which gun for around $300?

[jusfuris]

hey all, im new here so sorry if this gets asked a lot.

ok im looking to buy my first gun here soon and im planning on spending about $300. i could go higher but id definately like to stick to less than $400. i was looking at the Ruger P-series pistols. but i also like the Springfield XD (though i think it may be too expensive for me).

im mostly looking for auto-loaders, but some suggestions on revolvers could help.

i dont really have any desire to carry.

i want it to be atleast 9mm in caliber or higher.

and i know it maybe shouldnt be, but appearance is a big part of the decsion. i really want my gun to look good.

any advice on which gun to buy. what to look for/look out for. and how to buy would be appreciated.

thanks!

 

[jonnyc]

I happen to think both Rugers and XDs are very chunky, ugly guns, and wouldn't buy either. That however is my personal opinion. Both seem to have good reps for reliability. Find someplace you can try a number of different guns before you buy. Even if you can't shoot them, "feel" might tell you a lot.

 

[Anna's Dad]

Ruger / XD

I actually own a Ruger P345 and a Springfield XD-9. I love them both. Yes, they are both a bit bulky, but I think they look quite nice despite their girth.

Both have been extremely reliable for me with the Ruger having exactly one jam (in the first couple of mags I put through it) and the Springfield zero. I probably have a few hundred rounds through both at this point.

The only problem I have with the Springfield is that my wife can't seem to shoot the darn thing. With me its been 100%--she, however, is constantly jamming the thing and can't even get it to fire some times. I think she is overly conscious of the grip safety. She has no problems with the larger and more powerful Ruger nor any of my other guns.

Assuming you don't hold the gun like my wife does , I don't think you can go wrong with either one--they are both fantastic guns.
________
Anna's Dad

 

[Shipwreck]

See, go look up some other threads, and U will read tons of pos XD threads. None of those guys found this thread yet

I have rented an XD in 9mm before, and was please with it. But yes, it will cost a bit more. Cheapest I EVER saw one was at a gun show for $389.

But, also, consider that the XD will have a consistent trigger pull - the Ruger will be DA/SA - U can cock it for the first shot and enjoy the SA all the time. Or, the 1st shot will have a heavy trigger.

Personally, if it were me and I ONLY had around $300 to spend, I would buy a Ruger. P95, or P89.

Hell, at the Reliant Gun SHows in Houston, though, I have seen Beretta 92s new for $409.

U just have to look for a deal.

 

[wally]

Take a look at the Rock Island Armory (RIA) 1911 generally available for about $300. Pretty much a standard "GI" style 1911.

Go over to www.1911forum.com and check the "others" section where you will find lots of happy campers and a few problems with solutions. Great gun for the money and the company is providing very good customer service/support.

--wally.

 

[Jkwas]

The Ruger P series has proven itself reliable time and again. It's so over built it can't be anything else (just look at the ejector for cryin out loud!). If you ever do have a problem, their customer service is legendary. I will never part with my P89. It won't win any beauty contests, but who cares. Accurate as all get out. Only complaint: Little big for CCW. The P95 is better for this. I may get one of those down the road.

 

[Just_a_dude_with_a_gun]

Used Glock 19/17. I don't own, and am not partial to Glocks, but that there is just the right answer to that question.

A CZ 75 series wouldn't be a bad choice if you wanted an all metal pistol.

 

[bpisler]

I picked up a FM hi power clone,it seems to be
well made.I've seen them on line for around the
$330.00 range.www.summitgunbroker.com has
plenty of used and police trade in's chambered
in 9mm,also he prices are very good.

 

[AirForceShooter]

look at used stuff.
Lot's of good buys out there.

AFS

 

[ewb45acp]

Lots of options for under $400

The CZ75 has a lot of fans. As mentioned, the Ruger autos are very good. I have an FEG Hi Power clone that was under $300. It's a good shooter too. The Rock Island 1911s and on and on... You just need to decide what you like as far as grip shape, caliber, finish, etc. Handle as many as you can to see how they fit your hand, and how the sights look to your eyes.

As far as revolvers go, look for Ruger.357s. I don't know what the "new" price is for the GP-100, but unless the gun was horribly mistreated you will be pretty safe buying a used GP, or the older security six model. Like Ruger autos, they are overbuilt. The nice thing about .357 for someone new to handguns is the ability to shoot the low recoil .38 special target loads.

 

[jusfuris]

ok i went to the gun shop today and held everything they had. i did not like the feel of the ruger p-series at all. i liked the feel of the 1911's (but ive shot plenty of them before). but my favorite ones just by feel and looks were the glocks and the sprongfield XD. and the XD won that battle too. so i have decided to up my price range and go for the XD. i just cant resist it.

i have decided almost for sure that i want the .40, 4" barrel, ported model.

but before i decide, what is the difference between .45 ACP, and the .45 GAP models?

also is the SS slide really worth it? i take VERY good care of my stuff so i wouldnt mind (actually might enjoy) cleaning the gun after every range visit if neccesary.

thanks for your suggestions guys

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's jusfuris My Friend-

First things first, stay away from anything chambered in .45 GAP; as
ammo is very hard too find, and damn expensive when you do find it.

Is the extra cost of the stainless slide worth it? Well Sir, that just
depends on the weapons intended application. If its for home D' or
occassional range use, I'd go with the all black version (which I did
in choosing my XD-.45 ACP). If for everyday carry, or for duty use
I'd probably suggest the stainless slide pistol. Reason being, an 8 hr
shift in a driving rain, snow, or sand storm can (and will) rake havoc
on a weapon holstered in a leather rig~! As too caliber,
if you are a beginner the 9m/m will cost less too shoot. But for
a defenisve weapon, I like the age old .45 ACP; as I own many type
handguns chambered for this round.

