I Want an Automatic

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Cornbread

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I want a semi-automatic

I would appreciate some advice. I am interested in purchasing a new automatic. My budget does not allow for much. I have around $425 to spend. I would like something that I could carry. I have a .357 revolver that is very heavy and difficult for me to conceal, so something that is not as heavy. This will be a self defense gun. I am not interested in .40 or .357. Would like something that is reliable (obviously). I have had my eye on the 3rd generation Taurus Mil Pro in 9mm. I have heard a lot of positives about the Bersa .380, but understand the negatives (ammo price, knock down power debate). Not interested in the Kel-Tec products.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Cornbread
 
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IMO the Bersa is the best small carry auto you will find in your price range. If you buy a Bersa .380 you will save enough $$$ to get several boxes of FMJ ammo for practice.
 
Used XD9 , used Glock 19. or a FN FNP-9M.

Personally, I'd go with the FN. double/single action, Polymer, small, light, fairly hi-cap.

FNP9.jpg
 
...knock down power debate.
Click to expand...

That ALWAYS gets knocked around. The best answer is shot placement. Anyway, with $425 to spend, you might consider used LE autos in Sig, Glock, Beretta or S&W 9mm. Not the larger duty carry, but the smaller concealed models. Many haven't been cleaned (by the selling gunstore), but have normally only been fired for qualification purposes. Not a ton of rounds down the barrel.
 
S&W and Glock LE trade ins are good values, and a new CZ-75 should run just over $400. If you're willing to jump up to a .45 the new Ruger P345 is slimmer and less bulky than the older P-series guns. A used Springfiel Armory GI or Mil-Spec model is also an option, along with a new Rock Island, if you think a 1911 would be more your style. There are alot of really good new and used guns out there in your price range, so the best thing is to go handle a bunch and see what fits your hand.
 
The latest Seecamp LWS32 owners I've seen at the Seecamp Forum bought NIB for around $365. That's a great price for a very reliable and very concealable weapon.
 
When in doubt, get a Glock. I am not normally comfortable with used guns, but a used Glock is the exception. It is available in any caliber you like, and they are VERY consistent in their manufacture. You can poke around, buy the used Glock, AND a few holsters or accessories for that price range.

Keep it and carry it, and over time, go to a range wjere you can test-fire anything you want, get some experience, and eat some macaroni and cheese until you can afford the pistol you really want, if cost were no object. When you are trusting it with your life, you shouldn't be conforming to a cheaper pistol, if the one you want is only a couple of hundred dollars more.

You may even find you prefer a less expensensive pistol. If you do, stick with it.
 
Do you absolutely need to have a new gun? Most people buy guns and put maybe a few hundred rounds through them before they get bored and move on to other things. Trust me I know from experience..:neener:

I'd recommend looking around for a newer used Glock 19, 17 or 26. They are great guns, and very reliable.

Lately i've picked up a used G17 and a used G26 w/night sights for around $400.

Good luck,
Steve
 
For CCW I would go with something that is know to be very realiable, and out of the choice given I would pick a used Glock. Yes, they are fugly but they are stone reliable, combat accurate, and cheap. Another plus is that they are many on the used market for a good price, that are Police trade and hardly used.
 
Don't know where he lives, but in Texas you can buy most any new Taurus autoloader for his $425 at any decent gun show, the major exception being the new PT1911 -- $450 is the best price I've seen on these.

The PT-111 or PT-145 Millenium Pro models are good choices for CCW on a budget, IMHO. These can usually be found for about $300 new with two mags.

--wally.
 
My regular CCW is a Taurus Millenium Pro - completely reliable and surprisingly accurate. I've got about 750 rds through mine without a single stoppage, and it fits my hand perfectly. Well worth the $300 it cost me.
 
$425 opens you up into the world of the pre owned. I've bought a few guns at that price point...let's see - Glock, HK USP, S&W, Beretta and SIG. You just need a little patience & a network to check out these guns
Good luck on your quest!
 
Dang, what a problem

I am a fan of Taurus so, whatever you could buy in it in at least a 9mm is good.
I got a PT92 [9mm] and it is a fantastic gun for the money, about $400.
Next to the Glock 30 I own, it [PT92] is the only gun I did not have to work on 'out of the box'. Nearly 1,000 rounds of any ammo I have and it keeps coming back for more. "Tough as a two dollar steak", I believe, is the saying.

Too bad you are not intersted in KelTec because, one of the best carry guns I own [or backup] is the P11. 11 rounds of 9mm +P in a lightweight, small gun.
Hard to beat.
 
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