which inexpensive handgun should I get next?
- Thread starter tahunua001
- Start date
Jimbo-Indy
New member
Take a look at the Kahr "value series", models have a CT prefix. They come in 9mm, 40 and 45. I recently purchased a CT40 and am impressed. Trigger is very good for a double action only, striker fired pistol. I have always used revolvers or single action autos. The Kahr trigger is long and heavy but smooth. The heavy pull is at the beginning and lightens as it approaches the break, opposite of most striker fired guns. The only difference between the CT series and the more expensive TP models is that the CT has regular rifling rather than polygonal and the engraving on the slide is stamped instead of laser cut. Neither has any bearing on real world function. My CT40 was just a little over $300 out the door at a local shop.
It appears you have not found it yet with all the pistols you say you own.
Why are you keeping these pistols if they do not meeting your need or requirements?
I would think a person of average to better intelligence would stop searching for the needle in the haystack. Have you not learned yet?
It is time for you to sell off the pistols you are not happy with from scrimping on price. Sell them off, broaden your data base by raising your price range from the money you recouped. You can then go buy a Beretta or Sig Sauer in full size.
You sound like you want luxury car value out of a Fiat. Haven't you already learned you are wasting your valuable time and dollars?
I own some of the same pistols you mentioned and yes they were low priced, but I am not whining and crying about not owning a better pistol. I have paid more and obtained better pistols. Most of them used but still great pistols.
The only one of the low dollar pistols you mentioned I have been disappointed in was a new Bersa.
There is an old adage - you get what you pay for. I seldom see good quality firearms including law enforcement trade-ins having been used to one tenth their usefulness or to where they need to be refurbished.
My intent is not to bash you with this response. I am simply trying to open your and other's eyes. Many of you are searching for what will never make you happy. Life is just too short for such frivolous activities.
Why are you keeping these pistols if they do not meeting your need or requirements?
I would think a person of average to better intelligence would stop searching for the needle in the haystack. Have you not learned yet?
It is time for you to sell off the pistols you are not happy with from scrimping on price. Sell them off, broaden your data base by raising your price range from the money you recouped. You can then go buy a Beretta or Sig Sauer in full size.
You sound like you want luxury car value out of a Fiat. Haven't you already learned you are wasting your valuable time and dollars?
I own some of the same pistols you mentioned and yes they were low priced, but I am not whining and crying about not owning a better pistol. I have paid more and obtained better pistols. Most of them used but still great pistols.
The only one of the low dollar pistols you mentioned I have been disappointed in was a new Bersa.
There is an old adage - you get what you pay for. I seldom see good quality firearms including law enforcement trade-ins having been used to one tenth their usefulness or to where they need to be refurbished.
My intent is not to bash you with this response. I am simply trying to open your and other's eyes. Many of you are searching for what will never make you happy. Life is just too short for such frivolous activities.
Cheapshooter
New member
One quick example without searching through websites, and sakes ads.
The Remington R51 I bought at Gander Mountain just a couple days ago. With their $25 off on a purchase over $100 it came to $404. But GM is a little high on prices. Other sellers have better orices, but with GM credit card rewards points, gift cards for Christmas, and loose change that I save up, and turn into paper I think I took fifteen bucks out of my wallet for the purchase. So that beat any price anywhere.
Although not in line with this thread on the semi-auto forum, my next Gander Mountain "freebee" (or close to it) will be a near $300 EAA Windicator 357 snubbie.
I see Tristar T-120 listed on a lot of sites for enough under $400 to co er shipping, and FFL transfer. They have been getting great reviews. Definitely good guns.
Maybe there aren't any gun snob approved guns out there for the $400 buyer, but there are guns that do function well, and are accurate in that range. You just aren't going to impress anyone with how much you spend on your guns if you buy one.
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tahunua001
New member
not sure who exactly Lamar is addressing with his sage advice, but personally I'm not looking for happiness in a handgun, nor am I whining about the handguns I own. all of them fill a need, except for two, both of which are currently on the chopping block to fund more guns. to me the trip is just as important as the destination, destination being personal experience. the old adage, "a bad day fishing is better than a good day at the office" holds true for me and I would much rather spend a day at the range shooting a junky handgun than not going to the range at all. I also indulge in very few vices anymore, I figure that the $75 dollars I drop every 6 months by buying and subsequently reselling a bad handgun is far better spent than if I spend $90 a month on coffee, $200 on bar tabs, and $600 on gadgets for my truck.
