jmiller676
New member
I know this question has probably been echoed around here but, I'm new and was wondering. What is the most affordable pistol to carry?
Carrying question?
- Thread starter jmiller676
- Start date
Cost really should not be a consideration when choosing a gun to carry for PD.
The gun you need to carry will end up being a compromise o
1. Comfort - if it fits your hand like you were born with it there.
2. Accuracy - The gun you are most accurate with using multiple rapid fire.
3. Concealability - The gun you can hide the easiest.
4. Reliability - The gun you're 100% sure will go BANG every time you pull the trigger.
5. Firepower - As much UMPH as you can get into a gun that fits the other criteria as well as possible.
You will probably not find a gun that fits these criteria 100%, but with all the models available, you will come close.
The gun you need to carry will end up being a compromise o
1. Comfort - if it fits your hand like you were born with it there.
2. Accuracy - The gun you are most accurate with using multiple rapid fire.
3. Concealability - The gun you can hide the easiest.
4. Reliability - The gun you're 100% sure will go BANG every time you pull the trigger.
5. Firepower - As much UMPH as you can get into a gun that fits the other criteria as well as possible.
You will probably not find a gun that fits these criteria 100%, but with all the models available, you will come close.
jmiller676
New member
looking in the $300 dollar range. I was looking at the beretta 92 series but wasn't sure if they were to bulky. Caliber dosen't matter just something to repel an attack.
Kinda sounds like you don't know too much about what you're doing. No insult intended. What you might want to do is go to a range where you can rent guns and shoot a few. Ask friends to let you shoot theirs, too.
Your question is so ambiguous that it could be easily answered with 100 or more suggestions.
You could go with .380, .38 spcl., .357 mag., 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .327 mag., .357 SIG, and several others. Ultra compact, compact, full size, metal, polymer, 1911-style, SAO, DAO, SA/DA DA striker-fired. Semi-auto or revolver.
You see, we really can't make any informed suggestions until you give us some quidelines.
troy_mclure
New member
the tarus milenium pro is right at $300. it is in 9mm-.45acp.
3in barrel, polymer so its fairly light.
of course there are many anti tarus guys on here too.
3in barrel, polymer so its fairly light.
of course there are many anti tarus guys on here too.
Brian Pfleuger
Moderator Emeritus
It goes without saying that 9mm is going to be the least expensive SD caliber. So... go here....
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/advanced_cat_search.php/cated/26/ITATR_list[3]/425/page/1/sort/5a
take a look at what they have listed, pick some ones you like and come back here and ask questions (no offense but do a little of your own research to go along with the questions (people are less grumpy if you look like you do your own work
).
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/advanced_cat_search.php/cated/26/ITATR_list[3]/425/page/1/sort/5a
take a look at what they have listed, pick some ones you like and come back here and ask questions (no offense but do a little of your own research to go along with the questions (people are less grumpy if you look like you do your own work
).Shawn Dodson
Moderator
Beretta 92/96 is a large handgun and is a PITA to CCW.
If it were me I'd look for a used Glock 19. Check at pawn shops. Large gun retailers may have police trade-ins.
Cheers!
If it were me I'd look for a used Glock 19. Check at pawn shops. Large gun retailers may have police trade-ins.
Cheers!
Not to pull for a particular company, I have actually never purchased from them but know people who have - if you want to get a broad idea where your money will get you, CDNN tends to have a good sense of market value in one of the thicker catalogs I'm aware of:
http://cdnninvestments.com/dowournewcat.html
They have a fairly comprehensive inventory so it's just a good place to sort of "get your feet wet" to see how far the dollar goes. Do not expect to find those prices at the local shop. But also bear in mind there are hidden costs with remote firearms purchases, including approved shipping and paying a local dealer to call in your background check and perform the transfer.
This catalog is particularly good because they do a lot of trade-in business. For example, police trade-ins in excellent condition can be had much cheaper than a new product, but have hopefully been well maintained, and on the other hand if they've seen little maintenance they've probably also seen little use altogether. As with all weapons, do your fair share of shooting and use before labelling it a "trusted" firearm.
In any case, hopefully that's helpful - however, I will echo Keltyke in suggesting you do some research before jumping in. The NRA has basic handling, safety and function courses, as will many commercial ranges. If you have a range with a gun shop attached in your area, they'll often rent firearms, and can also provide good advice in terms of getting up to speed and finding something appropriate for you.
http://cdnninvestments.com/dowournewcat.html
They have a fairly comprehensive inventory so it's just a good place to sort of "get your feet wet" to see how far the dollar goes. Do not expect to find those prices at the local shop. But also bear in mind there are hidden costs with remote firearms purchases, including approved shipping and paying a local dealer to call in your background check and perform the transfer.
This catalog is particularly good because they do a lot of trade-in business. For example, police trade-ins in excellent condition can be had much cheaper than a new product, but have hopefully been well maintained, and on the other hand if they've seen little maintenance they've probably also seen little use altogether. As with all weapons, do your fair share of shooting and use before labelling it a "trusted" firearm.
