what's out there for cheap but reliable pieces?

T

tahunua001

New member
hello all,
I have a bit of a nasty reputation as a guy constantly looking for cheap handguns that one could theoretically use as a defense piece. I do this mostly out of curiosity, but also sort of as a public service so that if I can, I can prevent someone else from wasting money on a possible bad handgun, or offer suggestions that might be overlooked due to the price point. I am looking mostly at handguns under $300 retail, used handguns are too iffy/questionable for my liking and so I never recommend them and aren't relevant to this query.

in the past I've purchased 2 Caniks, an Arcus 98DA, a SCCY CPX2, and Ruger 9E, all between the price of $180 and $300. firearms I've considered but due to the number of negative reviews and/or malfunctions witnessed, have been nixed from consideration are the Diamonband DB9FS, FMK 9C1, and Taurus millenium G2. firearms I will not consider based on personal prejudice, ergonomic incompatibility, or other reasons are anything made by Keltec or Hi point, and anything used.

with that said. anything else is fair game. what is out there that might be worth looking into. please lets avoid turning this into a "don't trust your life to cheap stuff" thread. there are plenty where that came from. if you don't like it, don't post.
 
I've been impressed with both the Ruger SR9 and LC9s. I can get the LC9s for $299 OTD. The SR9 probably won't quite make the $300 limit, but should be close.
 
Right now Ruger LCPs are really cheap at a lot of places. Something like $169 plus transfer fee if you don't have a FFL. I think some places are ncluding shipping.
 
Used Glock 27 or 26. 27 more so. Many buy them and realize they cannot shoot them. I picked up a Gen4 27 2 years ago - $300. Still had the bronze grease on it. Can't beat it for reliability.
 
Zastava M70a is in your price range .... it works.

I like the original TT-33's in 7.62x25 better, but HP ammo is not cheap.
 
Charter Arms Bulldog 44 special comes to mind used (don't know if they came in other calibers let alone still made.)

Not pretty but it always fired and easily good to 25 yards.
 
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I've seen the security 9 but was a little underwhelmed by the features and looks. then again if they can keep them in the same ballpark as the 9e that might be an option for me to consider.

keep them coming guys... I see there are still people not reading the entire post but that's to be expected.
 
The compact version of your Arcus, the 98DAC is a good one. I owned one for a couple years. It is very reliable and quite accurate.

It takes standard BHP magazines as well.

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk
 
I usually don't go with revolvers for several reasons but suffice it to say... no not really.
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Armscor, by Rock Island Armory are decent, low cost wheel guns quite a bit under your target price. The EAA Windicator 357 Magnum is a solid revolver for just a bit over $300.
Just a couple thoughts.:D
 
For a new gun, I agree that the Walther Creed is the best value that I know of anyway. But over the holidays I saw a nice Gen3 Glock 22 at an LGS back in PA for $200, I would have bought it if not for the fact that I picked up a LNIB Sig P239 SAS Gen2 9mm for $550.00 from the same used gun case.
 
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