Cheapshooter
New member
tahunua01, the only flaw in your thinking is the selling part.
But I guess if that is what is needed to fund the next purchase, that's what ya gotta do.
I do like my system of using credit cards from places like BPS, Cabela's, and Gaender Mountain with the rewards points. The major secret of success in this approach, you absolutely have to pay off your balance every month. If not, interest eats up more than the value of the points. Also watch out for places that charge extra if you use a credit card.
But I guess if that is what is needed to fund the next purchase, that's what ya gotta do.
I do like my system of using credit cards from places like BPS, Cabela's, and Gaender Mountain with the rewards points. The major secret of success in this approach, you absolutely have to pay off your balance every month. If not, interest eats up more than the value of the points. Also watch out for places that charge extra if you use a credit card.
Here's a huge list. I hope you appreciate it. Good thing I can type real fast.
Last year I had the good fortune to sell off some odd ball guns for a nice chunk of change. I took the opportunity to buy a investment gun or two or buy a ton of Quality entry level pistols. I like shooting, Its my only real hobby other than reloading so I decided to go for the latter. One thing I have found out is that you never really loose any money on cheaper guns. They almost always sell for what you have in them. If you get lucky sometimes those $99 guns turn into $375 guns ala Nagant revolvers.
So here is what I have purchased as far as $300 ish pistols in the last year or so. These are new and used so keep that in mind. I'll start with new first.
My favorites so far in no particular order are.
The Sarb6p full size. LOVE IT...Like a extension of my arms. Uber inexpensive and a great quality 9mm. Unbelievable value.
EAA witness in 9mm. $275 on Gunbroker. Essentially the same gun as the B6p FS Uses same mags and has a rail under it. This one is in FDE ish... No problems and is a great quality handgun. Amazing what you can get for $275. Points just like the SAR B6p and is super quick on the plates. I run this and the SAR a bunch.. Never ANY issues.
The Taurus 840 full size. I have had absolutely no trouble with this pistol and I have ran it's ass off. Love the backstrap interchangeability. Have maybe 2k through it all hand loads. Not a huge Fan of the 40 but I Have a few glocks in 40 and the Wife has a 40s&w carbine so I reload for it. I liked it after shooting it and bought it on the spot.
The Taurus 809 full size in FDE. Bought it because I liked the pt840 so much.
Got this one in FDE Same great features as my 840 and easier on my wrist's.
S&W sdve9 bought it on a whim for $250 at local Fun store when they ran a sale. I put it on layaway so what the heck. Its been a excellent pistol. Great quality. People gripe about the trigger but I love it. Cheap.... quality...and fun.
Zastava Ez9 in 9mm. Plasticy feeling grips is my only complaint. I bought Tillander grips for it in FAUX wood. Like them a lot better. Mags used to be a issue but I have found Beretta mags fit with simple modifications. The pistol is a runner and is very nice to shoot and has a fantastic trigger. Looks Like a Sig but it isn't but it runs almost as nice.
Used guns.
Zastava cz99 military Surplus from cdi sale sales on Gun Broker. I bought this because I liked my New production ez9 variant of this cz99 design. Gun was well used and looked like warmed over death finish wise only. These are imported with new chrome lined barrels and new springs. Gun felt like new and shot like new with a buttah smooth trigger. I could care less about the finish. They are $200-$230 all day long and are a proven military sidearm. I may or may not ceracoat it at a later date. Zombies coming? Grab the cz99!
FEG Hipower clone also from cdi sales. $275 and was well used. Its a true BHP clone and all parts for the BHP fit it. It was also a used military sidearm and had a decent repark job on it. Runs just like my $1200 BHP. Very nice slim gun for carry.
IMI Jericho 941FL from CDI Sales. $325. Gun looked well worn but was in damn near perfect running shape. Very nice gun It's a big'n and runs great. Really had to clean it out though. Glass beaded the slide and painted it high temp flat black and baked it. Looks damn near new now.
CZ-83 $235 also from CDI Sales on Gunbroker. Its .380 it was well used. Needed a magazine and a recoil spring. I carry it some times. Its a sweet little shooter but isnt like a mini pocket gun. Great quality pistol. Wife Likes it as well so thats a huge plus. Sometimes she lets me even shoot it.
