Handguns: Cost vs. Quality

T

tvrobert

New member
Question:
All things being equal, which handguns give you the most for your money?

Background:
I've searched for variations on this topic and read many - most recently Firepower's thread here. Related threads ask for cost/quality details on specific models.

I'd love a repository of members' opinions of which handgun type, style, model, manufacturer, etc., is a true value for the price paid.

"All things being equal" means I understand there are a myriad of forces that drive market price not always related to perception of value for the buyer. It also means "value" is in the eye of the beholder, and market forces might matter little when the end result is ownership of a perceptively fine handgun.

Background Part 2:
I have one single experience buying a handgun. I have moderate experience handling and firing them. I have virtually no memory of the make/model of handguns I've tried, but I remember the calibers of most, and the majority were revolvers. My only purchase is a used G21. As a pragmatist, I feel I got a good deal. It's in good shape (not worn), reliable, easy to care for, and came with enough extras to help justify the price.

For any handgun, what's the rational retail cost for your opinion of “value” and why?

Thanks!
 
I feel many handguns are overpriced.. specifically those thought of as "namebrand" firearms. Given what production costs are, and markup at distributers and then the dealer, I find most of these guns to be about $150 too much.

But we pay it happily and so the world keeps on turning..'

I would say that there are a few brands of firearm that give you alot of gun for your money.. some more so than others.

Bersa is the first to come to mind. A quality built firearm that is reliable with excellent warranty for less than $350. Yes mags are expensive unless compared to match grade customs.. but not really a bad point as they are of excellent quality. the finishes on the guns are top notch, but they do.

In a lower price point, and thus a lower level of fit and finish is the Hi-Point line of firearms. Ugly in most respects, simplistic in operation and construction.. they do the job. need a little tweaking and a good break-in period, but for an avg price of $150.. and 99% always work reliably.. gives the poorer SOB who needs a gun access to something he otherwise wouldnt have. THAT holds value.

Taurus is the third i can think of at this moment, yet im sure there are others. Taurus for the most part makes a very good quality firearm. Personal experience tells me their revolvers are a level or two higher in quality than their semi-autos. But for a fair bit of money less than other brands, a good value for your dollar.
 
You've sorta' asked two different questions: cost versus quality and cost versus value.

For someone who simply wants a handgun for home protection and is not really a gun enthusiast, it is more a question of cost versus value so long as the gun is reliable. For the gun enthusiast, which covers most of us here, it can be both cost vs. value and cost vs. quality.

For example, I have several handguns which I consider strictly functional. My SW J-frame snubbies comes immediately to mind. I carry them in a pocket holster, in the pocket without a holster sometimes, in an IWB holster, sometimes in an OWB holster, and sometimes in the glove box or under a car seat. I don't abuse them but, they were bought to be carried and getting a scratch or a nick won't freak me out. I consider them good "value" for the money.

On the other hand, I have Colt Pythons with little or no visible wear. Pythons are the epitome of a highly finished, beautiful revolver and Colt doesn't make these anymore. I take them to the range and shoot them but I don't carry them. If I scratched one, I would be in a sour mood for days. There is no way I can justify their cost versus value as tools or even target pistols. I can justify their cost as quality made firearms which I can enjoy. They should hold or increase their value, though I don't see them as an "investment" in the true sense of the word.

Then, I have some in-between that are both good value and good quality. For example, I sometimes carry an Ed Brown bobtail commander. EBs are high end production guns that rival or exceed the quality of true custom 1911s. My EB is an absolute joy to shoot, is practical to carry, and utterly reliable. Even though EBs are expensive, they will outlive me. I get more enjoyment out of it than my Colt or Springfield 1911. So, to me, this gives both high value and high quality.
 
EAA -- let me tell you a story here:

I purchased a Baikal S X S 12 gauge, "coach gun," imported by EAA (European Arms of America). Getting it home and having a closer look at it I discover the stock is "warped."

EAA provides no "contact us" information on their web site. So I pack up the gun and ship it back to EAA for warranty work. I get the gun back in six weeks with a note: "The stock is cast off for right handed shooters." I'm a right handed shooter, and now I understand about "cast off" for shotgun furniture.

But -- in the process of checking out my shotgun, someone has taken upon themselves to smooth out the embossing on the barrel. Most of the blue has been removed.

