If you only had $400 for ccw...

Smith and Wesson Model 638, lightweight J-frame .38 special revolver.

Lightweight and small enough to conceal with just about any clothing. Reliable and shoots +P ammo. The shroud on the hammer prevents snag when drawing from a pocket or from snagging on other clothing. Yet, it can be fired single action if a very unusual circumstance arises. The ILS hole is ugly but we're talking function, not beauty here.
 
Depends on what you like. There are good revolvers and good semi-autos available (used) in that price range.

Do you prefer a semi or a revolver? Pocket carry or IWB? Are you okay with a .380, or are you more comfortable with a larger caliber? Do you like real steel or do you prefer the light weight of an alloy or poly pistol?

I can tell you what I have bought, carried and sold, and what I have kept, but that is based upon my preferences, not yours.
 
Bersa Thunder .380 or Thunder .380CC NIB for less than $300 will give you a servicable weapon with a full waranty. Plus it leaves money for ammo and a holster.

A used S&W 6 series can be had for about $325. They are tough and reliable guns with a better self defense caliber. Get one in 9mm and it will be cheaper to practice with.

If $400 is just for the gun you have a few good choices NIB. I would go with a Ruger SR9c for $390, a Ruger LC9 at $370, a Sig 250 Compact for $375, Sig 2022 for $390, or a Stoeger Cougar Compact for $375. It would depend on which one felt best when I tried them (or held them) side by side.

All of those guns are reliable. Besides the Ruger LC9 they are all compact guns instead of sub-compact guns. I like the added weight and capacity. I really don't find guns in their size range to be hard to conceal. So, I would go with size, barrel length, and capacity over deep cover pocket guns if it was my first CC. They are much more enjoyable to shoot and that means you will practice more.
 
So what your saying is your life is only worth $400. Kind of reminds me of the people who buy 25k motorcycles and strap on a $50 helmet.

With the smart allic comments out of the way, there are lots of very good compact guns in the $400 price range. Mines a Glock G27 with nightsights and a Milt Sparks IWB holster. The package will set you back a few hundred more then your budget but you should be able to find a clean used one around that price.
 
Ruger LC9 or P95 depending on what size you need for CCW.

I'd recommend the Keltec Pf9 too, but they are not as reliable as the other name brands. (yes I own a PF9)
 
An SR9c Ruger. Feeds any and everything. Absolutely reliable. Quite accurate. Trigger's great on mine. Hides well in a Mitch Rosen owb holster with floppy t-shirt even on my rather robust form. Disappears when wearing a jacket or sport coat. Can be obtained for @ $399 or so shipped, from at least 2 internet sources as of this writing. Can't think of anything more.
 
In Texas, if you take your concealed weapons test with a
revolver, that will be all you can carry! I dont know why
they make the rules like that, but it is. If you take it with
an auto, then you can carry either. Crazy, huh? So, if you
live in Texas, try and find you an auto in your 400.00 price
range to take the test with.
 
I carry a Stoeger Cougar in 9mm. Cost me $399 on sale.

The Cougar is all metal and has a great feel to it (love the grip). It has all of Beretta's legendary reliability and accuracy, hasn't failed once yet. Has features and layout similar to the 92FS but in a much smaller package. It's as small or smaller than many other 9's and holds 16 rounds.

I'd go +1 on the SR9c if you can find it for 400, a little smaller and lighter than the Cougar (or look for the Compact Cougar if you can find it).
 
Last edited:
I find it interesting that we, myself included, say only $400.00.

Now to offer my two cents worth. Either a S&W J frame, a police/security trade in M- 10 or its stainless counter part. Saved the best for last look for a shooter grade M-19, believe me they are out there; last year I found a carried a lot shot a little M 19-3 for $250.00 + shipping and FFL.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top