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

[Bernie Lomax]

Take a look at Ruger's output, especially the P-Series. They're bulky and don't conceal that well, but that's not a concern for HD and they are rugged, reliable and economical. I'd go with something in .40 S&W. IMO that's the best compromise between capacity and stopping power.

I bought my P85 used for only $350.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Zund is right, nicest police trade SW 38 special/357 he can afford.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

get a nice aluminum baseball bat, rather than buy junk.

I understand the point you are making but I'll take a .38 caliber RG over a baseball bat (wood or metal) ANY day. A CZ-82 would be a good choice.

 

[huntsman]

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..........

let him shoot what you have, then take him to some shops to price out guns. Go the whole route to help him but the choice is HIS to make.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Go to most gun shops and pick out a used S & W .38 Special in a K frame in good condition. A model 10 would be a good choice.

 

[easyg]

Another vote for Ruger P95....

 

[joe_security]

Another vote for the J&G model 64. The P95 may be good if you can "train him up" on using a semi-auto.

 

[jogar80]

Smith and Wesson Sigma 40 or 9... I can't think of a better gun for the money.

Agreed. These pistols have my recommendation as well. $300 brand-spankin-new.

I think a pump shotgun would be better for home defense though. A used mossberg pump with synthetic stock can be found for $100 or less sometimes.

 

[FatPants]

The latest CDNN catalog is showing CZ-82's for $149. Just make sure that your friend knows the difference between 9x18, and 9x19

 

[oldbanjo]

Buy a used S & W MD36 Chiefs Special. I wouldn't swap mine for any of the new Guns made today.

 

[GunTech]

Another vote for the S&W Sigma. The latest are reliable and are selling around here for $350 with a $50 rebate from S&W. The proprietary rail probably won't be a problem and it's a simple gun to operate and maintain.

Unless you hate your friend, I'd stay away from the High Point. I've seen two fail with less than 50 rounds through them. In know there are some who recommend them, but really, spend the extra $100 and get so something decent. Almost everyone I know who's bought one wished they had bought something nicer. On the plus side, I've seen them used for well under $100 - and that should tell you something.

 

[19&41]

If You are near the Atlanta area, there will be a big gun show 4&5 December at Jonesboro road and 285. You can see as many as you would want to.

 

[gbball98]

Another vote for the S&W sigma priced right and reliable or most any revolver in 38 special.

 

[Samari Jack]

If your buddy is not into guns much he might be better off with a wheel gun. In my opinion, autos need to be cleaned regularly to be reliable. It takes a lot of crud to foul up a revolver so it doesn't work. They are naturally ambidextrous. For someone who doesn't practice regularly, he doesn't have to remember which is the safety or is it the mag release. A double action either hammered or hammerless in .38 or .38+p with expanding ammo or if others are in the house Glaser's would be good. My favorite CCW is a Kahr P9, a S&W 38+p Airweight, and an old Colt 38 Agent.

Get him a gun cleaning kit too.

 

[Steve C]

J&G has .38 spl S&W stainless model 64"s for sale for $240. Guns are DA only with bobbed hammer and have been carried by police or security personnel, They're a better used than a new Taurus or Rossi Revolver IMO.

smith-wesson-model-64-38spl-stainless-steel%2C-bobbed-hammer-very-good-condition

 

[Prosser]

http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...-condition-/cPath/16_150_497/products_id/1941

Full sized Glock for 349.00, in a caliber that has a pretty good rep.

Revolvers sound good, until you pull that DA 10-16 pound trigger, and don't hit anything.

I hate to say it, but the glock trigger is better then most DA revolvers I've fired, Python and Colt Trooper III excepted.

Gun is near indestructible, and really has no safety. Pull the trigger, bang. Parts are pretty much dirt cheap, and easily avaliable. Might check on caliber swaps. IIRC, certain Glocks can be easily changed to different calibers.

Any of the other plastic, DA guns can also be had used, and aren't bad, either.

 

[9mmforMe]

The P95, Sigma, or a used Smith revolver would all be good choices. Hopefully you'll get him interested so he will get some training to go along with his new purchase. Finding a pistol that fits his hand well and he likes to shoot is essential. Take him to the range, let him rent or borrow some of your pistols and go from there.

 

[147 Grain]

Budget Home Defense:

1. Ruger SR9C (compact version with a better trigger than SR9) for $399 or P95 for $299. Also consider a used S&W 38 Special with 4" barrel and have your friend practice with 148-gr. wadcutters and upgrade to Buffalo Bore's FBI Load #20A or #20C (158-gr. LSWCHP) for HD.

2. A simple 20 / 12 gauge shotgun with 18 1/2" barrel, Low Recoil 00 Buckshot, and open choke is your least expensive option (new or used) for SD inside the home. Shotguns are far more devastating and put more odds in your favor than any handgun, but are less maneuverable.

Examples:

A. Used Remington 870's run about $180 and up.

B. Used Mossberg 500's run $150 and up.

C. Mossberg Maverick 88 is an option in their Field Combo with 18 1/2" barrel that is about $229, with the similar Mossberg 500 Combo going for $60 +/- more. 8 shot Maverick 88 Security models for for about $199 if you can find them.

D. Another new option is a H&R Pardner shotgun. They use a heavy duty steel receiver like the 870 and fly under the radar as a reliable and well kept secret (don't let the cost or name fool you!). Walmart sells a 20 gauge compact version that is an 870 clone for only $179 and their full size 12 gauge is less at $159.

 

[Ben86]

The cheapest handgun I can think of that will not be junk is a used ruger p95, kel tec or bersa.

Shotgun, probably a used remington 870 or stoeger.

Tell your friend to shop the used market hard, he'll be able to find a good deal eventually. Just make sure he stays away from pot metal saturday night specials.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Hi POINTs, they work, to heavy to carry, but they work well for night stand duty.

 

[DaStray]

I have to agree w/ many of the above posters and vote for either a used police wheelgun trade-in or any used Ruger P series (85, 89, 95...)
If he`s not much into guns then the wheelgun may be his best bet as they usually have been carried much and shot little and are the original "point and click" weapon and he won`t have to worry about whether the safety is on or not.

 

[CajunBass]

Smith & Wesson Sigma. I'd say 9mm because the ammo is less expensive.

 

[sansone]

if he is really penny pinching, HiPoints are ugly as sin but reliable autos.. Rossi revolvers are cheap but good if he likes wheel-guns

 

[Hatchbm]

My vote is P94 in .40 or a Mossberg 500. I have both, and love them. Very reliable and affordable.

 

[mikecu]

If "He's not really a gun-nut" means that he shoots less than a couple of times per year, then he might consider sticking to a revolver. Less room for user error, no FTF's.