In any case, hopefully that's helpful - however, I will echo Keltyke in suggesting you do some research before jumping in. The NRA has basic handling, safety and function courses, as will many commercial ranges. If you have a range with a gun shop attached in your area, they'll often rent firearms, and can also provide good advice in terms of getting up to speed and finding something appropriate for you.
theslipperyseal
Inactive
sounds like you need..
the 50 AE desert eagle!!! its americas answer to all the problems! 1 pull of the trigger and everyone goes away!
in reality, im not a glock fan by any means, but a glock 19 i do believe would make a decent enough intro to guns, and intro into concealed carry. theyre not too expensive, can be had much cheaper used, and are as reliable as a dumpster. whatever you get, have fun with it, love it, sleep with it, die with it
the 50 AE desert eagle!!! its americas answer to all the problems! 1 pull of the trigger and everyone goes away!
in reality, im not a glock fan by any means, but a glock 19 i do believe would make a decent enough intro to guns, and intro into concealed carry. theyre not too expensive, can be had much cheaper used, and are as reliable as a dumpster. whatever you get, have fun with it, love it, sleep with it, die with it
ElectricHellfire
New member
+1 on a used Glock. The Bersa Thunder is a great value as well.
Keeping ammo prices in mind and the fact that you need to practice enough to adequately "repel an attacker", 9mm or 38 caliber would be a good choice. Don`t know your experience with guns but if its limited you may want to consider a revolver. Don`t want to start any debates but IMO a Glock is not a good choice for a beginner due to no safety.
In the $350 range you have the S&W Sigma(Glock clone) in either .40 or 9mm, the Bersa Thunder in either .45, .40(hard to find), 9mm, or .380, Keltec, or a Taurus.
In the used catagory, you can find Glock, Ruger, or a Sig P6(German police trade in 9mm) in most of the calibers already mentioned.
As others have mentioned your best bet is to find a range that rents guns, choose 2 or 3, and find the best fit for you.
I personally own a Sigma .40 and a Bersa .380, and plan on purchasing a Sig P6 in the very near future
In the used catagory, you can find Glock, Ruger, or a Sig P6(German police trade in 9mm) in most of the calibers already mentioned.
As others have mentioned your best bet is to find a range that rents guns, choose 2 or 3, and find the best fit for you.
I personally own a Sigma .40 and a Bersa .380, and plan on purchasing a Sig P6 in the very near future
Redneckrepairs
New member
In short the one you will carry . Now i am no expert but i have carried since 81 or so, and here is what i have found in my years of both mandated and choice carry .
A pistol is a pain to carry ( sometimes literally ) .
When things go pear shaped you want to be carrying that pistol .
" Comforting " pistols get left at home more than " comfortable " pistols .
Cheap floppy holsters and belts are not a bargain even if free.
Inexpensive guns can work as well as expensive ones .
Now i tend to carry spendy guns ( think kahr, colt , hk , and somel s&w however i have also Kel Tec , Star , and a couple other " cheap " guns which function and shoot fine .
Many folk get along with double stack fine , and many will say " dress around the gun " this is fine as far as it goes , however for my comfort single stack rules for ccw Your and others may vary due to dress and other considerations .
With the above general posts in mind all i can say is to get to a range ( rental or not ) and try different pistols . We gunfolk are a sharing bunch and tend to like to let folk shoot our guns if asked ( there is no rental ranges closer than 170 or so miles from me but i have shot a lot of guns that others owned ) . Find the pistol in your budget ( stretch the budget , not the requirements ) that will work for you. Then figure on spending way too much on a good belt and holster (s) to carry with .
On the subject of caliber my personal minimum is 9mm for carry , and i spend some to have a 9mm that is in many ways smaller than many .32 or .380s of my youth , it rivals a lot of .25s , but both of the " micro " 9mms are way out of the budget you listed ( I speak to Kahr or Roraghbaugh or however you spell it lol ) . .
Good luck with your quest to find the carry gun that is " right " for you to carry everyday , and on a personal note tie yourself to budget less than your comfort and other requirements . A month of if needed cheap meals soon enough becomes a fond memory , a single issue of the gun dont work is an issue of a melancholy aniverssery
indiandave
New member
Your best bet is to go to a few gun shops and see what they have . Don't buy the first gun you look at and take your time.I bet what you think you like now will not be what you end up buying.
jmiller676
New member
Thanks for the advice guys it really helps when you talk to people that know whats going on. And I really don't have a clue of what I'm talking about I've shot my dads DW .357 mag and love it but I have little knowledge on guns and thats why I'm here. I just got started into understanding them. I use to just go pick up a gun and hunt with it but as I'm getting older I want to understand the capability of the gun I'm carrying. After looking at the guns I like the S&W SW9VE 9mm Stainless. Thanks again for shedding some light on a very dark tunnel that I was in.