What is the best value in used modern semi-autos right now?

[albanian]

What do you consider the best value is in the used market for modern quality autos that can be used for self defense or CCW? I am not talking about Maks or CZ-52s because they are niether modern or shoot a common round. I am talking about high quality makes like Glock, H&K, S&W, Beretta, SA, CZ, SIG and Colt.

From my dealings, I have to say that used S&W 3rd gen autos seem to offer the most bang for the buck. I have in the last six months purchased an excellent 3913 for $275 and a 6906 for $238 OTD. The 6906 was a Police trade in so it showed some wear but the 3913 was in great shape and I don't think it was a Police gun. There are better guns out there but they are not much better. I don't think there is a better gun for the price. I have seen some used SIGs and Berettas that were bargins but the price is still more than a nice SS S&W auto so for the money, I think the S&Ws are the best deal. Rugers are nice for the money but they don't sell for much less than a Police trade in S&W and they are not as well made. The Rugers work great but it is the little things about the S&Ws that make them so much better than the Rugers.

I can see some competition from the ~$300 Berettas and ~$400 USED SIGs but the ~$250 S&W 3rd gens are pretty hard to beat since they often come with either Novaks or night sights and hi-cap mags.

 

[armoredman]

CZ 75, but I am biased. The best bargain for a good used 9mm is probably the Star BM, but buy two, one for parts if need be, not that they break, but if they do, parts are almost nonexistant. of course, at $139 each, buyin two isn't that bad!

 

[Black Majik]

A used 2nd or 3rd gen Glock.

Or the CPO SIGs.

 

[Old Dog]

I'd go with the certified pre-owned SIGs as well.
The ones I've seen (and I have one, a 226 in .40) seem to be in much better shape than the used S&Ws, especially the S&W LE turn-ins.

 

[HSMITH]

Glocks or Taurus PT 92/99. The Tauri can be had under $300 in great condition, shoot well and are very good pistols.

 

[zahc]

Ruger P90?

 

[stevesmith7]

Since we're talking full sized guns here how about a FEG Hi Power clone?
Can be had for not much over $200. Does a Hi Power qualify as modern?


Steve

 

[albanian]

"Does a Hi Power qualify as modern?"

I guess that depends on who you are. If you would actually carry it and use it for self defense without hesitation, then yes. If there are better choices in your mind and you would only use it if there was nothing else available, then no.

To me, the Mak and CZ-52 are not modern because they are not viable self defense guns considering the other options. I'm sure many will argue that point but I know I would rather have a nice SS S&W in 9mm, .40S&W or .45acp with decent sights and 12-15rds in the mag than either the under powered Mak or the CZ-52.

By modern, I mean a gun that you would not worry about the safety of shooting it and you feel comfortable with. For me, the SA only guns like the 1911 and BHP are fine for the range but I prefer a DAO or DA/SA with de-cock and no safety. Just my choice but I see the military and police depts are on the same page as me.

I can't believe that nobody else is as impressed with the quality of the S&W autos for the price. For $238 OTD, I just got a SS 6906 with hi-cap mag and Novak sights. I know that is about twice the price of a Mak or CZ-52 but it is more than twice the gun as well. It is also about half the price of the SIG and much more than half the gun the SIG is. The SIG is better but not twice as good.

 

[Ky Larry]

CZ-75B in 9mm or .40 S&W or a CZ PCR or CZ P-01. IMHO, CZ's (new or used) are the best value in guns today. You can spend more money on a gun, but you won't get more gun for your money. Just my $0.02 worth.

 

[astraman]

star bm. if you're talking about an all-steel 9mm., the star bm is it. it is, however, sa, but is a great gun at twice the price. it's a modern gun based on the old warhorse, the 1911, except it is compact, though heavy, & fires 9mm. a bersa is also a great value, along w/ the rugers.

 

[astraman]

as to s&ws, i traded my model 439 for an astra a100 and gained in both firepower(10 rds) & accuracy-the astra actually hit poa & tighter. the s&w claim to fame is the revolver, of which i'd much rather, and do, carry a ruger. in .38 i'd rather have the astra 960- stronger & with the transfer bar safety. plus, the smith co. is far too willing to concede its constitutionally given rights.-(my only qualm w/ ruger due to its voluntary tamement of its mini 14 offerings.)

 

[CougarRed]

Having recently acquired a NIB floor sample 4566TSW, I can tell you that the 3rd generation S&Ws are excellent bargains. Got mine for $400. Spent a little extra on an action job for it + hogue grips. The trigger is incredible now for a DA/SA gun - much better than my Sig P226.

And the gun is 100% reliable, and one of the most durable 45s you can buy. It's potentially a 100,000 round gun. Love it.

I have seen AIM surplus and others have great deals on police trade-in Smiths.

 

[boofus]

www.summitgunbroker.com has trade-in Glock 17's for $329, and a Beretta 92D for $269

www.cdnninvestments.com has trade-in Sig P226, P220, P228 and P229 for around $370. They've had Sigs with slightly blemished slides for as low as $269.

Just gotta dig around til you find a good deal on a name brand pistol. Love the Internet, it's like 1 big continuous gun show.