I ship the gun back to Baikal -- because I still don't have a "contact us" number -- with a note that the barrel needs to be reblued, or replaced, that it was damaged from the last "warranty service" I sent it in for.

Shipping UPS is running about $15 a crack, not counting having to drive to the main office and fill out the forms.

Six weeks later I get the barrel returned. It's been PAINTED black -- and not a very good job.

Now I'm furious -- "Warranty Service" with EAA has damaged a perfectly good firearm, TWICE.

I draft a letter to EAA explaining consumer protection and warranty liability in "fixing" a client's product which results in damages to that product.

About three weeks later I get a phone call from EAA telling me to ship them the shotgun and a copy of my purchase receipt and they'll refund my full purchase price. I note that shipping the gun to them a THIRD time has my shipping fees running near $50 all told.

They explain that warranty replacement/refund does not cover shipping.

So -- $250 shotgun which I've never shot has cost me $50 to ship, and I'm being short-changed on shipping because EAA doesn't have a "customer service contact number."

I'll never buy anything from them again. I contacted the FFL who sold me the gun, and he says that he ran into similar problems with them and has stopped doing business with them. He provided me with $50 credit at the shop because he's a stand up guy.

Here's my list for value/service:

Ruger -- "We'll fix it no matter what. We want you to be entirely satisfied."

Springfield -- Same as above.

Smith & Wesson -- Same as above.

Marlin -- Same as above.

Remington -- Same as above.

RCBS (Reloading stuff) -- "If you screwed it up, we want to see it so we can engineer the 'screw up' out of it." And they sent me a box of "goodies."

Leupold -- Same as RCBS.

Galco -- leather holsters, belts. Bullet proof.

Kramer -- more leather, more satisfaction.

These days when you buy just about anything, that product as really only as good as the warranty and the customer service that stands behind it. There are too many manufactures in the US which give you iron clad, no questions asked service. You don't need to settle for less.

And the "bad ones" get noted in places like this. :eek:
 
buying tools

I decide first what tool I need.
Then I determine what brands offer the tool I'm looking for.
Then I find the tool that fits both my budget and my need.
Then I test my choices before buying, to see if they fit my hands, and on inspection meet my criteria for "quality".

I own Ruger and Springfield Armory and Taurus and S&W and NAA and EAA and Caspian tools.
Now.
 
Rugers and Taurus offer exceptional value. Also look at Stoeger Cougar. It used to be made by Beretta but they discontinued it and shipped all the machinery to Stoeger
 
Good Questions ---

I've got to tell you, I've owned a lot of rifles, and handguns in my lifetime. I've owned my share of Sigs, H&Ks, Smiths, Colts, just to name a few. Nothing (IMO) beats steel. That is, until I purchased a Taurus Millenium recently. Owning several Glocks, I've gotten a little use to plastics; although not really liking them. So, the Taurus fit right in. I was so impressed, I ordered 2 of their SS 1911s, 2-24/7s, and a 45LC ThunderBolt rifle. Plus, on top of the already attractive pricing, right now there's a rebate going on. I am so impressed with the 24/7 line, if I were down to picking one pistol, it would be my choice. Both the 45acp, and the 9mm just can't be beat for value. (IMO) Accurate, dependable, lifetime warranty; what more could you ask for?

Good luck,
GRB
 
I think my Ruger GP100's were excellent value for the cost. While I would like to add a couple of S&W's - namely a 620 and a 686 - I would consider them to be a bit overpriced. Still excellent quality revolvers, but not as good a value for the money as the Rugers. I'll still buy them when my budget allows though :D

My Taurus PT1911 would also qualify as excellent value for the price, given my experience with it (not a single problem of any kind).

My SIG P226R is an extremely nice pistol, but I think you do pay a premium for the brand name of SIG Sauer. At least with my Blackwater package, I got nice wood grips and 5 mags, but it was an expensive purchase, to my mind. I bought it purely because I wanted it and to heck with the cost.

Like anything, there are production names that attach a premium to the price point. For the purely "a gun is just a tool" kind of buyer, those probably do not appeal as much. For the owner who is also an avid shooter, for recreation, relaxation and/or competition, those premiums may be meaningless. I have no real opinion about price versus value for my CZ P-01 - I just wanted one, did not want a used one, and paid what it cost to get it.

Note too that it will also depend a lot on your resources. "Value versus price" is highly influenced by what you actually have available to spend. I like 1911's, but I really cannot see myself ever willing to spend more then $1000 for one. Now, if I were to win the lottery tomorrow, my thoughts on that would almost certainly change.
 
In my opinion, some of the firearms manufacturers that offer the best quality, value and "bang for the buck" (no pun intended) at reasonable cost are:

CZ
Ruger
Bersa
Glock

I would also say that something that is very high quality can be expensive without being overpriced. For example, I often pay more for brands I've had good experience with: Sony, LG, Toyota - when there is a similar item available cheaper from another manufacturer.

So higher price doesn't necessarily reflect lower value - often just the opposite is true! There is an old saying "The quality of a product is remembered, long after the price is forgotten." This is true both of high quality and low quality products - and even middle of the road quality. There are times when the most expensive product may represent the best value!
 
I learned years ago when I purchased my Ruger MarkI for $37.50 that there is such a thing as a good gun at a low price. I agree with an above post that said used Rugers are among the better buys out there. I would mention the fact that my Taurus PT945 has served me well, but that would start this thread down hill....so I won't mention. Just pretend I did not say anything.:)

Added. In early years I mostly purchased new guns, but in recent years I have purchased some really good used guns. So far, my used guns have been as reliable as my new guns. I do know something about inspecting a used firearm, and that helps. Although my last purchase three weeks ago was a new Ruger P90.

My oldest Son has a H&K 9mm he paid about $800 for. He has noticed that it does not seemed to more reliable or accurate than my XD9.
 
Last edited:
MAX

E-Mail:
eaacorp@eaacorp.com


Inquiries:
EAA
P.O. Box 560746
Rockledge, FL 32956-0746

Voice:
Tel. (321) 639-4842 Ext. 10
Fax: (321) 639-7006

Service & Repair:
402 Richard Road
Rockledge, FL. 32955

Don't see the problem with contacting them. I contacted them about the problem I had with an original first run 45 witness, they sent me a slide lock no problem.
 
IMO so take it as such.........

Best handgun for the money is the Beretta 92. Brand new with three mags in my neck of the woods is $489. Glock is about the same price.

Ruger (semi autos) or Taurus are similar in price and not even close in my opinion in terms of fit/finish and quality of small parts.

IMO the most over priced guns on earth are sig handguns. Why on earth does a gun with a stamped (some models) slide cost $800?

Then again used Ruger P89's show up all the time for about $200 and that is a good deal. The gun is ugly, has a bad trigger, and is way to bulky and clunky but it is reliable.
 
[Rugers and Taurus offer exceptional value. Also look at Stoeger Cougar. It used to be made by Beretta but they discontinued it and shipped all the machinery to Stoeger/QUOTE]

No way Ruger and Taurus are even close to being in the same class. Taurus is just a cheap copier of other peoples designs (and a poor one at that). As to the Cougar being made by Beretta - I'd like to see proof on that one. To my knowledge, Beretta has never made firearms for Stoeger.
Click to expand...
 
As to the Cougar being made by Beretta - I'd like to see proof on that one. To my knowledge, Beretta has never made firearms for Stoeger.
Click to expand...


http://www.handgunsmag.com/featured_handguns/cougarb_071807/



The original introduction of the double-action, high-capacity Cougar pistol by Beretta was awaited with great anticipation by many.
Click to expand...

When I heard that the Cougar was going to be reintroduced by Stoeger Industries, a Beretta subsidiary and the parent company
Click to expand...
 
from my personal experience ruger gives you an excellent gun from the least money(the old p-series pistols and the revolvers anyway)

I personally know several people with hi-points and they all have nothing but good to say about them.

I have one friend with a sigma that he used to shoot a lot when he lived out in the country and he's never had a single jam
 
Ok, I don't want to diverge too much, but I recently watched a series about the German invasion into Russia in WWII. The comments by German survivors talked about how the Russian Kalashnikov's worked in cold weather and the expensive German guns would not work.

Cost does not always equal reliability.

I am a retired mechanical engineer. Remember something about engineers. Sometimes engineers like to design expensive complicated mechanisms just for the challenge. What fun is there is designing a mechanical part that is low cost and works all the time!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top