Star Model B in 9mm $245 from Robertsons trading post on Gunbroker.
Its similar to the 1911 in looks. Mags are easy to come by and it ran really well after a good scrubbing. I'll probably reblue this one with the Root killer method people are having good luck with. Hope I don't wreck it.
Ruger p89 ex police duty pistol from Freestate arms on GB. I literally paid $145 shipped for this gun. It was Nasty and beat up. Had blued slide. I tore the gun down to parts and stripped and repainted the Aluminum frame and glass beaded the stripped slide. I Polished the machined parts of the slide and clear coated it. Ruger sent me a new guide rod and recoil spring for free. Ruger rocks. You would be hard pressed to tell it from new and its a Big ASS Dream of a tank to shoot. New shooters LOVE it. I have MAYBE $175 in it all and that includes several surplus 15 round mags.
Beretta 92S from Robertsons trading post on Gunbroker. $289.......$289 of silky smooth broken in Beretta glory. This also had a bad finish on it but no gouges or scratches. I am going to strip it and have it ceracoated black when funds come available but it is so sweet to shoot. Can't believe these are so cheap!
(Bought this below for the wife because she just had to have it.)
$285 Vintage Taurus pt58 all stainless from a GB seller who didn't know what he had. It's .380 and is about the same size as the beretta 92 compact. 13 round magazines and a polished frame and polished stainless steel slide and barrel. New stained wood grips from Taurus set it off nicely. I had to set my Dillon XL650 up for this one because the wife shoots it so much. I run a 95gr Hitek coated Bullet over mid grain loading of titegroup for her. Its fun to shoot for a .380. You'd be hard pressed to find this one for under $350. They hold their value really well. Sometimes Freestate arms get's older imported ones for $300 but they are well used. Get one if you can anyway.
ATI 92sc Compact Beretta clone. $300 on Gunbroker used. (probably shot once or twice). Its a MKE Turkish Beretta copy and is a faithful copy of the Beretta. Beretta surplus mags are super cheap and they all fit and function in this gun. It takes Beretta grips as well. This gun is still being produced by MKE and is sold Under the Chiappa brand and is now $400+.
CZ-52. Years ago these were $150 pistols and ammo was abundant. I Already had a stock pile of the ammo and since I sold my Tokarevs I needed something to shoot it all. I paid $275 for it with two mags, a surplus holster and a cleaning rod. These are only going up in price so if you want one.... get one. The round is Snappy and Loud. Feels like a real piece of history in your hands and they are fun to shoot.
Gen 2 Glock 22 in 40s&w. $275 from a Dealer on Gunbroker ( I see some for $275 on there right now! Even some Gen 3's for $300) My Gen2 22 came with 2 mags and dead night sites. Its the older not so greatly supported chambered Glock 22 that jacks up the brass and gives it that Glock smile. It had all the upgraded parts in it from their police armorer. I bought a 9mm wolf barrel for it and surplus 9mm Glock mags. It was well worn but.......It's a Glock. It runs as you would think. Perfect! Who needs a rail and finger grooves anyhow.
Last but not least......Here it comes....
A $75 Hi-Point c9 I found well used at a pawn shop. It was BEAT and BEAT badly. The slide had almost no finish and the rear sight was broken. It needed tore down and cleaned as well. I noticed the firing pin and springs were wore out. I Called HP and asked to purchase the needed parts and they asked to have the gun sent back apart or together it didn't matter. They sent a Call tag for it and I Sent it off. The gun came back 2.5 weeks later and was by all accounts a brand new pistol. New barrel, New or refinished slide, New internals...Hell the frame even looked new. (Had same ser#?) They also sent two new mags without even asking for them . I did the feed ramp buff job everyone talks about and proceeded to run a astronomical amount of 125gr LCN over a max charge of 4.0gr of titegroup all year long. The gun has ran perfect save for having a bad magazine that was easily fixed with a pair of pliers to adjust the feed lips. Its Ugly as F but it'll hit the plates with no problems and eats Hot ammo like no issue. Its just a plinker but for $75 and the outstanding service I got from Hi-Point I wouldn't leave it off the list.
So there... that's what I bought. I could have bought one or two investment guns I would never shoot but where's the fun in that?. Speaking of investments.. I could sell anyone of these at any time and probably make more money than I had in them. Even if I broke even...where's the loss?
