Best value handgun?

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mmafan

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Which handgun in your opinion offers the most value for the price.

This is not a poll for the best handgun or the least expensive, but the handgun that gives you the most bang for your buck.

Consider:

- What you consider adequate stopping power
-inexpensive and available ammo, for target practice and self defense
-inexpensive and available magazines / speed loaders
-warranty if any
-easily available spare parts
-reliability
-durability
-accuracy
-ergonomics
-accesories (holsters and what not)
-easy to field/detail strip
-weight

Remeber if you like 1 gun and it cost $250 and another that cost $500, ask yourself, is the $500 gun really twice the gun the $250 one is?

Thanks.
 
Remeber if you like 1 gun and it cost $250 and another that cost $500, ask yourself, is the $500 gun really twice the gun the $250 one is?
Click to expand...

Probably yes, without even naming the hypothetical gun. This has to do with the price point you chose.

A $1000 gun vs. a $500 gun? Probably not quite. But many guns in the $250 range have flaws, some of them serious functional flaws.
 
In my mind (yes, a scary thought indeed), value is really subjective. A $50 wheelgun that is never used is a pretty expensive piece while a $1000 pistol that is used with confidence and is 100% reliable might be looked at as a great value.
For me, taking into account your criteria, I'd probably say either my 92fs (paid $400) or my S&W mod 19-3 (pd $200). Both have been great performers & 100% reliable. :D
 
This only breaks down to personal preference. Past that and the "feeling or emotions" one has for the particular branding, asthetics, and personal appeal the firearm possess then cost is a huge factor as it is easily quantifiable. A good deal on a firearm could be that turning point for most in this forum as long as it falls in the category above and passes those constraints that we place on the purchase.
Fortunately (or unfortunately) weapon manufacturers have great million dollar marketing campaigns which prints those onto us the consumer. Everything down to the caliber and stopping power is so much a debate with the consumer that it drives both production and sales in addition to these forums :D
So that is my thought process behind EVERY one of my purchases that involve firearms. Yep its a bit much but I can tell you it has saved me from some potential rediculous purchases! But you are correct when you put together that checklist and it really would help someone who is on the fence or just starting out looking for their firearm collection to have a system of checks to help aid in their purchase so it is not an impulsive one.

Good Luck!
 
Based on personal experience, I vote for the:

CZ-75... seems to fit everyone, still reasonable prices available
FNP-9 or 40... Lot of people like this platform, Ive never had a problem with mine, very reasonably price on gunbroker for a new one
 
Police surplus revolvers are high on my list for bargains. You can get fantastic P&R'd Smiths, fine Colts and excellent Ruger Sixes for under three bills. People don't understand how good these firearms are. They think bottom feeders are the only way to go. So the price remains low.
 
Consider:

- What you consider adequate stopping power
-inexpensive and available ammo, for target practice and self defense
-inexpensive and available magazines / speed loaders
-warranty if any
-easily available spare parts
-reliability
-durability
-accuracy
-ergonomics
-accesories (holsters and what not)
-easy to field/detail strip
-weight
Click to expand...
Can't beat a CZ75.
My son bought a new one for $300. at a gun show. It meets most if not all of the criteria that you mention (except maybe adequate stopping power - for all of the 9mm bashers out there :rolleyes: )
I'm not sure of the warranty.
 
What you're describing sounds like a Glock 17/19 to me, especially when it comes to availability of spare parts (and the ease of replacing them yourself), weight and durability. Warrantee would not be an issue for me with a Glock since it's so easily repaired yourself and parts are cheap.

Personaly my choice is a H&K USP .45, because it's light, reliable, durable, accurate and probably will never need spare parts and I roll my own ammo. I consider it a better value than other pistols I've owned because I'll never have to put another dime into it and it will outlast them all. Can't say that about a 1911.

I do own one Glock, a 17L longslide, and it is everything you describe, that's why I can't part with it. I know I could bury it in the backyard if I had to, dig it up a year later, and repair it if needed with parts scavanged off ANY other Glock with nothing more than a nail as a tool. No fitting of parts is ever needed.
 
OK OK I give in and I will play my favorites! The best firearm used or new (IN MY OPINION AND PERSONAL FINDINGS) for the money (considering you dont run into any deals on your way) is a Glock 17 ($480-500 NIB / used??? ).

The best brand deep CCW gun for the money Kel-Tec P3AT ($230-270 NIB). The Kel-Tec is lifetime guaranteed, hides in any pocket, and with corbon ammunition you will reach the 200lbs and 11" of penetration required by the FBI. They have great customer service and a really reliable firearm with the generation II models that just came out.

As for the Glock... well its a Glock and thats enough said for the quality (its practicably indestructible and I would bet my savings account on my G23's performance) You can also go with a lasermax laser and plenty of cool-guy add-ons if you so choose :D

But like i said its your personal choice and there are PLENTY of choices out there. H&K, Sig, Colt, all have legendary names and will serve you as well. hehe good luck!
 
Makarovs are still a good value, though not as good as they used to be.

Got mine for $160, and has been completely reliable, has enough stopping power IMO, is accurate, easy to clean, and parts are available. Downsides are that there is no warranty, and tactical accessories (if you're into that sort of thing) are not really available.

Purchased my 1911 GI used for $380, and I feel that's a pretty good deal. Never had a problem with that one either, but it has a warranty, parts and accessories are readily available, and it has enough stopping power.
 
Ruger and EAA Witness. If you like gambling, then maybe Taurus... I'd steer clear of the bull with my money though.

Jason
 
S&w 686

Probably a good used S&W 686 revolver in a 4 inch preferably without a lock.

Versatile on ammo, .38, .38spl, .357.

Sweet action, well balanced, fun at the range, good for home defense, easy to clean and maintain, holds its value.
Lifetime warranty.

Not a bottom feeder.

What's not to like.
 
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