five.five-six
Member
colt 80 series with trigger work and nice sights that I got for $300 because the owner couldn't help from limp wristing -->stovepiping
shoots great for me
shoots great for me
Low priced handguns
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scythefwd
Member
Ed - I guess I heard wrong, or they varied in price by locality.
Ed Ames
Member
Or $250 ain't what it used to be. In any case, they were/are bargains.
David E
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No matter how gun savvy you are, buying A CHEAP GUN NEW is a risk. You can't shoot them before you buy them and unless you are a real expert there is just too much chance that someone is dumping an unreliable gun on an unsuspecting buyer.
However, someone who doesn't know much about guns is better off buying a PROVEN USED gun, even without a warranty.
Look, it ain't rocket science. It's much easier to buy a used gun than it is a used car. Quite often, they will let you shoot a used gun, but not let you shoot a new one, even if it's crap. If they did, they could not sell it as new! But a used gun has already taken that hit, so it's not a big deal to be allowed to shoot a used gun before buying.
If one can't figure out some basic gun information, then they shouldn't be buying a gun period, new OR used.
However, someone who doesn't know much about guns is better off buying a PROVEN USED gun, even without a warranty.
Look, it ain't rocket science. It's much easier to buy a used gun than it is a used car. Quite often, they will let you shoot a used gun, but not let you shoot a new one, even if it's crap. If they did, they could not sell it as new! But a used gun has already taken that hit, so it's not a big deal to be allowed to shoot a used gun before buying.
If one can't figure out some basic gun information, then they shouldn't be buying a gun period, new OR used.
Ed Ames
Member
Sorry, that really doesn't work.
A person who knows basically zilch about guns can go to a gun or sporting goods store and buy a cheap new taurus, rossi, ruger, kel-tec, s&w, or similar and know, know, that if it doesn't work the manufacturer will fix it. In many cases they'll even pay foe shipping. They don't have to know about cylinder play, spring wear, or anything else.
If that same person buys "better but used" they will end up spending as much or more for a gun that may not work at all, and if it doesn't they are proobably going to have to pay a gunsmith or perhaps even write it off and buy something else.
That's fine if you have a gun already. It's fine if you are just playing around. It is even fine if you have an expert friend who will stand behind her advice with a loner gun if needed, but I just can't see where it is responsible advice for people just getting into shooting. Not when you can take $350 to just about any gun store and walk out with a brand new S&W, Ruger, Kel-tec, etc. Taxes and fees included.
I like used guns. I buy more used than new. And I accept that a used gun will need more check-out, and more maintenance, than the same dollars spent on a new gun. What I gain is a connection to history, the ability to pick models no longer made, and value...not effectiveness or reliability. In other words, I'm not gaining what 1st time gun owners need.
A person who knows basically zilch about guns can go to a gun or sporting goods store and buy a cheap new taurus, rossi, ruger, kel-tec, s&w, or similar and know, know, that if it doesn't work the manufacturer will fix it. In many cases they'll even pay foe shipping. They don't have to know about cylinder play, spring wear, or anything else.
If that same person buys "better but used" they will end up spending as much or more for a gun that may not work at all, and if it doesn't they are proobably going to have to pay a gunsmith or perhaps even write it off and buy something else.
That's fine if you have a gun already. It's fine if you are just playing around. It is even fine if you have an expert friend who will stand behind her advice with a loner gun if needed, but I just can't see where it is responsible advice for people just getting into shooting. Not when you can take $350 to just about any gun store and walk out with a brand new S&W, Ruger, Kel-tec, etc. Taxes and fees included.
I like used guns. I buy more used than new. And I accept that a used gun will need more check-out, and more maintenance, than the same dollars spent on a new gun. What I gain is a connection to history, the ability to pick models no longer made, and value...not effectiveness or reliability. In other words, I'm not gaining what 1st time gun owners need.
David E
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Oh, I didn't know we were including these brands in the "Cheap" category...maybe I'm not elitist enough !
Except for a couple pocket models from the above makers, none of them are below the original $300 price ceiling stated in the OP.
