What are your favorite inexpensive handguns

[Pork Fat]

I can also heartily endorse the Bulgarian Makarov. I bought mine as a lark, but now appreciate how much steel, accuracy, and reliability you can get for $150. Such a SWEET piece of gunleather came with it, too.

(Edited to delete off-topic mod10 blather. I hate it when I do that.)

 

[MCgunner]

Pork Fat says "The criteria at the top of the thread do not exclude used guns, and I think that S&W mod 10s ..."

Umm, I refer you to qualifyer number three in the original post...

3) While you might have found an incredible deal on a barely used SIG or HK and bought it at a near steal, that doesn't really qualify as an inexpensive gun. That is an expensive gun on which you found a great deal. That is a different thread. I'm thinking along the lines of new gun prices (to make comparison more of an "apples to apples" kind of thing).

I love old M10s, too, but tried to stay on topic with my list.

 

[MassMan]

What are your favorite inexpensive guns

Can't go wrong with a Mak or Firestar IMHO.

 

[gbran]

Add a nuther Mak vote. However, I did buy a Firestorm 4.25" 1911 for around $300 that was accurate and dedpendable.

 

[chaim]

I don't make enough to consider a $600 gun inexpensive.I'm certainly willing to spend that much on guns,but for my $,I'd rather have a LNIB SIG or S&W or Para 1911 or save a couple hundred and get a factory refurbished Glock.Many of my favorite handguns are in the $250 and under range used: SP101's,FEG's,Stars(especially the Firestars);lots of great guns that are affordable and work just as well as others 2 or 4 times the cost.

I agree, I probably should have said "affordable" not "inexpensive".

As for why I picked the criteria I did, excluding many good used guns, is:

I figured if we limited it to new guns and MSRP we could eliminate the regional price differences and be comparing prices on an equal footing (though somewhat artificial since MSRP is rarely the real price). If I said $500 and under guns, what is a $500 gun here may be very different from what is a $500 gun in Richmond, VA, which could be very different from what runs $500 in LA. That is also partly why I set the limit so high, MSRP is usually higher than actual prices. I also wanted to stay away from "I got X gun for $X" stories since, in addition to regional differences, time plays a factor- I got a NIB S&W 65LS for $469 in 2001, the same gun the last time I saw one new around here (around a year ago) was nearly $600 and MSRP was over $600.

As for used guns, again it was just a matter of standardizing the criteria as much as possible so we are comparing "apples to apples". Of course, in each case if someone considers a new Kel Tec P11 a great deal new, a LNIB used example for 20% under new prices would be an even better deal. But there are both the time (if the prices you paid are more than 6 months old they are not really current) and regional changes to consider- I see people on this site talking about buying brand new Glocks for under $600, around here the best I've seen for factory reconditioned Glocks is $550-600.

Pork Fat says "The criteria at the top of the thread do not exclude used guns, and I think that S&W mod 10s ..."


Umm, I refer you to qualifyer number three in the original post...



Quote:
3) While you might have found an incredible deal on a barely used SIG or HK and bought it at a near steal, that doesn't really qualify as an inexpensive gun. That is an expensive gun on which you found a great deal. That is a different thread. I'm thinking along the lines of new gun prices (to make comparison more of an "apples to apples" kind of thing).


I love old M10s, too, but tried to stay on topic with my list.

Well, I guess technically if it is a used gun but is still available new and is under $600 MSRP it would fit my criteria . The S&W M10 fits as it is just under $600 MSRP new.

 

[Surefire]

If by cheap you mean around $200, my vote goes to the NAA Minis. They are really well made, and neat little guns. I wouldn't trust them for defense due to the puny caliber, but they do make fun little plinkers at very close range.

 

[telecaster1981]

I've got a CZ52 I love to death! Initially, I got it as a knock around pistol to replace the Browning Buckmark I used to carry under the seat of my car, and it goes everywhere with me and sits on my night stand at home. I've had zero problems with mine. 100% reliable (at least mine) and PLENTY accurate...$100. I'm sure you can find them even cheaper than that if you shop around!

