Economical, non-junk,home-defense pistol suggestions...

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I have a buddy from work that is on a budget, REALLY on a budget, and is considering a pistol for the homestead. He's not really a gun-nut ( or wouldn't be seeking my advice) but he's a good guy, and I'd like to steer him in the right direction. I've already explained to him that he's looking at several hundred dollars,minimum, or he'd be better to just save his money and get a nice aluminum baseball bat, rather than buy junk.
I'm thinking either a .38 revolver, like maybe a Charter Arms or Taurus, or a semi-auto like a Ruger 9MM.
I know the used market must be considered, but I've found that to be pretty weak around here.
Anyway, I'd appreciate any useful suggestions..........
 
Ruger p90 is a respectable auto. It's not tacticool, or HSLD, but its a solid pistol for about $300 new.
 
Ruger p90 is a respectable auto. It's not tacticool, or HSLD, but its a solid pistol for about $300 new.
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I agree the P90 is a good gun and probably a very good value, but if I could buy them new for $300, I'd own one. P90's are more in the $450-$500 range. It is a good recommendation though, as are most of the Ruger llne-up.
 
any used ruger p... p85,p89, p90 etc. most can be had for $250 -$300 and are really hard to beat.
if you get lucky you can find a glock. there not hard to come by. nut almsot never cheep. iirc he can join gssf and get a new one for $399.
bretta 9000s in 9 or 40 should be in the $300 range.
a new rock island. in .45
most any revolver from taurs or ruger.

hope this helps
 
Bersa .380 is one. I find them for $250 very often. They work very very well to!

Taurus .38s strangly enough I see for over $300 very often so I'd pass unless I could find them cheaper. Rossi revovers are ok but no where near a Smith in quality.

Smiths and Ruger wheelguns ain't cheap anymore! You can buy a Glock for the cost of them.

And any simi-auto shotgun or 5.56/7.62x39 rifle is out of sight in price.

Mossburg 500 12 gauge shottie. I find them at pawn shops for $200. Tops in relibility. That's a good pick for ones long gun and I have a few of them myself.

So I'd pay, at the most, $500 for a Bersa .380 AND a Mossburg 500 12 guage. And those two will do to defend ones home!

Deaf
 
Ruger p-95 is an inexpensive auto thats reliable and tough
Ruger or Smith for a revolver /EAA Windicator if hes on a tight budget
12 gauge Moss/Rem pump shot gun, lots of used ones around.
 
With a little shopping around you - rather, he - can get a Ruger P95 or S&W Sigma for under $300. The SR9 and SD9 from the same makers are about $100 more. I am actually quite impressed with the SD, and the front night sight is a nice touch.
 
Maverick 88 12 gauge $199
Hi-Point above .380 is all good if you can find it at under $150
 
Pawn shop 9mm would be my recommendation. Ruger or maybe a used XD. 12 Gauge is good too, But might be a bit much for a non gun guy.

A .22? Really? How long do you think an full grown adult really takes to get used to the recoil of a 9? Come on.
 
Depending on how tight his budget is I would recommend a good police trade in 38 Special revolver. If his budget is as tight as it sounds he may not get enough practice to handle a semi-auto pistol when the stress pours in. With the revolver he doesn't have to worry about racking the slide or fumbling with a safety. With the proper speed loader its pop in six, close the cylinder and you're ready to go.
 
I would have balked at the Hi-point a few days ago, but I read some range test results that came up with 100% reliability in more than 200 rounds. Not bad. But I can still plug the P90. It was my first handgun and never failed. It's easy to operate, and I bought mine used (with packmyr grips) for $300.
 
I agree the P90 is a good gun and probably a very good value, but if I could buy them new for $300, I'd own one. P90's are more in the $450-$500 range. It is a good recommendation though, as are most of the Ruger llne-up.
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Typo- P-95. My local shop sells them new for $295 all day long.
 
I second both the Hi-point (my first handgun was a C9) and the Sigma (I owned a .40).

I had no problems from either gun other than ammunition related issues through over 2k rounds each.
 
He's not really a gun-nut ( or wouldn't be seeking my advice) but he's a good guy, and I'd like to steer him in the right direction.
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I know he is wanting a pistol, but I suggest you steer him towards a shotgun. More bang for the buck and easier for him to learn how to use effectively. Lots of old 870s and 500s floating around cheap.
 
Mil-surp Commie-bloc pistols maybe? Makarov?


Shotgun would probably be your best bet however, then you can get him hooked on Clay shooting. :)
 
Used S&W K-frame revolver, can still find good usable service trade-ins for under $300 with some looking.

Taurus/Rossi revolver- can be had for under $300.

S&W Sigma semi-auto. Smith had a $50 rebate and two free mags offer going, may still be out there. iirc total cost was under $300 after rebate.

Hi-point pistol- works, not expensive, and lifetime warranty.

Mossberg 500A 12-gauge pump gun with 18.5" barrel can be had for $200 or less if you know where to look and don't mind that it looks used, or if you use your own hacksaw to cut it down to 18.5" long...I've picked up three so far for under $200....TOTAL for all three.
 
One of the J&G sales model 64's (or any S&W or Ruger 4" .38/.357 revolver) would be an excellent investment if one were on a budget and also were not real "gun guy". A 4" .38 loaded with the remington 158gr LSWCHP +P loading has been stopping bad guys for 40 years. Revolvers are simple, reliable and pretty much idiot proof...a nice combination for someone who may only go to the range once or twice a year.
 
Last year Academy ran the Rossi 3" .38 for $199.

If I were him I'd watch the black Friday adds.
 
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