I was comparing buying a NEW Armscor revolver that's total crap out of the box instead of a used S&W Police trade-in for the same $200
There is a difference between "cheap for the money" and "crap at any price."
Ed Ames
Member
The OP said $300.
The last new S&W I bought was under $275 total (including tax) for a brand new lifetime warranty pistol that has been 100% so far.
Several here have posted that P rugers are under $300.
Taurus routinely sells in the sub-300 range.
Kel-tec will sell you just about any handgun they make for under $300 unless you want a laser and fancy printing on the slide.
Plenty of good new choices in that range. Any of them makes a better first gun for a new shooter than any used gun.
The last new S&W I bought was under $275 total (including tax) for a brand new lifetime warranty pistol that has been 100% so far.
Several here have posted that P rugers are under $300.
Taurus routinely sells in the sub-300 range.
Kel-tec will sell you just about any handgun they make for under $300 unless you want a laser and fancy printing on the slide.
Plenty of good new choices in that range. Any of them makes a better first gun for a new shooter than any used gun.
fields
Member
Acadamy has the Tarus PT101, a .40 based on the Beretta 96 for 299 right now.
richard
richard
Oh no, please no more Hi-point pictures! It's repugnant looks hurt my eyes! LOL
OP there are many good handguns that meet your budget. To name a few S&W sigma, ruger p95, stoeger cougar, and wealth of taurus handguns. Just shop around and do some searches at budsgunshop.com, impactguns.com, thegunsource.com and others to discover new brands and models.
OP there are many good handguns that meet your budget. To name a few S&W sigma, ruger p95, stoeger cougar, and wealth of taurus handguns. Just shop around and do some searches at budsgunshop.com, impactguns.com, thegunsource.com and others to discover new brands and models.
Erik M
Member
I would recommend the CZ82, they are a bargin and the 9x18 ammo is plentiful.
Ed Ames
Member
I like the CZ-82, but...they are used. And there are reasons why that matters.
Mine had a weak recoil spring. I was able to make a new one from a Wolf makarov spring but the spring that came in the gun wasn't running at full tension and, as a result...
Parts went flying the first couple of times I took it out. Specifically the pin holding the extractor backed out and the extractor and pin went flying. I was able to find the parts and reassemble the gun, but it was a pain and required work to prevent.
At this point I have night sights on the '82 and it is as trustworthy as anyone has a right to expect of a machine, but for a newb gunowner who doesn't know how to deal with such setbacks it could be a problem.
Mine had a weak recoil spring. I was able to make a new one from a Wolf makarov spring but the spring that came in the gun wasn't running at full tension and, as a result...
Parts went flying the first couple of times I took it out. Specifically the pin holding the extractor backed out and the extractor and pin went flying. I was able to find the parts and reassemble the gun, but it was a pain and required work to prevent.
At this point I have night sights on the '82 and it is as trustworthy as anyone has a right to expect of a machine, but for a newb gunowner who doesn't know how to deal with such setbacks it could be a problem.
David E
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When were these guns bought? I have a Ruger P-95 that cost $239 new, from a dealer, but I bought it 10 years ago, so little good that does anyone looking for a new one today.
Even the Sigmas, around here, have topped $300.
It depends on the mission as to what gun will suffice. Many folks don't want a sub-caliber pocket gun, or a gun with a 20# trigger pull for defense.
If anyone has seen a "best value" on a gun lately, please post the make, model and price, along with location.
That might help more than anything!
Ed Ames
Member
Sigmas are $300, delivered, before $50 mail-in rebate. Today. Bud's sells for that, and so do the local shops around me. I have a local FFL that does $10 transfers (or did 6 months ago, maybe he's $15 now) so that would be $260 total for me from Bud's or $274.75 from a local shop.
None of the guns we are talking about are sub-caliber pocket guns. All are 9mm, 40S&W, .45ACP, and similar. The only Taurus handgun I've purchased was .45ACP and it was right around $300 new from a local shop not that long ago. Works, too.
The only gun I've ever encountered with an honest 20# trigger was a Russian Nagant in DA mode -- and it's a good example of why I think used guns are a bad idea for newbs.
