What's a good pistol for a low price?

[Dionysusigma]

Hey all...

I've been looking around at sidearms for a while now, and (I guess as much as can be expected) it looks like the old rule always applies--"You get what you pay for." What I'd like to know is, what would be a decent, inexpensive pistol for someone (such as myself) to buy? I'm rather fond of autoloaders, but revolver suggestions are always welcome too.

A few that I've been looking at are:
Hi-Points
CZ-52s
Aim Surplus' Star 9mms
ARCUS-94
EAA Windicator

and so forth. Thanks in advance!

 

[Illuminate]

Take a good, hard look at the Makarov. Makarov.com has, surprisingly, a lot of information on this firearm. I have one and it is EXTREMELY functional, it has many aftermarket goodies that are inexpensive, and it shoots where I want it to. Also, the KGB used it, so it makes it uber-kool.

 

[hillbilly]

Makarovs are hard to beat.

Also, there are lots and lots of used double action revolvers in .357 mag from makers like Ruger, Smith and Wesson, Taurus, etc.

A double action revolver in .357 mag is a design which has been around so long that it is just about perfected.

Also, with a .357 magnum, you can practice using cheapo .38 Special ammo, and keep .357 mag ammo for defense.

But I've seen good designs, like the Ruger Security Six, going for right at $200. Sometimes you can find them for even less.

hillbilly

 

[Okiecruffler]

Whatever you decide, if you're in OKC it would be worth your while to take a look at Mustang Gun and Pawn. They have a huge selection of new and used pistols at fair prices.

 

[emann]

I have a Hi-Point I've had for years and had no problems with it at all. I pull the trigger and it fires every time. They only run about a $100 or so at many places also. Great gun for just shooting and not having to worry about gouging, scuffing, scratching etc.

 

[KarlG]

Of the guns you have listed, the only one I have (limited) experience with is the Hi-Point. I took a three day class with a friend who had one and he ended up using a borrowed gun after some discussion with the insructor. Since then he has purchased three other guns and does not shoot his Hi-Point anymore. When I "shot" the Hi-Point, it failed to feed 40% of the time.

The Taurus seems to be a good inexpensive gun. A friend bought one of the Beretta 92 clones for just over $200 and has fired several hundred rounds through it without a failure. I had the pleasure of shooting it and was quie impressed. Also, I have seen a lot of good revolvers for low prices.

 

[P95Carry]

Never quite sure how low ''low'' price is meant to be ..... I'd say .. something around $150 to $200 is on low side.

I'd reckon that a good used FEG is worth considering for 9mm ...... the CZ-52 is certainly worth a look ..... and many reckon a Star is good value. Seems Hi-Point can be good or bad experience .. matter of luck maybe!

You're looking it seems at semi's ... but you could get a halfway decent Taurus revo too for my sorta price range ... another possible maybe.

But don't sink to levels of Jennings, Lorcin and Raven ... that's all I ask!!

 

[Illuminate]

FEG, Star, and CZ-52 are all fine, I agree. However, I have to stress the Makarov point, if for no other reason then to enter another into the "fold". I carry a picture of Nikolai Federovich Makarov in my wallet and if you buy one you will, too.

 

[Cortland]

Two pistols that I've bought new and on the cheap and have been quite pleased with recently are my Steyr M9 (a 9mm that's pretty much a more highly-evolved Glock and of similar if not superior quality - $300 from CDNN) and my Bersa Thunder (a .380 akin to a PPK/S - $200 from most stores).

 

[sm]

Good gun for the money?
I always suggest a good used older smith revolver. Police trade ins, for example. Proven design, in a caliber that works. Less monies than a new one IMO not as well made, and less monies than a bottom feeder. Old Ruger security six , 'nuther good choice.
One student bought a k frame shot little carried lots for $185. Bro has a Security six paid $165. Smooth trigger, change grips on both examples...hard to beat.

 

[denfoote]

I have always said that the best low cost pistol was the Ruger P95.
Pistolet Makarova is no slouch either!!
The only gun on your list I have any experience with is the High Point 9mm Compact. Mine is buried somewhere in the vast Sonoran desert!!!

 

[shuto]

star bm

 

[Ian11]

Out of your list the CZ-52. But isn't that a .380? Not that I'm against the .380 but if this is going to be your only gun for awhile I'd suggest something with a bit more power and versatility as a shooter.

Look into used S&W and Ruger revolers with a 4" barrel. They'll serve you better and more reliably than the others. Yep, you definately get what you pay for and you dont' want to get something you can't wait to get rid of.

 

[jercamp45]

Some good comments!

