Best value handgun in $350 range?

[Thermactor]

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/654_910/products_id/411554501/Used++Smith+%26+Wesson+5906+9mm+15%2B1+STS

I chose "other" see above

oh daaaayyyyyuuummm......

game, set.. match.

Nice.

I totally forgot about the PPX too! That would be a top contender among the new guns category.

 

[Delford]

EAA SAR B6P Semi Auto Pistol- Sarsilmaz 9mm 4.5", 16 Rnd Mag
$275 from Impact Guns + ship+ transfer...another Turk with a good reputation.

 

[Thermactor]

The OP, unless he's just trying to stir up discussions, should understand that guns like the Jiminez, or the LC9s, aren't guns for the average shooter. Some of the cheaper guns may not be reliable. Some of the guns like the DB or the LC9s may prove to be a BIG handful for an inexperienced shooter or someone who isn't comfortable with recoil. The S&W may take more range time before the shooter is able to hit the broad side of a barn. (But S&W will do a no-cost (or low cost) trigger job, and it apparently makes an almost "marginal" gun into something pretty good.)

For HOME DEFENSE, a Hi-Point is hard to beat. Generally quite accurate, generally quite reliable, with a great warranty if there are problems. Very inexpensive, and used ones can be hand for practically NOTHING!! But it's not a gun you're going to ever CARRY (except, perhaps, in a back pack).

I didn't say anything about the LC9 to begin with. That's a subcompact gun. This poll is oriented toward duty-sized guns. Something in the Glock 17, Sig P226 size range.
Second, the Hi-Point and Jimenez options were my way of saying "pie" in the Arfcom poll non-sequitur option tradition, hence their placement after 'other' on the chart.

 

[Pukindog12]

Taurus PT111 G2.

 

[Girodin]

Shopping to find deals and good used guns will yield the best values.

I have found multiple used glocks in that price range. Also CDNN will blow out guns and police trade ins for some good deals. Based on direct comparison I'd much rather have a used glock than a Canik TPP (owned one), the Canik CZ clones (I own one) or the the SV9DE.

For HOME DEFENSE, a Hi-Point is hard to beat. Generally quite accurate, generally quite reliable, with a great warranty if there are problems. Very inexpensive, and used ones can be hand for practically NOTHING!!

Ummm no its really not. It is easy to find superior firearms. Sure a hi point is likely reliable but that is the the bare minimum requirement for a gun. A great many other guns are also reliable but superior in other ways.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I voted Ruger. Here are my thoughts as I see it. I consider myself a "budget-gun-aficionado".

Ruger SR9E - I own one. Consider it the best pistol for the money EVER! Gives up nothing to any other gun. Only downfall is 1 magazine for the price. It has the best ergos and trigger (for me), is superbly accurate and fast to shoot. Get it and love it!

Canik TP9SA - I want one. DOn't know ow I feel about the decocker, but as a HD or range gun and not a carry gun, it should be superb. It punches way above its weight class, but longevity of its customer service and parts could be an issue if it matters to you.

Diamondback FS Nine - Never read a good review other than "paid advertisement reviewers" like Guns and Ammo. It's a nice idea, but it doesn't do anything for me.

S&W Sigma SD9VE - Excellent Glock clone, but the trigger is awful. You can make comparisons to DAO revolvers to rationalize it, but it reall comes down to a terrible trigger. I still like the gun though and I never had a problem with the two that I shot.

Hi-Point - Love mine for a range gun. But as a primary gun, I'd pass. If you want a beater gun or only have $150, well then there's no better option.

Other: (non-striker)
EAA Witness - You can find them on sale for under $300. CZ clone, enough said.
SAR B6P - I own one, most accurate pistol I own, trigger slap can get bad though in cold weather.
Ruger P-series - Own 3, love them all, wish they sill made them
Canik CZ clones - Imported by Tristar or Century, excellent buys, just like all CZ clones.

 

[alexander45]

Probably the canik I have heard nothing but good stuff about them and it comes with a bunch of stuff you need to get your feat wet.
My step dad had a sd9ve and it was a great gun reliable, acurate, great capacity I loved shooting it and he's currently going to get a new one after returning from the uk.
The ruger is also a great deal made in the usa and as rock solid as you can ask for

 

[snooperman]

From your list, I would go with the Ruger, but as Delford mentioned above the SAR B6P is a great gun for the money. I have been most impressed with the Turkish SAR pistols as well as the Canik guns in your price range. Also in the used gun market you can find excellent values in your price range and that is where I would go.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

Just based on customer service of the companies alone, my two top choices are Ruger first and S&W second. I would have put S&W first but they changed their warranty service and it is now more difficult to talk to a live person. Emails typically take 3 to 5 days to be answered. One call to Ruger and you are usually talking to a real person in less than 5 minutes.

In the "Other" category I would recommend a used Glock pistol. They are just as good as the brand new ones and you will get a lifetime of service out of it. I have seen them in the $350 range within the last couple of years. You just have to shop around. We have a local nickel classified ad paper that allows firearm advertisements. That is the first place I look.

Here's a good example in Spokane Washington at Best Buy Surplus.

http://www.bestbuysurplusspokane.com/product.used-glock-22-gen-iii-40-sw-466

 

[HexHead]

I would probably say the Ruger. Every now and then S&W will have a $50 rebate on the Sigma, and when that's going on I think it's the winner.

The SD9VE is not the old Sigma. Of the ones listed, it would be my choice.

 

[krupparms]

No doubt about it,the S&W SD series. These are made in the U.S.A. by a company that gives great C.S. & it comes with 2 magazines. This gun is very easy to upgrade with nite sights & the Apex trigger kit. This is a very well made plastic gun! The grip is very comfortable & well designed. S&W makes some of the best! Excellent EDC gun!

 

[CNobbe]

I'd have to go with the Shield, it's not a service pistol, but it's a damn good shooter, that's a joy at the range and easy to carry.

 

[Olympus]

You can't believe everything you read, but there are TONS of people talking about how incredible the trigger is on the Canik TP9SA. I just ordered one and it should be here by next week, so stay tuned for one of my brutally honest firearm reviews.