I think the biggest help would be for you to stop the hyperbole and realize that what works for you is only that -- what works for you -- and not in any way good or relevant for everyone.
None of the guns we are talking about are sub-caliber pocket guns. All are 9mm, 40S&W, .45ACP, and similar. The only Taurus handgun I've purchased was .45ACP and it was right around $300 new from a local shop not that long ago. Works, too.
The only gun I've ever encountered with an honest 20# trigger was a Russian Nagant in DA mode -- and it's a good example of why I think used guns are a bad idea for newbs.
I think the biggest help would be for you to stop the hyperbole and realize that what works for you is only that -- what works for you -- and not in any way good or relevant for everyone.
Occasionally you can find a good deal on a beat up Ruger P series pistol. That would probably be my choice given the price range. I certainly don't care for them ergonomically, but for the price they are excellent mechanically, and thats what is most suspect on super cheap hg's.
dayid
Member
My new Ruger P95 stainless was $320 (purchased less than a month ago), I could've had a blued for around $260 or so.
David E
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That's a good deal Bud's has going. Most FFL's charge more than $10. Arournd here, it's in the range of $25-$35, but with the $50 rebate (presuming the buyer doesn't use it for two more mags) that's still under $300. Super deal !
Still, I think the biggest help would be for you to stop the hyperbole and realize that what works for you is only that -- what works for you -- and not in any way good or relevant for everyone.
Speaking of P-95's (an underrated gun if there ever was one) is $300 delivered from Bud's. It all depends on the FFL fee on that one.
No Tauri under $300 in stock at Bud's.
Ruger's LCP is also $299, if one wants a sub-caliber.
Kel-Tec PF-9's are out of stock, but their P-11 is in stock for $257 delivered, if you don't mind the very strong trigger pull.
ALL of these would be better choices than the Armscor revolvers and similar.
Still, I think the biggest help would be for you to stop the hyperbole and realize that what works for you is only that -- what works for you -- and not in any way good or relevant for everyone.
Speaking of P-95's (an underrated gun if there ever was one) is $300 delivered from Bud's. It all depends on the FFL fee on that one.
No Tauri under $300 in stock at Bud's.
Ruger's LCP is also $299, if one wants a sub-caliber.
Kel-Tec PF-9's are out of stock, but their P-11 is in stock for $257 delivered, if you don't mind the very strong trigger pull.
ALL of these would be better choices than the Armscor revolvers and similar.
Ed Ames
Member
That sigma "deal" isn't special...they have sold for that price (+/- $30 depending on store) continuously for at least three years.
The fact that Bud's doesn't have something in stock doesn't mean much. I can go to any of four local gun stores around here and pick up a PF-9, Taurus, and quite a few other things that are out of stock at Bud's.
The trick with repeating back what someone else says is to understand what the words mean. Otherwise you repeat back a chastisement about hyperbole to someone who is stating dull and easily verified facts. I didn't claim that any of these guns had 20lb triggers, I haven't referred to a gun that is exactly the same caliber as 9mm Parabellum as "sub caliber". I haven't repeated a bunch of silly BS like this:
I just pointed out that you are wrong...and that ain't hyperbole.
The fact that Bud's doesn't have something in stock doesn't mean much. I can go to any of four local gun stores around here and pick up a PF-9, Taurus, and quite a few other things that are out of stock at Bud's.
The trick with repeating back what someone else says is to understand what the words mean. Otherwise you repeat back a chastisement about hyperbole to someone who is stating dull and easily verified facts. I didn't claim that any of these guns had 20lb triggers, I haven't referred to a gun that is exactly the same caliber as 9mm Parabellum as "sub caliber". I haven't repeated a bunch of silly BS like this:
I just pointed out that you are wrong...and that ain't hyperbole.
David E
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<sigh>........
The Keltec P-11 has a horrible trigger pull. Maybe not quite 20#, but it sure feels like it.
Sigmas in the stores around HERE are over $300, so by the local standards that I have to go buy, Bud's IS a good deal.
Most people regard .32 and .380 to be sub-calibers.
