Reliable, inexpensive carry option

C

cguedr

New member
I was wondering if any of you guys have an inexpensive pistol/revolver that you consider to be reliable...and actually reliable enough that you feel comfortable carrying on your person?
 
Older Charter Arms. I carried an Undercover for 20 yrs. in the swamps, took it swimming many times and a few times in quicksand. Gave it to an ex and she 'lost' it.
 
I had never even heard of the 52, and I have recently been looking at Charter Arms and read that the older ones seemed to be better produced. The area I'm at is pretty thin in gun availability, and I don't need to tell you how difficult it is to find easily concealable handguns right now.
 
Depending upon your budget and preferences, a used firearm (pistol or revolver) is an economical choice. For me, used firearms visit a qualified gun smith, just to ensure that everything is in order. Certified pre-owned is good, too (but more expensive).

Enjoy and safe shooting.
 
I agree, and I've been looking for something used, but the availability around here is pretty sparse, ESPECIALLY used handguns, and especially snubbie revolvers. I have a compact Baby Eagle, but I would like something that I could possibly toss in my pocket once summer rolls around and I'm wearing less clothing.
 
Here, you'll like this setup.

KelTec P11 9mm. Thin, light, holds 10+1 or 12+1 depending on magazine. The factory belt clip allows holster-less carry. They run about $250 new.

My friend 'confiscated' mine as she likes it's size.




BTW I had a CZ 52, definitely not safe for CC. Iffy decocker, brittle firing pin, overly powerful cartridge and no firing pin block if it ever gets dropped on the hammer. It's just an old, powerful heavy gun.
 
I consider the Glock a bit on the more expensive size. While I know some pistols are overly expensive, $500+, to me, is expensive.
Anyone think that the Kel-Tec is fairly reliable? The fact that it's a 9 would make it easier ammo-wise since the Baby Eagle is a 9mm.
 
Taurus Millenium Pro-just make sure it says "pro" on the slide somewhere,the pre-"pro" guns had some issues...A PA-63 is another good option,the only drawback is you'll probably have to buy ammo in bulk quantities as it is not common in a lot of areas,upside to that is you'll always have enough for a decent range trip without going to the store...CDNN has the PA-63 right now for just over $100...It uses 9X18 Makarov ammo,JG Sales has that in stock right now for $110/500rds...

Just my opinion,but you may find the CZ82 a bit large for pocket carry,PA-63 is a lot smaller...

A genuine Makarov pistol will run you between $200-$400 depending on country of manufacture...
 
Another vote for a CZ-82 or used S&W J frame. I carry a 1964 vintage M36 that I picked up for $225 last year. It is super reliable and accurate. If you want to go the pistol route a CZ82 loaded with 13 rounds of FMJ 9x18 should ruin some bad guys day!

I reccomend FMJ since I fall into the shot placement and penetration camp in the .380/9x18 or lower caliber.
 
I will agree with my brethren here. Older Charter Arms Undercovers can be had in the $200 range if you shop around. The CZ82 is a bargain if you an get the ones with at least two mags as extra mags can get pricey. The PA 63 in 9x18 Mak caliber are good choices although most have heavy trigger. CZ70s are popping up here and there for sub $200 in .32ACP, a bit heavy but durable guns. I have run across used Beretta 950s for less than $150 from time to time but it is only a .25acp, small and super reliable though.

Up the line a bit, and a bit bigger, the Sig P6 is a bargain in the 350 range as well as the RIA Basic 1911A1.

Oh, and there still may be some P1/P38 Walthers out there for around 300.
 
Not the cheapest, but much cheaper than most new, even "off brand," guns: I just paid $349.00 plus tax for this 3" Model-36-1.
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About a year ago I paid $200 for this Model 10-7. It is the top gun in the picture. I paid $250 for the five-screw.

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Used is the only way to buy. I bought all these guns from a local gun shop. You have to check regularly. I have a good friend at the shop who calls me when they get a "pinned" S&W in trade. As far as reliability, I feel more comfortable carrying any of these guns than I would any "new in the box" guns in the store.
 
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i've got a charter undercover and love it, and they can be had fairly inexpensive new or used. and the new ones, from all accounts, are as good as the originals.


the keltec p11 and similiar series is a good choice. i want to add one to the collection, just gotta have time, lol.


any older, ie: pre-lock, s&w you can find. pinned and recessed? even better! but they will start to climb the price scale. though i'll add every one i can afford.


ruger sp101 is a good choice, though they are a bit heavy. could be because they are built like mini tanks. i love my 3" in 327, just wish they made it in a shorter barrel length.
 
Plus 1 for the Kel-Tec P11, I've had one for years and because of it's size and weight, it always finds it's way into my pocket. I've run about 400 rounds through it and I'm satisfied with it's reliability.:cool:
 
I love my Kel-tec P11, carried it daily for several years and it is now my deep cover/backup carry. No matter what you pickup make sure you put enough rounds through it to trust it and make sure you put a few mags of your defense ammo you will carry through it (hollow points can have feeding issues in some semi-autos)... if you can find one cheap enough, a SW airweight revolver is the most reliable pocket carry I can think off... just one mans opion--I will say again I trust my life to my 200 dollar kel-tec. The new PF9 is even slimmer but will be at least 250...
 
I picked up an LCP this morning at a gun show. Looked at all the handguns on the table in the building. Other than really old guns by manufacturers I'd never heard of, this thing was one of the most inexpensive guns for what I was looking for. I know they're tough to get a hold of, so I didn't hold my breath, but there were 2 there. I've never seen any pf-9's ANYWHERE. Even the used S&W revolvers were about $340.
 
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