"Beater" handguns that have surprised you

[22luvr]

Old-timer Rossi revolver....

I got an older Rossi .357 mag model M677 6-shot revolver for $125 and have had it now for years. Can't fault it. Great trigger, accurate and beautifully broken in. Ideal bedside or glove box gun.

 

[Longbow]

My Glock 17 for $275 OTD with hicap (purchased during the ban).

I just got a Taurus 66, 6" 7 shot revolver for $150 LNB. ' not sure if I'll keep it or trade it. If I keep it, it might take the place of the G17 (or share).

 

[bpisler]

$279.00 for a Kahr MK-9 in the box
with 2 mags.It does have some pits
under the grips but it shoots very
well.

 

[1911 guy]

Llama .45

I had a Lama 1911 knock off that was surprising accurate. Until the roll pin holding the external extractor broke/fell out.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I picked up a 1934 heavy duty that was really rough. Outsides were well worn, grips shot, finish probably 50%.

Shoots great, near perfect trigger!

What a diamond in the rough!

 

[Missouri Mule]

Here is another vote for the my previously owned Sistema Colt.

It's barrel was literally worn out and would still hold pie plate sized 50 round patterns, off hand at 25 yards.

It's barrel was extremely dark and what rifling that was there was barely discernible with a bore light.

That poor old pistol looked like it had been run over with a tank, a couple of times.

 

[SgtGunner]

couple years back I got my hands on a beat to hell rusted out 1951 M&P snubbie in 38sp. Paid 60 dollars for it , I shoot it constantly and it is my fishing / tackle box gun, never even bothered to get the rust off, just some break free and loaded er up.

 

[Mooseman]

S&W model 1917 45 revolver. you need to use moon clips. bought it cheap a bit over $100. finish was a bit rough but gun is very reliable and a real pleasure to shoot. As a bonus you can keep loaded full moon clips in your pocket in lieu of a speed loader.

 

[Spieler]

While perhaps not a 'beater' in the strictest sense, the handgun that has most surprised me is a German police surplus P-1. I bought it about 10 years ago for around $200+ and while certainly not pretty to look at, a bit rough around the edges, worn finish, etc., it has proven to be utterly reliable, shoots to point of aim and is one of the most FUN guns that I own. I love taking that thing to the range.