Inexpensive handgun

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old fart

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I am in need of a handgun, I have a 12 gauge home defense shotgun but need something to carry around while at my home and taking walks in the woods or just down the road. I don't need to conceal it, even tho I can while on my property without a permit, I'll be open carrying most times. the gun has to be $300 or less, I don't have anymore to put with it. saving is done for a while so please just let me know of anything that is decent for that price. i prefer a revolver but can't be picky at this point on an auto or derringer. any caliber from 22 and up, thanks for any help
 
A quality used gun might be the best option but if your leaning more towards something new I would consider a EAA Windicator for a revolver and a .380 Bersa Thunder for a auto, both are in your price range and are well built firearms.
 
A few off the top of my head.
22 revolver, Heritage Rough Rider. They are single action(say cowboy gun) revolver. Various barrel lengths, and frame designs available.
Usually can be found in the $200 range.
http://heritagemfg.com/product_listing.cfm?cat_id=2

22 Semi-auto, Beretta Neos. If you can get past the Buck Rodgers squirt gun look! Personally, I can't
http://www.berettausa.com/neos/

Ruger or Browning Buckmark used. New models will run you another fifty bucks or so.

If two legged critters are your worry, for something low cost, but with centerfie power. The King of reliable, low cost centerfire autoloaders. Hi-Point. C9 in 9MM(+P rated). JCP in 40 S&W, or JHP in 45ACP. All three are usually priced under $200.
http://www.hi-pointfirearms.com/handguns/default.html

For a tiny pocket carry 22 semi-auto. Taurus PT22 Poly. 8+1 22 semi-final with easy tip barrel loading negating racking the slide. Again, around the $200 mark if you check around.
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=695&category=Pistol&toggle=tp&breadcrumbseries=SF1

For a little more bang in a pocket pistol, Kel Tec P3AT in 380ACP usually run a bit under $300, and the Ruger version, the LCP can be found on sale for right at three bills.
http://www.keltecweapons.com/our-guns/p-3at/pistol/
http://www.ruger.com/products/lcp/models.html
 
I am in need of a handgun, I have a 12 gauge home defense shotgun but need something to carry around while at my home and taking walks in the woods or just down the road. I don't need to conceal it, even tho I can while on my property without a permit, I'll be open carrying most times. the gun has to be $300 or less, I don't have anymore to put with it. saving is done for a while so please just let me know of anything that is decent for that price. i prefer a revolver but can't be picky at this point on an auto or derringer. any caliber from 22 and up, thanks for any help
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$300 or less.

Stuff I've had good luck with:

Surplus CZ-82 or Makarov. Kel Tec PF9, possibly.

Revolver -- Look for Jim March's revolver checkout document, stickied somewhere here. I have had good luck with a current production Charter Undercover, that you might be able to find for that price. It took a trip back to Shelton CT before it was all good, on their dime, and back pretty promptly.

Pass on any derringer.

.22 -- you might find a used Ruger Mark I or II for that price, or a 22/45.
 
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Taurus PT738 TCP .380 ACP is sold around here for $200. I didn't expect much but so far it seems to be a really good gun. Made in USA and for better or worse its tiny.
 
Can you put that $300 into a layaway deposit on something and come up with maybe another $200 in 90 days or so? If so, you can be well into the price range of some of the "standards". Getting a 1st gen Springfield XD, for example, is not too hard and in my area often runs around $425. If you put down your $300 in layaway, you could pay off the rest pretty easy. It's how I get most of my guns. When you see me say on here that I'll be bringing home a (some type of gun) in a month or two, you can bet I either have it on layaway or am waiting for the next gun show. :)

EDIT: I know some people will scoff at the idea, but have you considered selling the shotgun to finance a quality handgun? It could be an option.
 
I would go with a Ruger P-series. I know there not made new anymore but a P89 or P90 is easily attainable for under $300. And if you do a little looking you should be able to find a P95 at that price point, though I prefer the alloy frame versions.
 
An Armscor M200 or M206 is in your budget range and can be bought new with a lifetime warranty.

http://ezine.m1911.org/showthread.php?140-Armscor-M200-Series-Revolver-Review

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Disclaimer: I bought an M200 before that review came out. It was intended for my wife, when she expressed an interest in learning to shoot. Then she changed her mind, so ... I kept the gun. I can't replace it with anything of comparable quality for near the same money. Since I bought mine, I have read nothing but positive reviews of these guns.
 

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Look for a S&W 5906 9mm. Once the choice of law enforcement there's many good used ones in your price range. Very, very solid guns.
 
Hi Point or SCCY

If looks are not overly important, SCCY makes 9mm and Hi Point makes .40, .45, and 9mm. All shoot well and are not very expensive.
 
I will end up repeating a few but there are good options out there for you. A number of used Ruger pistols and revolvers that will fit your criteria, there are new and used kel-tec pistols in that range also. Also mentioned earlier the S&W 59xx series (used) and I think a Sigma series might be found under $300 used. Oh the S&W bodyguard 380 might be had also. Almost any Tuarus used would fit the bill too. My choice would be the 59xx series but if you want to mount a weapon light I'd go a different route.
 
I've owned 3 Kel-tec P-11's over the years. They look a little rough around the edges, and have a very long trigger pull. That being said, all three were 100% reliable (I can't say the same about the 2 PF-9's I've owned). I'm sure you can find one new for under $300.
 
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