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

[dsb1829]

Taurus makes a lot of high value guns that can be had new for around $300. I bought my first handgun, a taurus PT845, after doing a bunch of window shopping. The HiPoint guns are cheap, poor materials, and very clunky ergonomics. The econo rugers and taurus guns are much better built.

In retrospect I would recommend a caliber that is less expensive to get range time with, ala 38 special or 9mm.

 

[gotboostvr]

2nd/3rd Gen Smith & Wesson Police trade in semi-auto's. High capacity, high reliability, great features, available replacement parts/accessories, low cost, wide variety of sizes/finishes/calibers.

Whats not to love?

I picked up a 469 S&W for $320, compact 9mm. It has been dead nuts reliable in 1k rounds from Tula ammo, WWB, and gold-dots. I'd proabably still grab my 1911 for a bump in the night but would not feel undergunned with my 469 at all.

 

[goon]

Without really looking today - Three Ruger P-95's. One was used "new" version, stainless at $300, but they are generally overpriced at that store. I'd have offered them $275 and walked away if they didn't take it.
Two others, both blued. One old model for $239, one new with the accessory rail for $259. I only noticed them because I generally check out most Rugers - because they generally work and I trust their customer service.
I am sort of watching for a Glock myself.
And I've never seen one of these fabled police trade-in K-frames people always mention. I believe that they must be available in some areas, but I rarely see any used K-frame S&W's.
Another one to watch for is the Ruger Security Six/Speed Six model. They're older and discontinued but a little more beefy than a K-frame, except almost exactly the same size.

 

[wrs840]

goon: You find them on the internet, at places that specialize in such things.

As has been said a number of times, a used Police Model 64 is an outstanding choice. Mine came from Chestnut Ridge Supply. I'd avoid the ones modified to DAO, there's no reason to put up with that, as many unmodified ones are out there for cheap.

If an auto-loader is preferred, there's usually S&W 3rd gen Police trade-ins at the same outlets that sell the M64s, and while slightly more expensive, these can still a great bargain on a very reliable gun that like most Police trades, was likely carried a lot and shot little.

Les

 

[TonyT]

Consider a used Glock or CZ.

 

[goon]

Thanks. I was thinking "locally" but the internet can be a good option if you have an FFL who doesn't screw you on transfer fees. Lately I have found them hard to come by.
I'd also suggest CDNN investments as a good place to find used and reasonable priced close-out handguns.
And don't rule out the local classifieds, either in the paper or the online version. You'd be surprised what turns up in them at times, especially if you're looking.

 

[harmon rabb]

cheap and non-junk? milsurp.

any of the 9x18 pistols are reliable weapons, and they're all under $250 or so. heck, you can buy a pa-63 for $170 now from SOG. find a FFL who will do the transfer for a reasonable price, and your buddy can have a reliable pistol for probably $200 total. the pa-63's from SOG are unissued and look brand new, by the way.

 

[Bohemus]

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

This

 

[harmon rabb]

CZ-82's for $149? Seriously? I'll buy another 2.

Where in the catalog? I can't find crap in that stupid PDF only catalog.

 

[FatPants]

CZ-82's for $149? Seriously? I'll buy another 2.

Where in the catalog? I can't find crap in that stupid PDF only catalog.

I have a paper copy I got in the mail. Page 36.