for you.
TheFrontRange
Member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2003
- Messages
- 538
A good used S&W revolver in either .38 or .357 (Model 19 or 66) or a Ruger auto like a P95 9mm. I've also seen CZs in both 9mm and .40 brand-new at the local Academy Sports and Outdoors for VERY reasonable (if not "cheap") prices.
Frenchy
Member
I too will have to go with the S&W Model 10. Under $200 for an utterly dependable revolver that historically (and arguably), is one of the finest handguns ever built.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked