...what is the least expensive pistol/revolver?

[Richard]

Of the currently available handguns, what is the least expensive pistol/revolver you would trust to get you through the night? In my case four handguns come to mind. They are the RIA 1911, a used Star BM, CZ82, and a used K-frame S&W Model 10, 15,13, or 66. What's your flavor? Regards, Richard

 

[LKB3rd]

I got a 1964 detective special for $287. $287 well spent!

 

[outofbattery]

S&W M10-8.One of the better investments of $150 I've made.

 

[Elvishead]

bersa

 

[Doug S]

GLock 17/26 ($475 range), and Ruger SP101 ($429 NIB at a local shop) are the handguns that I've found for a reasonable price, that work. Everything I've tried that cost less than these, have been something less than reliable. My many Taurus guns have required over a 50% return. A couple of Bersa, although okay, have been less than reliable. FEG, no-go. Beretta good, but in the same price range as the Glock and Ruger. Same with S&W. Even though Beretta and S&W were both functionally reliable, I got rid of them, and kept the Glocks. Just recently picked up the Ruger.

 

[steelyblue]

I bought a Charles Daly 1911 used for $300. It has never failed and is accurate at close range. If dependable and cheap is a must the USED ones are that.

 

[tinygnat219]

CZ 82. 12 rounds of JHP 9X18 ammo, and the CZ reputation are simply too good to pass up.

 

[Black Majik]

Any Glock trade in, P225, or used XD or CZ-75 would be my limit.

 

[spiroxlii]

In order of price, from cheapest to most expensive: Bersa Thunder 380, CZ82/CZ83, Bersa Thunder 9 UC.

I've fed both of my Bersas JHP and FMJ ammo in a variety of weights, and they never fail to function in any way. Accuracy is good, too.

 

[98C5]

Of what you mentioned, the RIA, hands down.

 

[yhtomit]

If confined to NIB guns: For "getting through the night" (so, no carrying, etc.), and with "least expensive" as a serious criterion, I would -- based on the many positive accounts of people who seem disinclined to offer any special favors or dispensations -- be content with a Hi-Point .45 pistol, so long as I had fired a few hundred rounds through it without show-stopper problems. You can buy the ammo with the money not spent on a more expensive gun.

Big. Ugly, Not especially ergonomic. But they seem to fall into "always work" or "never work" categories, and they are truly inexpensive.

For a few dollars more, but with a better reputation (and a weaker but still decent cartridge), the already mentioned Cz-82. They're one of the most comfortable / pointable guns I've ever felt, and I wouldn't feel unprepared to have 9mm Makarov in a pistol. (I own no 9mm Makarov guns though -- ammo types multiply even for my bare-bones little collection.)

If used, you have a vast number of options, if your price limit goes as high as the RIA 1911. Old police revolvers from S&W. Used Glocks. Used Cz-75. Used SIGs. The guns you mention span a pretty wide range -- what's *your* favorite?

timothy

 

[Mavrick12]

Id Chose A Makarov.

 

[w_houle]

+1 on the RIA comment, I love mine!

 

[Fish828]

Bersa Thunder .380

 

[Mojo-jo-jo]

FEG PA-63. They used to sell for about $140, but now go for about $200. It is a Hungarian military surplus pistol, sort of a knock-off of a Walther PP in 9x18 Makarov. They are reliable and inexpensive. A "real" Makarov PM is better, but I would no longer classify as "inexpensive."

A Taurus model 85 is reasonable and inexpensive as well.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Just remember, when you buy a $200 gun you get a $200 gun. (usually)

For the most part, in the handgun world you get what you pay for. (omitting the occasional great deal)

 

[spiroxlii]

ArchAngel, I'll agree. When you buy a $200 gun, you'll usually get a $200 gun.

What I disagree with is the implication that a $200 gun is generally a bad weapon. I can think of some I wouldn't use as a carry weapon, but there are a lot of imported gems in this price range or lower, including various Bersa 380 models and a handful of tough milsurp handguns like the CZ82.

You might say that when you pay big bucks for a gun, you don't always get that much extra value from it. Here we're talking about a possible HD/SD gun. When you look at the "finely crafted," expensive, high-strung compacts, they are the ones that tend to be picky. I can't be the only one who ever heard of a Seecamp that was super-picky about ammo. I certainly can't be the only one who heard about the reliability problems associated with trying to shrink the 1911 down to a more compact size.

Now, I realize you're probably not talking about either extreme. I think we can all agree that it wouldn't be ideal to trust our lives to super-cheap options like the various "ring of fire" guns, Cobras, Skyy, and in some cases even Hi-Point. We can also probably agree that a picky, high-strung race gun with super tight tolerances isn't an ideal choice for rigorous HD/SD duty either.

I suspect that you were suggesting the midrange weapons, which are usually fine guns from major makers with a lot of examples in the hands of "regular folks" and professionals. I looked at some Springfield XDs and Glocks that were in this price range. I think they're fine guns, and I'd trust one for HD/SD duty. But I also trust my Bersas, which have never failed in any way with a variety of ammo. I don't feel like I "settled" for a $200 gun when I bought my Bersa Thunder 380. I feel like I got a great gun for about $200 that I could trust as much or more than I'd trust a Walther for twice the price.