 

[jusfuris]

ok thanks. that possibly saved me a headache what with having a hard time finding the ammo.

and i figure ill get the black version, slightly more "tactical" looking anyway lol.

one more question and i think i may be ready to buy. is there any noticeable difference in the 4" barrel versus the 5"? i think the ported version is only offered in the 4" barrel and i would really like the ported version.

 

[Brian Williams]

There is a S&W 19 for around that, search in the classified for S&W 19 and my name.

 

[marshall3]

A page about affordable guns

Here's a link to a page about affordable guns:

http://www.mouseguns.com/afford.htm

 

[Minator]

First, Since this is going to be your first gun dont buy into hype and myths. Do plenty of research before getting and handle as well as shoot what you want. Dont be like alot of others (me included) and part with your first handgun because you dont like it or it doesnt function well. I still regret selling my first rifle which was an AK-47 clone- WASR-10 high cap and my first pistol a 5" Rock Island Armory 45acp which only had a few problems but I didnt have the money to iron them out but oh well its already been done.

Also a few pointers, I own revolvers as well as autos but no matter what brand you get they wont outlast a fair quality auto only due to the ease in which to swap out parts and abundance.

Heres a few links

This one contains every US firearm company so you will have plenty to choose from also it has a selection for foreighn as well but most of the foreighn guns you can get already have us couterparts.
http://home.comcast.net/~americanfirearmpage/firearms.htm

Here is a site containing a few experiments with diferent types of ammunition
Most like 9mm and .45acp but dont count out .40 S&W and .357sig if you purchase a revolver stick with 140gr JHP's in .357magnum for self defense plinking check out S&B 158gr .38special FMJ's there easier to clean up and are the same price as most lead rounds they offer the same loadings in .357magnum just as cheap.
http://www.theboxotruth.com/

 

[gbran]

1st gun? Not much $ ?

Buy a Makarov. It's a $300 gun for less than $175. It's rock solid, dependable and accurate. Good gun to start out with if you want a centerfire. 22's are more fun and there are lots of them new for less than $300.

 

[cuttaboi]

hey, I don't know if you've already purchased, but nobody has mentioned the Taurus, PT 111 Mil Pro to be exact. I got mine for $279 New In Box & love it. It is a great gun, very reliable, just very underrated/given a bad rap due to the first generation, non-pro, versions which used to crack at the frame. But It is definitely worth checking out. It is great for carry, but since that is not much of a concern for you, it also works good for the home. Check out a link here:
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=111SSP-12&category=Pistol

& Here is a pic of mine:

 

[jusfuris]

that is a nice looking taurus. and i have heard from friends that their quality control has gotten much better and are now pretty nice guns. ill check that one out too.

but does anyone know if there is any noticeable difference in the 4" barrel versus the 5" on the XD? (im sure that this applies to all pistols with these size barrels though) i think the ported version of the XD is only offered in the 4" barrel and i would really like the ported version.

 

[Minator]

No real difference unless your an ispca shooter, If your going to use the gun for self defense your not going to engage targets more than 25 yards which 85% of todays autos are capable of 1-2" groups at 50yards and longer unless its a pocket pistol and if you are going to need to shoot more then 25 yards you need to get a rifle.

 

[Hokkmike]

Tons of good used guns for this price. Saw an S&W, just what I like - sorry, didn't catch the model number, in 9mm with a 15 round magazine for $350 "out the door" at my local gun shop. Excellent condition. Look around and see what you can find.

 

[FastDraw]

I would suggest a Ruger....... if you plan to spend that amount of money.

 

[Shipwreck]

Do yourself a favor - skip the ported version.

I prev had a ported 1911 - Loudest damn gun on the range. A ported 9mm doesn't seem that much louder, but in a 45 it sure is. I would imagine that it will also make a big difference on the hi pressure 40 cal round. If U want it for defense, think about what it will do to your ears indoors. A regular gun will give you some hearing damage probably, but this will be much worse.

Also, if you had to shoot the gun in an encounter, and was forced to fire it close to your body or face, U will get some shrapnel in your eyes from the bullet round quite possibly.

Ported guns are ok for a range gun - bad for self defense. This topic is a bit of a loaded topic on many of the message boards, as you will see if you do a search. But, I think U should skip the ports.

4" vs 5" - longer slide gives you a longer barrel. A slight velocity advantage, and a longer sight radius. But, be aware that the longer slide may make the gun feel more top heavy when the mag is almost empty.

I would also get a 9mm. Some people complain about the 40 being too snappy. 9mm will do what U want, and ammo is a lot cheaper for range use

 

[Zach S]

You could probably pick up a used P-series ruger for around $275 or less. They're ugly, chunky pistols, but they're boring reliable.

 

[gunlove]

jusfuris

The stainless is worth it, the XDs unlike many others don’t have the greatest matte finish.
XD is a great gun; the natural feel you experience (which many others agree with) leads to you being more accurate.

I would have to agree with Just_a_dude_with_a_gun about the Glock 17 in particular being the best for the money (used around 350 out the door). It is popularity and widespread success and use in domestic and government use are what make it so common and thus so inexpensive.
For 300 it is hard to buy a reliable auto loader, so it is good you went up another 100… revolvers on the other hand can be found for less.

Let us know what you choose.