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Cheap and reliable handgun???

12K views 28 replies 14 participants last post by  blackdb1 
#1 ·
Hey guys this is my first post on here, so hello to all!!!

I am looking for a semi auto in the price range of $200... I'm thinking about a Hi Point 9mm? Maybe a Bersa thunder .380?
This is the most informative and knowlegable forum I have come across so hope to get some great replies!
Thanks...
 
#3 ·
Cheap and reliable tend not to go together. A .380 is a little anemic. How about a 9mm or a .38/357? There may still be some police turn-in 9mm and .38/357s you might find. In brands, go for Ruger or S&W. Not Taurus. Don't trust Taurus QA to make a consistently descent product.
 
#4 ·
I would get a revolver but don't know of any decently priced ones? A buddy of mine used to have a hammerless Taurus .44 revolver that he picked up for $200!!! I however have not found any such deal so far!?
I would love to have a Smith and Wesson 636 .38 snub nose, however it is waaay out of my price range! Any suggestions???
 
#5 ·
There are a few under $300 handguns at my local gunshop, like a S&W Mod 15 for $199 and a colt snubby around $299. This was a few weeks ago, though, so I'm not sure if they are still their.
 
#6 ·
Those are reasonable prices. Guess I'ma just have to go looking for one!!!???
I already have a Mossberg 12 ga., pistol grip, and a 9 round barrel... I'm just looking for something for CCW now and don't have alot of cash!
I have a Rohm Gmbh model 66 .22lr revolver but have no cylinder for it and CANNOT find one so I am on the hunt for another pistol!
 
#7 ·
I was in the same boat, and after considering a Hi Point C9, I then reconsidered, after viewing the different pistols at the local shop. I thought I might like the Bersa Thunder 9mm, then I found the Ruger P95. They can be had Brand new for about $393 list price, or so, and only took a little while more to save for it. It is a much better pistol then my original choice, of a Hi Point. Lots of people own Hi Point, and swear by them, they have a lifetime warrantee, but for me, I have decided on the Ruger.

 
#8 ·
Semi's are nice, but because of the slide, my aim is always off, even if I gave it my all to keep it steady. Revolvers will always be my first choice, both reliable and durable.
 
#9 ·
For that price...go with a snubby .38special. A gunshop should have a few off brands that will work fine.

mike
gn
 
#11 ·
I strongly second the Ruger P95 recommendation. Spend a little more than your stated two bills (they are about $325 new) and have a good, reliable, powerful gun that'll last you forever and that can be counted on in the clutch.

I've had one since '98 and it's a great gun, and a great value for the money.
 
#12 ·
For that price...go with a snubby .38special. A gunshop should have a few off brands that will work fine.

mike
gn
+1 Sometimes you can get good deals on police trade ins. I snagged my S&W Model 65 for well under 3 bills from Buds few years back. Pawnshops, gunshows etc are good places to hunt for a deal.

Good luck.
 
#14 ·
Cheap and reliable tend not to go together. A .380 is a little anemic. How about a 9mm or a .38/357? There may still be some police turn-in 9mm and .38/357s you might find. In brands, go for Ruger or S&W. Not Taurus. Don't trust Taurus QA to make a consistently descent product.
What is so bad on the Taurus I have the 38sp wheel gun and a 45acp. they work as good as my Rugers.
 
#16 · (Edited)
I have both the hi points in .380 and 40 s+w never had a problem and they are fun to shoot.Very inexpensive, but I personally dont trust any auto (ducking for cover) from a colt to hi-points.Some Taurus's seem like they are ok but from what i read here there quality is hit and miss.If I had to choose only 1 gun it would be a revolver, .357. I have 3 of them and they all go bang everytime and I shoot the chit out of them with reloaded 38's they cost me like 7 cents a piece to make.Oh and remember you can buy a bad anything.
 
#17 ·
the local gunsmith says that the older taurus guns werent very good, but that the newer ones were pretty good. they are basically a copy of a smith and wesson.

i had a ruger p95 and it was a great gun, very reliable. they have 15 round mags, but go the extra price and buy ruger brand mags, after market ones suck. and i dont know of a good after market company that makes them for that gun. i have seen a used ruger p95 for 250 and should have bought it, but didnt have the money.

as for a snubby... if you can get one i say go for it, colt detective specials can be had for around 200.
 
G
#18 ·
I have always heard that Taurus makes a quality gun? My buddies was really nice!!!??? Hmmmm?
Taurus does indeed make an excellent gun, black, especially over the last few years. Normally they are priced considerably less than an equivalent American-made pistol or revolver. I own several, both revolvers and autos, and all have performed entirely to my satisfaction. If you're particularly concerned with cost, Taurus is a good make to look at.
 
#19 ·
$200 and realiable auto. Sounds like an Feg 9x18 or a Radom P64 also in 9x18. Either one can be had for under $200. I would suggest a little more time acquiring more funds to get into the reliable 9mm if you are not familiar with autos.
 
#20 ·
I'm really liking that Ruger P95!!! I also would LOVE a snub nose .38 though!

I really am leaning towards that Ruger though!!! What is the clip capacity on the Ruger???

Thanks again!
There are 10 round clips, and 15 round clips. Both come new with two clips, and I belive the 10 round clip model is for the California shooters. Here is a link to the P95
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=3&variation=P95&bct=Yes&type=Pistol
 
#21 ·
I'm really liking that Ruger P95!!! I also would LOVE a snub nose .38 though!

I really am leaning towards that Ruger though!!! What is the clip capacity on the Ruger???

Thanks again!
Ruger offers 10 and 15 round magazines for their 9mm P series pistols, and you can also get MecGar 17 roudners. MecGars are excellent quality, the only aftermarket mags I trust for my P95.
 
#24 ·
Another consideration would be an actual Makarov in 9x18. Cheap, reliable and very accurate, easy to find parts for and easy to ccw.. Ammo is found most anywhere in my area. Beware, just because it takes 9x18 ammo doesn't mean its a Makarov. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar they can't be beat. There ARE better choices in calibers for ccw but this little guy is very reliable. If you want more info on the Makarov just ask.

As mentioned the police turn-in revolvers can be had very reasonably. The 357 is a great powerful round but expect to only find them with a 4" bbl. Still decent for ccw.

As for your thoughts of buying a new gun for $200. I won't even go there. Add another $150, the Ruger auto will suffice but its kinda blocky and will surely leave a print on your clothing. All in all you are kinda limited though with your budget (who's not). Just keep saving and get something that will suit your needs best. Choose one that fits your hand well, one with balance and feel. Just as important, one that you can shoot, well. Don't rush in a buy the first thing you find, shop around, kick tires then repeat.


More food for your thought


Good Luck
 
#25 ·
MecGar magazines are superb.
i dont believe i have ever tried mecgar mags, although i have heard they were pretty good. heard they made some good magazines for 1911's as well

~john
 
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