Cheap guns

D

David Scott

New member
Another thread, asking about takedown procedures for a Jennings/Bryco .380, drew some side comments about "cheap" handguns. I admit there is a big difference between the $125 I paid for a brand new S&W Model 19 back in 1975 and the cost of it now. Buy-in cost is a factor for new handgunners, so what I'm asking is, which are the INEXPENSIVE handguns that are not "cheap" in the sense of poor quality?

To get started, I 've heard good comments about the Republic Patriot, Heritage Stealth and EAA Witness line, all in the $300-400 range, which is less expensive than a Glock or SIG. Are there still less expensive handguns that are reliable, or do you have to go used when you have less than $300 in your pocket?


------------------
Dave
Deep in the Florida Swamps
 
If we expand the list to used guns, then there's a world of S&W K and L frame police trade-ins out there, as well as Eastblock guns like Makarovs and Tokarevs. I personally believe a person of modest means (such as myself) is MUCH better served by one of the above than to buy a new, inexpensive auto like the ones you describe.
 
Astra and Dlask come to mind as two guns that ought to be in that price range. Astra makes (made) 9mm, 40cal, and 45cal pistols and Dlask is a Canadian company that apparently makes a great little 9mm knockoff of the Sig 228 for less than $300.
 
Ruger. Reliable, accurate enough, durable, excellent customer service and inexpensive (not cheap). Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say, so I will not make any positive or negative comments on the looks of the Rugers.

Frank
 
The FEG (Hungarian) and Arcus (Bulgarian?) copies of the Browning Hi-Power seem to be good shooters that retail for less than $300.
 
David; The Ruger P-95 is THE best value on the market. They can be had in the $270-$290 range. You can still get reasonable factory hi-caps but you better hurry. Good Luck, j.s.
 
The best value around is the Makarov in all its incarnations, for $120-150. You get an extremely accurate and reliable all-steel pistol with a 50-year battle record. You gotta love a pistol with spare magazines that cost $1.50 each.

Often overlooked: Star and Astra pistols from Spain. Stars in particular never really caught on in the US and can be had cheap these days. Most of them are all-steel as well.
 
Lavan, knowing my wife's shooting abilities, I have to be REAL careful what I say to her :~)

Frank
 
As this is a serious issue in the case of a handgun that could be used for defense,please buy the best you can afford,even if that means saving for a while.

Used quality beats the hell out of new junk,but often the used handguns have been meesed with and you are buying somebody elses problem. Kind of like cars.

Those that have suggested ruger are right on.

Cant think of any better for the $$$$.

Good Luck!
 
J&G in Prescott AZ police tradeins S&W from
168.00.Makarov,139.00 and lets not forget the CZ-52's.Plenty of inexpensive good handguns out there.If you get a new elcheapo remember that that is what you think your life is worth.
Bob
 
I second the suggestion of the FEG PJK-9HP
(Hungarian copy of the basic 9mm Browning
Hi-Power). I often see these being sold right
around $200 new. A classic design, a decent
caliber, good quality, And 13-rd. magazines
are still readily available. The best value
in that price range hands down. 2nd place in
the $200-and-under range would have to be the
Makarov. Recently I got a R.A.P. 440 for $240
new. It's a South African copy of the Astra
A-75 in .40 S&W. Good reliable, compact gun
if you can find it.
 
I would have to go with the Makarov for the least money for a dependable, accurate gun. Next would be the Ruger P series, and the EAA Witness.

------------------
Good shootin to ya
Plateshooter
 
Makarovs and Keltecs have devoted fans; I like both, but the KelTec is much easier to carry, much lighter, and 11 rounds of 9mm beats 8 rounds of .380 or 9x18.

At the lowest price level, the Phoenix HP-22 is better than the Jennings J-22, but both have been reliable in my case.

Cheap guns and junk guns will be just a memory (nightmare?) if AlGore sneaks in.
Stock up while you can.

------------------
Teach a non-shooter to shoot. Educate a voter.
 
Yet another vote for the Makarov as most bang for the buck in a defensive pistol. I paid $120 for mine a few years back.

Also a vote for used .357 Revolvers. You can find Ruger Security Six's for under $200 also S&W Police trade ins for about $250. Don't be afraid to buy a used gun if it looks like it is in good shape.

Ruger autos are also a good buy. I have one of the MK II target models. Great guns for the money. .22's are great for plinking. Cheap to shoot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top