best pistol under 450

[XavierBreath]

First choice: Springfield Mil-Spec. It's a lot of gun for the money.

If you don't like the 1911/.45 platform, then my vote is for the Springfield XD.

(No, I don't work for Springfield..........)

 

[IRock]

You not look for a used gun ? You will have a lot more to choose from at that price. Many people that have guns rarely shoot them and there are some good ones out there in like new condition at good prices.

 

[armoredman]

EAA Witness. CDNNinvestments has loads of differant types for $299. I have had 6 of them over the years, and I still carry my first, (one of the first 500 imported under the Witness name, and possibly the very first 40 imported), and my wife carries a wonderfinished compact 40. The others were only sold for baby food, and one given to a family member in need.
Witness pistols can be converted. The "large frame" can be converted to any of the following - 10mm, 38 Super, 45ACP, 40 SW, 9mm, 22lr. The "small frame" can be converted to 9mm, 40 SW, and 22lr. All calibers are available in compact or full size, magazines are cheap, and the Wonderfinish is actually a form of Tennifer with a hard chrome over.
CZs are always a great deal, and if you like CZs, you'll like the Tanfoglio/Witness.

 

[JeepDriver]

Ruger P95 $300
1000 rounds from Walmart $115
2 15 round USA mags from CDNN $30

$445 for a reliable pistol w/ accessories!

 

[Slow]

Best under $450.... CZ75!... Second choice..SA Mil-spec. 45ACP

 

[guns'ahoy]

springfield xd


or springfield mil-spec if you want a 1911 style

 

[chief]

low cost shooter

I would probably shop for a used Glock, not uncommon for them to go over 250,000 rounds and still be ticking. The main limiting factor is few individuals will shoot that much in a decade or even a lifetime. Everything on a Glock can be changed out if it wears or breaks and parts are pretty cheap. Most stuff on a Glock will be warrantied by a distributor. Why go around saying, "It's almost as good as a Glock", just buy one.

 

[Defender00]

SA XD9

I have to agree with some of the others about SA XD9. First off it is a large enough caliber for PP, second it is the cheapest ammo, third it is a comfortable gun to shoot.

I would recommend going to the gun dealer and handling a variety of models and see what "feels" good in your hand. I like the XD because of the grip angel or lack there of compared to the Glocks, the safety features built into the gun that do not require flipping levers, and the trigger action. This gun is said to be the first gun in... what 20 years to give Glock a run for the money.

Important thing is that whatever you buy you buy it because you like it and you enjoy shooting it. Don't be like some of the folks out there that buy a gun so they can say "I have a ....."

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

[355sigfan]

Used Glock in the size and caliber you prefer. You can even get them new for that price if you shop around.
Pat

 

[J.Bourne]

CZ 75B or CZ 85 Combat.

Rock solid all steel construction, accurate as a laser, and a screaming bargain for what you get at about $350 - $400 nib.

 

[Chairman]

In the same pickle as you, I wound up with a Sig Pro and have been very happy with it. Pretty accurate and has eaten everything I have fed it.

CDNN has used P220s and P226s for under $400; I really don't think you could go wrong with a 226. Also HK USP40's for $399.

The new CZ PO1's are going for under $450. I have never shot one, but have heard lots of good things about them (and they are relatively small if carry is a consideration).

 

[LynnMassGuy]

S&W 910s. I looks cool. You can pick one up around $300. Will take 5906 high cap mags. There are over 3500(stopped counting) rounds through mine(all different brands) and it has never jammed. I carry it every day and don't even feel it on my hip. I don't know if the plastic guide rod will become a problem someday but it shows no signs of wear so far. No rust. No jams.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I just put a NIB SIG 2340 on lay-a-way last weekend for $399-----that's right----a SIG for under $400.

 

[Berg01]

I would not hesitate to go the slightly used route for a quality pistol; the two best guns I've seen in your budget range were a Sig P220 9mm for $399.00, or a P220 .45 ACP for $459.00; both were LNIB; IMHO the P220 in either caliber is one of the very best pistols to be had at any price.

 

[SavannahSteve]

Why spend the whole $450?

I have two semi-autos that point and shoot great, and which have NEVER malfunctioned: a Bersa Thunder 380, which is a Walther PPK/S clone with a much better trigger, and a used Russian commercial Makarov in 9x18M in great condition. I think the Bersa 380 typically costs from $200 to $230 new and I bought the Makarov used at a gun store with two magazines, hoster, and cleaning rod for $175. After owning a lot of more expensive guns, I am beginning to think that what you really get for the additional money are more and more malfunctions.

If you do want to spend the whole $450, you could buy both of these guns. Another option is that you could buy two Bersas (one in 380 and the other in 22LR to practice more cheaply with) and at least 550 rounds of loose pack Remington 22LR HV.

Take a look on the Internet forums at what Bersa and Makarov owners have to say about the quality of these pistols. For example, Stephen A. Camp has tested both and given both very high marks.