What's your favorite, trustworthy, low cost, handgun for SD?

[DMK]

I have a CZ-40B that I bought NIB for about $270. It's accurate, completely reliable, points well, has good sights, shoots a powerful caliber and is full size and controllable. It was never a really popular gun, but serves dutifully as a home defense gun, a CCW in the car, a useful tool. I'm very glad I bought it.

What are some good, low cost SD guns you've owned? Under $300 new, under $200 used, major caliber, trustworthy with your life.

 

[nero45acp]

I have a FN BDAO (DAO Hi-Power) I bought NIB from CDNN for $279. I've put over a 1000 rounds thru it without any failures/problems. It currently sits in a cigar box on my nightstand, loaded with Winchester 115gr JHP's.

http://remtek.com/arms/fn/bda/

 

[CAnnoneer]

My baby - Ruger KP89T stainless, manual safety, 9mm, built like a tank - simply beautiful, $349 NIB.

 

[Standing Wolf]

When it comes to saving my life, I don't care about cost.

 

[WarMachine]

My Ruger P89. Low cost, reliable, well-made albeit somewhat ugly. But I love her still

 

[Hypnogator]

I have no hesitation to depend on my <$400 stainless Taurus PT-145 Millennium Pro as my "serious social occasions" piece, and my Kel-Tec P-32 is my "always" gun. Both are 100% reliable, and the Taurus is amazingly accurate. You don't have to spend big bucks to obtain reliable self-protection.

 

[Mulliga]

Only handgun I've owned that matches up with your requirements is a Star BM for $160. Sold it because it bit my hand and I couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with it (the gun's fault, not mine ). Next runner-up would be the CZ 75 I bought (used, but it looked almost new) for $275.

 

[nero45acp]

In a do or die situation, I'd have more faith in a $200-$300 used S&W model 10, than I would in a $1000+ 1911.


nero

 

[Scoupe]

Nero has a point. I tend to trust wheel guns over auto loaders myself.

Got this one for around $110 IIRC. Smith model of 1905 4th revision. Probably late 20's.

 

[chaim]

The best home defense gun I ever bought that fits your criteria is the Taurus 82 I bought used for $199. I'm still mad that I sold it- 100% reliable, but it was a .38spl and when I bought my 1st .357mag I didn't plan to own many guns so I sold the Taurus :banghead:

The best potential carry gun I have bought that fits your criteria is my Taurus 85CH I bought for just under $200. I'll never sell it.

The best home defense auto I bought that fit your criteria (at right around $300 new if I recall correctly) was my CZ 40B. I'm still a bit upset at myself for selling it and may eventually replace it (I hate that I'll probably have to spend more on a used CZ 40B than I paid for my old CZ 40B when it was new).

The best auto I have that can do both roles that nearly fits your criteria (it was a little more at $330 new) is my Taurus PT140 Milennium Pro. I'll never sell it.

 

[horge]

 

[horge]

...and its bigger partner:

 

[Ryu]

Can't say it's "Low Cost" but I don't carry anything that doesn't say HK on it and is a 40 or 45.

 

[NoahFN]

I don't usually carry it, but I wouldn't hesitate to do so.

My police trade-in S&W model 64, 3 inch. About $200 out the door.

Finish is fairly scratched up, but it's mechanically sound and shoots great.

 

[DirksterG30]

My CZ 40-P; bought it new for $299.99. 100% reliable, .40 caliber, rail for an M-3 light. It was my first home defense gun.

 

[TheStook]

Just about any S&W or ruger wheelgun. Like a 686 or GP-100. .357 mag is an amazingly fun and accurate round. Price range for used is 250-350 dollars.

Low Cost Auto? S&W sigma VE. Over 3000 rds through it, hasn't had a single hiccup. Plus with the older mags i get 15+1 rds of .40 in a small package. Lord i hope i never need 1 bullet, let alone dang near twenty. But if i do, im covered. Can buy a brand new SW40VE or SW40GVE for $275 from sportsman's warehouse.

 

[EddieCoyle]

I picked up a once-fired S&W 642 .38 Spl revolver for under $300. I carry it in my pocket everywhere except on airplanes. It might not be the ideal defense gun but it's small enough so that I carry it all the time.

1st rule of gunfighting - Have a gun.


At home I have a S&W 4506 loaded with Hydrashocks in the night stand.

 

[Dave T]

Kel-Tec P-11 hard chrome...$259 new.

It is my answer to the 2", 5 shot 38 Special. Same length, same hight, thinner, lighter and holds 11 rounds of more potent ammunition.

Dave

 

[cookekdjr]

In a do or die situation, I'd have more faith in a $200-$300 used S&W model 10, than I would in a $1000+ 1911.


nero

Same here. And I love 1911's.

-David

 

[Dave Markowitz]

A police trade-in S&W or Ruger wheelgun.

Makarov.

 

[Rockstar]

G26.

 

[Soap]

Makarov comrade!

 

[Dr.Rob]

Ruger autos, defintely bigger and uglier than they need to be, but they work.

And back when FEGs were to be had for $200 they were a steal.

That's what is in my nightstand most times.

 

[boing]

Chrome KelTec P11 has been exceptional.

Taurus .44 Special snubby has proven it's value as well, but only after initial "teething" problems.

My real favorites cost too much for this thread.

 

[Marko Kloos]

Used S&W Model 10.

You can pick up an example in decent shape for around or under $200 in a lot of places, and you'd be hard pressed to find a more trustworthy handgun anywhere.