If you read any of my posts in context, you'd know that the part you pasted referred to CRAP guns, such as the Armscor that was pictured in the OP. And there is far more crap out there than those. Wasting money on CRAP is never a deal, no matter how cheap the CRAP was. Most people grasp that concept.
Nice try, tho.
The Keltec P-11 has a horrible trigger pull. Maybe not quite 20#, but it sure feels like it.
Sigmas in the stores around HERE are over $300, so by the local standards that I have to go buy, Bud's IS a good deal.
Most people regard .32 and .380 to be sub-calibers.
If you read any of my posts in context, you'd know that the part you pasted referred to CRAP guns, such as the Armscor that was pictured in the OP. And there is far more crap out there than those. Wasting money on CRAP is never a deal, no matter how cheap the CRAP was. Most people grasp that concept.
Nice try, tho.
Ed Ames
Member
You do see the difference between "wasting money on crap is never a good deal" (which, depending on circumstances, may or may not be right but who cares) and comments like, "Presuming, of course, the breakage didn't damage your hand(s) or eyesight...... ", 20# triggers, and so on, which are pure hyperbole, right? Read "hyperbole" as "BS" if you want to go lowbrow.
It's not a matter of context. It's a matter of taking something that everyone would agree with... "buying quality is a good idea, and generally saves you money in the long run", and turning it into a lie/claim you cannot back up, like, "They'll end up costing you more, since you'll have to buy another one after those break."
If you make the first statement, cool, everyone agrees though it's a trifle banal. If you make the second, well, you can't possibly back it up and it just leads to arguments that serve no purpose.
Just something to think about.
FYI: Most Americans regard .32 and .380 to be low power for personal defense. They regard .204 Ruger as sub-caliber.
It's not a matter of context. It's a matter of taking something that everyone would agree with... "buying quality is a good idea, and generally saves you money in the long run", and turning it into a lie/claim you cannot back up, like, "They'll end up costing you more, since you'll have to buy another one after those break."
If you make the first statement, cool, everyone agrees though it's a trifle banal. If you make the second, well, you can't possibly back it up and it just leads to arguments that serve no purpose.
Just something to think about.
FYI: Most Americans regard .32 and .380 to be low power for personal defense. They regard .204 Ruger as sub-caliber.
Ed Ames
Member
Oh, I try to start out lowbrow but my training gets the better of me.
I've only seen kaboomed glocks in photos. I don't hold it against them though, since I've also seen some nice guns that kaboomed too. It really pays to stop shooting at the squib.
However, I think you'd be hard pressed to demonstrate that cheap guns are any more likely to kaboom than any others. Very hard pressed.
I've only seen kaboomed glocks in photos. I don't hold it against them though, since I've also seen some nice guns that kaboomed too. It really pays to stop shooting at the squib.
However, I think you'd be hard pressed to demonstrate that cheap guns are any more likely to kaboom than any others. Very hard pressed.
shenandoah
Member
Accutek .380 stainless, check it out.
Al LaVodka
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I find it amazing that so many people would recommend any used gun over a decent but inexpensive new one. You have no idea what somebody did to that used gun, and you don't know why they are selling it, but I can tell you its becasue they aren't keeping it -- so why would you?
Al
Al
David E
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Some of the best deals are used guns, as post #76 at the top of this page clearly illustrates.
I'd rather buy a used Smith & Wesson Model 10 police trade-in over a brand new Hi Point/Armscor/Lorcin/Raven/Jimenez/RG/Rohm/Arminius any day of the week.
I'd rather buy a used Smith & Wesson Model 10 police trade-in over a brand new Hi Point/Armscor/Lorcin/Raven/Jimenez/RG/Rohm/Arminius any day of the week.
j21blackjack
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I'd buy another Sigma in a heartbeat. For the guys that complain about the trigger, why don't you just fix it? There are guides all over the place to fix the trigger pull. It took me all of 15 minutes to fix mine, now the trigger is very smooth and around 6 or 7 pounds. I did the fix where you remove the springs from the striker assembly. If I ever need to send it in for warranty work, I'll just put them back in.
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