Best value per dollar handguns in the under $300 range?

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Its a little more than $300, but I have to recommend the Taurus Mil-Pro series, Bud's gun shop has them for $319. I have a PT-140 pro that has been 100% through 5000 rounds, mostly my reloads, zero failures. The sights are big and easy to see, it fits my hand great, recoil isn't bad, and its accurate. I love it.
 
I picked up a SIG P6 two days ago. Probably the best deal I've ever found on a pistol. Lots of holster wear, but it looks practically new on the inside. Ran 200 rounds through it yesterday without a hiccup. The P6 is real easy to like.
 
I'd get myself a Ruger Mark III if I had $300 to spend on a handgun. It's a good, accurate handgun that should last you the rest of your life as long as you take care of it. And since it's a .22 it'll get a lot of use.
 
It's probably most of us who like premium revolvers and Glocks that think Taurus guns are junk.

And I have no problem being called a snob.
 
I don't own one, but I have shot several of the Bersa models. For me, they put the lead where I point, and go Bang! on request every time.

Same with the Hi-Point offerings. They go Bang! on request everytime, and put the lead where you aim...Pig-Butt-Stuck-in-a-Mud-Fence-Ugly, though, while the Bersas are more Aesthetically Pleasing
 
A while back, I stopped by a local gun shop and found a used FM Hi-Power for $212 out the door. The Argentine clone of the Belgian product became the base for one very accurate project pistol.
 
I'm a cheapskate with nearly everything I own. From what I can tell, between used guns and some quality new guns with lifetime warranties, you can buy a variety of well-made, quality firearms from reputable makers for $300.

I think the >$300 guns are much like >$20,000 cars.
 
I have enjoyed my Taurus PT 145 Mil Pro (3rd Gen), its been a really good gun so far (good enough i picked up a s/s PT1911 too @ Bud's Gun Shop). I picked it (Mil Pro) up at Academy Sport for $299
 
I just sold my Stainless Ruger P90 to a guy for $250. It was accurate, durable, reliable, the works. That is a good buy.

I picked up a clean used Bersa 380 for $150, and that was an outstanding buy. Reliable, accurate, and just the right size for smaller hands.

I'd skip the CZ82, based on the comments of a member named PSP over on The Firing Line. He has one of these (but the 83, in 380) I asked him to compare it to the Beretta Cheetahs and Browning BDAs, and he said they both shoot well, but the CZ "feels like it was made in a tractor factory" whereas the Beretta "feels like it was made by gunmakers who have been doing it for a while." A lot of surplus guns are going to be like that.

Another thought is to spend the $900 on one gun. There is no time limit to "fill your permits" is there?
 
I have 350 rounds through my Taurus Millenium Pro (only had it two weeks). The only failure I have had of any kind was a WWB round which failed to go off.

I kept it pointed down range and pulled the trigger (which had reverted to DA) again. Nothing happened. I pulled it once more and BANG! I guess the second (or third) strike thing really does work.

I have been quite impressed with the quality of this pistol. It's not perfect, but it comes with a mirror-polished feed ramp, good quality magazines, serrated quick-aquisition sights (Heine Straight-8), a loaded chamber indicator, double-strike capability, and a manual safety. I have fed this pistol several different types of ammunition, FMJ and JHP, in weights from 165-180 grains and it has fed, fired, and ejected all of them flawlessly regardless of it being held two-handed or limp-wristed.

Also, for being a sub-compact pistol, it still packs 10+1 rounds (in .40 or .45, 12+1 rounds in 9mm, .380, or .32) of ammo. It also allows you to get all four fingers on the grip. The controls are well-positioned and the controls are well-contoured.

I have seen the blued models selling for as low as $329.
 
I have 350 rounds through my Taurus Millenium Pro...

I kept it pointed down range and pulled the trigger (which had reverted to DA) again. Nothing happened. I pulled it once more and BANG! I guess the second (or third) strike thing really does work.
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I'm glad this is not my experience with any of my guns. But then, I don't own any semi-auto Taurus handguns.
 
wyocarp said:
I'm glad this is not my experience with any of my guns. But then, I don't own any semi-auto Taurus handguns.
Click to expand...

I don't attribute this fault to the gun, as all the other fired brass I have examined had healthy dents in the primer.

I also like the balance of the pistol; you can stand on its grip (with a mag inserted) and it will not fall over. The only complaint I have is the trigger. It's not terrible, but could be better.
 
If I were truthful, I also think that one of the biggest drawbacks to a Taurus is the trigger.

I have two Taurus handguns, the judge (which is in my opinion a worthless gun) and .22 mag. Both I bought because they are unique, but both have terrible triggers. The judge I don't care about (safe Queen). The .22 mag I'm going to get some work done on the trigger because it is a neat pistol.
 
I bought a used S&W model 13 6 shot 357 w 4" barrell square butt a while back for $250.00. I have been very pleased with it my only complaints are the square butt but other than that it was cheap smooth and had a little wear which I just consider part of history.
 
Many of the guns i would have recommended were already mentioned and you now have a good list to consider. What I didn't see in this thread is the Ruger Six-Series revolvers. In a 4" barrel or 2 3/4" barrel they are all good. I have a Blue 2 3/4" Police Service-Six in .357 Magnum I picked up for $225 a while back that was in great condition. The Security-Six and Speed-Six are also nice revolvers...
 
Star made some good guns and you can still find them for under $300 but the company is out of business. If you want a very good gun from a company with a reputation for quality that's still in business get the CZ40B from CDNN.
 
MCGunner and I have the same setup. My Taurus are solid. I owned a S&W629 for years and the trigger was crap and I couldn't get it to shoot well. I picked up a used M66 and it is awesome. I tend to shoot metal plates at the range double action. I have also had my M85 for over a decade. No hi-cups. The M66 is for woods carry and home protection the M85 is for CCW.

Also the CZ82's are great. I had one and it is a fine firearm. I sold it as it was my only 9mm MAK and it is fairly large. My Kimber Compact is easier to conceal.

Download the CDNN catalog and see if there is anything in it that sparks your interest.
 
for me i only own one handgun that is in that range but i do have expereince with guns in that range though. i have a ruger p345 that is the cheapest handgun that i own but it is the most accurate. it was $369 otd.

also in that price range look at the ria 1911's they are a great value and a lot of bang for your buck.
 
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