 

[Geno]

Never Had An Ugly Woman or An Ugly Pistol

This is an awesome thread. Sometimes we dump thousands into pistols that turn out at the range to give "little bang" for the big bucks. Then, we note these little cheapo pistols, like Kel Tec, NAA, CZ, Makarov, Firestar, etc. And these little babes are so sweet looking, and wow, can they shoot! I nearly bought a Makarov 9X18 and a Firestar .22LR at the gun show, but my daughter was restless. I was happy to get my brand new BPH yesterday for $565.00, with a free set of cherry grips, an extra 13-round mag and a box of lead-free ammo.

We're lucky to be living where we do! Thanks for this thread.

Doc2005

 

[ugaarguy]

Well I'm a newbie to this forum, but I've been shooting a factory refurb (mechanical checkout) police trade in Glock 22 for the past 7 years. It's yet another testament to the accuracy, reliability, and ease of use & maintenance that Glock has built a reputation for. They're generally available at $100 or more under the going rate for NIB pistols.

All that to say I really like my Glock and I think police trade ins (of all makes & models) should be included since they're generally quite reliable - usually factory checked and brought back up to speed mechanically if needed - in good shape minus some holster wear, and readily available at a substantial discount from a "new" gun.

If I had to buy a new I've shot a good friend's Rossi (can't remember if its a 641 or 642) 357 mag 4" SS model quite a bit. That wheelgun has seen plenty of hard use on his hip during seveeral seasons of deer and hog hunting along with shooting, quite well I might add, anything he, I, or several shooting companions have fed it over the years in recreational shooting/blasting. Guns & Ammo 06 annual list MSRP at $298-391. (I also already love the S&W M&P revolver, predecessor to the model 10, that I picked up yesterday which brought me to these forums -- too bad this a cheap "new" guns thread).

 

[Trebor]

If you are talking about "affordable" handguns, why eliminate used guns? They are the best source for bargains for a shooter on a budget who needs a good, reliable defensive pistol. There are ways to reduce the risks associated with buying a used gun and, heck, even buying new these days is no guarantee.

If you just want to get into a contest as to which manufacturers have the lowest MSRP, you are also missing the point. No one pays MSRP. Comparing "street prices," even on new guns, is more relevant since that tells you what the pistols are actually selling for and gives you a hint as to whose MSRP's are most inflated.

The most affordable, decent new hanguns I know of are:

1. Bersa .380 - They run about $225 to $250 NIB. I don't even know what the MSRP is supposed to be.

2. CZ-75 in 9mm - The local Gander Mountain has two or three NIB, recent production, 75BD's for $350 each. Once again, I don't even know what the MSRP is supposed to be, but that's what they are selling at.

3. Ruger centerfire autos, especially in 9mm - Once again, I don't know what the MSRP is supposed to be, but they sell NIB for around $325 to $375, depending on the specific model.

If you open it up to used guns, the best consistent values (excluding "lucky finds" that are underpriced) are:

1. S&W "K-Frame" .38 Special revolvers - The .38's sell for less than the .357's, both when sold by private parties and when sold by distributers. That's a reflection of the lower initial purchase price for the .38's and partially because the .38's are less "versatile" than the .357's.

J&G Sales is selling Model 10's for between $170 and $200. A little searching will often turn up private sale guns for around $200.

2. Makarov 0x18mm - Bulgarain Maks go for under $200.

3. Ruger centerfire autos - Ruger pistols don't seem to hold their value on resale as much as some other brands. Maybe it's because the initial price is so low that people who sell there Ruger's used have to come down to attract buyers who might otherwise just spend a little more for a NIB gun. Maybe it's because Ruger doesn't have the catchet of brands like H&K and Sig. In any event, a solid Ruger centerfire will run practically forever.

