Which beater?

[brewer12345]

I am wanting a beater/truck gun semi auto in a caliber suitable for things ranging from finishing off a wounded jackrabbit from 5 paces to a plausible self defense option. I want a gun that I do not care if I lose it/drop in the mud/break bashing in a bear's skull, so this needs to be inexpensive. My only other handgun I would call a beater is a Taurus 85 I pocket carry daily (and boy does it look it). I thought about a police trade in, but I don't care for glocks and .40 seems like more recoil than necessary for a round that may become difficult to source in the future. I see two options at the moment:

- Star BM for $150: all steel, seem like they are well made. Throwaway price even if you add a second mag. I do not own a 9x19 so this would be adding another caliber, albeit perhaps the easiest and cheapest to find. Somewhat heavy and only 8 round capacity.

- CZ-82 for $200: well made service pistols. Comes with a flap holster. Apparently sold in somewhat less pretty condition than the Star (holster wear, finish is inclined to flake). 12 round capacity in 9x18. I have a Bulgarian Mak, so I already load and cast for this caliber.

Thoughts? I am torn.

 

[Tallball]

The Star is a fabulous deal. They are well-made pistols used by the police forces of a major European country. Mine is a great shooter that I was happy to get, and I paid more like $250 for it. My friend got one of the $149 ones recently. It's in better shape than mine is. It almost looks unissued. She's very pleased with the way it shoots.

I had a CZ83, the 380acp version, and it was a great pistol too. But for the price and the caliber, I would highly recommend the BM.

Star BM 9mm

• Tallball
• Dec 28, 2017

 

[wally]

If your goal is economy and you want more than a .22lr, IMHO its foolish to consider anything other than a 9mm pistol.

 

[Mike J]

I had a Star pistol back in the 90's. It was a good gun. If you want steel framed that would probably be a good choice. If you are interested in Polymer you might look at some of Taurus's recent offerings.

 

[chicharrones]

I usually never say "buy both", but at those prices . . . Buy Both.

 

[Olon]

Are you looking for a handgun specifically? Depending on your state's laws and all that a pump shotgun could be a contender.

You could buy a decent 870 for that much and it would satisfy all your criteria. Now SD while seated in your truck would be iffy but I assume you'd have your CCW for that.

I don't feel bad about keeping my 870 in the vehichle, though in my state it can't be loaded while you're on a public road. I just keep some loose shells in the ashtray type deal.

 

[FL-NC]

Look at some of the cheaper pistols from the name brands like the S&W SD or the Ruger security 9. Or maybe a used Ruger P series if DA is your thing.

 

[armedwalleye]

Another vote on the $150 Star BM specials. I just got one and I'm thinking about buying another.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Star.

 

[Waveski]

The Star fits your criteria perfectly.

 

[armedwalleye]

Looks like the Star BM deal is gone. the $150 price point only gets you the "Gunsmith Special", identified as a non-running parts gun. They still have others, though, and even at the remaining options, the price is still reasonable for what you get.

 

[Armored farmer]

I think the Taurus 9mm G2 is a bargain.

 

[bannockburn]

If looking at new then I think the Taurus G2C at $211 from Bud's is a great deal for a truck gun.

 

[brewer12345]

I hesitated too long and missed the Star. I picked up a CZ82 on Friday, one of the J&G cosmetically challenged ones for $200. I was leaning that way in any case, so no worries. It does indeed have the "special" finish and a small chip on the grip, but when I field stripped it I saw very little indication it has been shot much. Slick little piece and I can't wait to get out and shoot it. Good value for money.

 

[TTv2]

I usually never say "buy both", but at those prices . . . Buy Both.

I agree with this, both guns are so cheap you should be able to afford them. Shoot both, see which one is better for you, which one shoots your preferred ammo better, and sell the other one.

 

[Eagle103]

I keep one of these in the truck.
https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa...ic-shockwave-pistol-kit-black-5165449175.html
Maybe not a cheap beater but not all that expensive either plus I can shoot it better than a pistol.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Ruger American Pistol

 

[jonnyc]

I was going to vote for the CZ82, since I have the most experience with the platform; it is my regular open-carry piece at the gun shop. Very accurate and reliable, with a very good round.

 

[Jonesy814]

You can pick up a used Hi Point for around $100. They take a beating and still go bang, and you dont mind that they take a beating

 

[Col. Harrumph]

For all the scorn that HiPoints get on youtube, I have yet to see one fail except after extraordinary abuse.

 

[Godsgunman]

Where are you finding CZ82s for $200? That's far less than what I see them for.

 

[deputy tom]

Look at some of the cheaper pistols from the name brands like the S&W SD or the Ruger security 9. Or maybe a used Ruger P series if DA is your thing.

SD9VE new or used for the win. tom.

 

[brewer12345]

Where are you finding CZ82s for $200? That's far less than what I see them for.

https://www.jgsales.com/cz-82-czech....html?osCsid=f522ecf99866030bb953f0e8e977c4ef

 

[cc-hangfire]

Enjoy the CZ82! Since you already have that caliber, just stock up or reload-up your inventory. I would have voted for the Star BM, but I have a CZ83. With the double stack magazines, it’s more capacity than the Star. As my gun store owner said when he handled the CZ83 transfer, you won’t necessarily be under-gunned.

 

[SwampWolf]

Have you looked at Korths?