As for the service revolvers...the Ruger Security Six get my vote....a more modern design than the Kay Smiths that can be field stripped! Seen 'em for 200 or less. Just need decent grips. I am not a major revolver guy, but they are very reliable and dirt simple...if you can't do the job with six...you are normally in deeper doo-doo than you need to be anyway.
But I personally prefer the feel of those extra mags and slim profile of the autoloaders.
The Makarov is good for the money. I had one a few years back and the safety tore a chunk outta my thumb knuckleouch), otherwise it was a fine pistol and can be concealed. There is much more ammo available for it now too...good JHP's for defense. They are reliable, concealable pistols.
I really have limited experience with the Star pistols...but like the 'feel' of the 1911-Sytle piece...if it is reliable with JHP's(Remington Golden Sabre's feed OK in most military guns I have found...more of a 'ball' profile). Tried a Star PD years ago and a Firestar .45, mixed results...won't personally go there again!
I would get something more powerful than a 380 if it is to be used for defense. The Mak is barely acceptable for defense...but then again, my caliber choices always involve the numbers 4 and 5!!
But I think I'd save my pennies and go up to a CZ-75 or one of its Kin.
Though they are not as cheap as they once were the Sistema 1911's would be high on my list....but I am a 1911 fan(atic).
But for under 2 bills...the Mak,or the Ruger Security Six win.
For 3 bills, you can get a Ruger P series auto pistol...which are built like trucks, reliable and accurate...the P-97 would be my choice. Though the Witness series may be in the same bracket, and I hear they are pretty decent. Always wondered about the Polymer .45 they have out! As a nice additional feature, I believe you can get conversion unit's for the Witness..if I recall...later getting a .22 for cheap practise is a great idea.
For 4 bills(or slightly less in some places)...come the CZ-75 series. The Sistema is in that range too, I believe. Mught find a Springfield MilSpec around this price range too.
And for 5...a used 1911 gets my attention...Colt 1991A1. I have seen Springfield's in this range too!
Points to ponder!!!!!
Another 'Clear As Mud Production'!
jercamp45

 

[dgg9]

CZ75 or CZ75BD = best buy in handguns, period. Hicaps cheap.

Ruger P-series = clunky and not my cup of tea, but a great value, no question. Hicaps also cheap.

 

[Okiecruffler]

CZ52 is a 7.62X25, one of the most interesting cartridges ever shoved in a pistol barrel. Not much wieght (usually 87gr) but it makes up for it with speed (close to 1400fps). That gives it a ME of around 350, and that ain't too shabby. Kinda on the large size for carry. I've seen them around here for under $150 with 2 mags. If you have a C&R you can get them for $99. Ammo can be abit tricky to find. Seems like someone was making HP for it, but I can't remember who.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Star BM is looking good.

Were I not buying something else, I'd probably buy one of those.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

As my friend re1973 has pointed out, a good Ruger
Security-Six in .357 magnum is awfully hard to beat. For
a newbie, the revolver will be the easiest to train with.
If you have rather large hands, slip on a set of Pachmayr
grip's; for an enjoyable and comfortable feeling, that
allows complete control of the revolver. Consideration of
barrel length for a beginner, should remain at 4 inches;
which still allows for defensive carry.

If you just have to have an inexpensive auto, may I
suggest that you take a look at the Bersa Thunder .380.
Some very good threads can be found here regarding
that particular firearm. I've never owned one myself,
but from all indications its a remarkable little firearm.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Oracle]

Don't rule out the Keltec P-11 also. Good pistol, just has a heavy trigger pull, and is chambered in 9mm. You can find them for $199 or less if you look around.

 

[AUTIGER04]

Makarov $100-$250.
Kel-Tec $199-$250.
Rossi and Taurus revolvers $99 & up.

 

[Chairman Meow]

Anything CZ is going to be a great handgun for a great price. I see used CZ75's at gunshows for around $250 sometimes. I think CZ75's are my favorite 9mm at any price, but the fact that they are cheap is just icing on the cake. As
dgg9 pointed out, the mags are nice and cheap, even high-caps, and they are readilly available.

 

[Soap]

Makarov all the way out of those choices.

 

[Tropical Z]

I actually OWN AND shoot all the guns on your list except the Star and have found all to be good performers.The Windicators are WAY underrated as revolvers ( i own two) go.That said i think any gun on your list would be a good choice as well as a Makarov if theyre to your liking.

 

[Gary H]

I'm partial to used S&W revolvers. I've nothing against the Rugers, but you can do a good bit of trigger work on the older Smiths and think that you had gone to revolver heaven. I suspect that a used Kahr K-9, or K-40 could be found.

 

[valnar]

--"You get what you pay for."

This is true. I think a gun is where even thrifty (ok, cheap) people should splurge. It doesn't pay to get a cheaply made gun, no matter what the reason.

If you were going to jump out of a plane, wouldn't you like to know your parachute was made by one of the top manufacturers, not the bottom?

My 2 pesos.

-Robert