 

[chaim]

If you just want to get into a contest as to which manufacturers have the lowest MSRP, you are also missing the point

OK, lets do this again. It sounds like it is you and a few others who are "missing the point".

Why new guns? Because used guns are all over the spectrum as far as price and availability.

Why MSRP? Because "street prices" are going to vary to a large degree from region to region. Lets use your examples:

CZs around here are a far cry from $350 as you say. The cheapest I've seen them lately is around $450 for the CZ75B.

Rugers? The cheaper ones are just around $400, I just got a good local deal on a Ruger KP345 for $469. Definately not $325-375.

I am looking for a list that everyone no matter where they live can use. MSRP is for comparison, sure we all know we don't actually pay MSRP but it is the same everywhere so it is a fair comparison. If a gun is a good new deal, it will also be a good used deal, so I'm using new MSRP again just to have a set comparison.

 

[outofbattery]

I see people on this site talking about buying brand new Glocks for under $600, around here the best I've seen for factory reconditioned Glocks is $550-600.

Up here, a refurbed G22 in the box with 2 standard cap. mags is $399 but pistols that are no longer available to MA residents command a premium: like the same shop asking $1000 for a used HK USPc .40.

 

[Steve C]

If your talking about an inexpensive handgun I'd say that my Makarov is one of the best new low priced pistols I've bought. If your talking about a favorite pistol I've bought at a low price I'd say it is my 3-1/2" S&W M27 like new condition I got at a police auction for $140.

 

[trodery]

I had a High Point...very ugly, most people will look down on you if you are seen with it but overall a great cheap handgun. The lifetime warranty is great as well.

Although the High Point was the first new gun purchase I had ever made I ended up giving it to a friend that also thinks it is a great UGLY gun

I now consider myself to be an official 1911 SNOB

 

[Davo]

The Makarov that im drosing today...and Ive never even shot the 9mm mak round.
I love my ruger 22/45 competition target too.

 

[Scott77]

Tokarev 9mm - very reliable gun never had one jam in 1k rounds

KBI HP copy - very nice looking gun for the price . Also very accurate .
cost about $250 - $275 new

 

[PlayboyPenguin]

Under $500 is easy. I would say almost any Ruger SA revolver. They are sharp looking and fun to shoot. My favorite right now would be the Birds Head Vaquero. i got mine for $399

 

[SAG0282]

SIG Pro. As good as or better then any service pistol out there.

 

[ThirdShiftRich]

I 2nd the Bulg Mak... hard to beat for the price.

 

[Jiml3]

CZ PCR 9mm. Brand new paid $419.00 plus tax.

 

[Sistema1927]

Makarov. One could do far worse than to save money by buying one of these commie workhorses.

 

[bompa]

Why has no one mentioned the S&W Sigma ?? I realise the older guns had problems but the current models are wonderfull.. The SW9VE that I own has been and is a great preformer since day one.. Trigger is,or was,a bit hard and long but has smoothed out considerable with use and a bit of dryfire..Perhaps this weapon is not for everyone,a target pistol it will never be,but it is a safe
and sound handgun for whoever needs a inexpensive,don't we all,not pretty
utility gun..Half the price of a Glock and just as relieble,maybe better..It also allows the use of lead bullets..
Can't speak for the 40 version but would bet it is just as good..
Did I say lifetime gauarenty also..

 

[riverdog]

Bulgarian Mak is a good choice, but my fav would have to be a S&W Mod 19 I picked up for $200.

 

[mndfusion]

Makarov, com-bloc pistols in general,

then cz's, rugers, in that order.

 

[Jeff Timm]

I'll second the S&W Sigma SW9VE. My wife liked it so much she lets me use my Ruger SP101 in .22 again!

$289 Dealer price recently in Jacksonville, FL during S&W factory sale.

Shooters gunstore.

Geoff
Who bought a Walter P22 for around $250 during another sale at Shooters.