Don't discredit USED Surplus Military and police pistols. I did for years and it was a mistake. like many will tell you.. Most are handled a lot but shot little.
Good luck and make sure to tell us what you get!
Last year I had the good fortune to sell off some odd ball guns for a nice chunk of change. I took the opportunity to buy a investment gun or two or buy a ton of Quality entry level pistols. I like shooting, Its my only real hobby other than reloading so I decided to go for the latter. One thing I have found out is that you never really loose any money on cheaper guns. They almost always sell for what you have in them. If you get lucky sometimes those $99 guns turn into $375 guns ala Nagant revolvers.
So here is what I have purchased as far as $300 ish pistols in the last year or so. These are new and used so keep that in mind. I'll start with new first.
My favorites so far in no particular order are.
The Sarb6p full size. LOVE IT...Like a extension of my arms. Uber inexpensive and a great quality 9mm. Unbelievable value.
EAA witness in 9mm. $275 on Gunbroker. Essentially the same gun as the B6p FS Uses same mags and has a rail under it. This one is in FDE ish... No problems and is a great quality handgun. Amazing what you can get for $275. Points just like the SAR B6p and is super quick on the plates. I run this and the SAR a bunch.. Never ANY issues.
The Taurus 840 full size. I have had absolutely no trouble with this pistol and I have ran it's ass off. Love the backstrap interchangeability. Have maybe 2k through it all hand loads. Not a huge Fan of the 40 but I Have a few glocks in 40 and the Wife has a 40s&w carbine so I reload for it. I liked it after shooting it and bought it on the spot.
The Taurus 809 full size in FDE. Bought it because I liked the pt840 so much.
Got this one in FDE Same great features as my 840 and easier on my wrist's.
S&W sdve9 bought it on a whim for $250 at local Fun store when they ran a sale. I put it on layaway so what the heck. Its been a excellent pistol. Great quality. People gripe about the trigger but I love it. Cheap.... quality...and fun.
Zastava Ez9 in 9mm. Plasticy feeling grips is my only complaint. I bought Tillander grips for it in FAUX wood. Like them a lot better. Mags used to be a issue but I have found Beretta mags fit with simple modifications. The pistol is a runner and is very nice to shoot and has a fantastic trigger. Looks Like a Sig but it isn't but it runs almost as nice.
Used guns.
Zastava cz99 military Surplus from cdi sale sales on Gun Broker. I bought this because I liked my New production ez9 variant of this cz99 design. Gun was well used and looked like warmed over death finish wise only. These are imported with new chrome lined barrels and new springs. Gun felt like new and shot like new with a buttah smooth trigger. I could care less about the finish. They are $200-$230 all day long and are a proven military sidearm. I may or may not ceracoat it at a later date. Zombies coming? Grab the cz99!
FEG Hipower clone also from cdi sales. $275 and was well used. Its a true BHP clone and all parts for the BHP fit it. It was also a used military sidearm and had a decent repark job on it. Runs just like my $1200 BHP. Very nice slim gun for carry.
IMI Jericho 941FL from CDI Sales. $325. Gun looked well worn but was in damn near perfect running shape. Very nice gun It's a big'n and runs great. Really had to clean it out though. Glass beaded the slide and painted it high temp flat black and baked it. Looks damn near new now.
CZ-83 $235 also from CDI Sales on Gunbroker. Its .380 it was well used. Needed a magazine and a recoil spring. I carry it some times. Its a sweet little shooter but isnt like a mini pocket gun. Great quality pistol. Wife Likes it as well so thats a huge plus. Sometimes she lets me even shoot it.
Star Model B in 9mm $245 from Robertsons trading post on Gunbroker.
Its similar to the 1911 in looks. Mags are easy to come by and it ran really well after a good scrubbing. I'll probably reblue this one with the Root killer method people are having good luck with. Hope I don't wreck it.
Ruger p89 ex police duty pistol from Freestate arms on GB. I literally paid $145 shipped for this gun. It was Nasty and beat up. Had blued slide. I tore the gun down to parts and stripped and repainted the Aluminum frame and glass beaded the stripped slide. I Polished the machined parts of the slide and clear coated it. Ruger sent me a new guide rod and recoil spring for free. Ruger rocks. You would be hard pressed to tell it from new and its a Big ASS Dream of a tank to shoot. New shooters LOVE it. I have MAYBE $175 in it all and that includes several surplus 15 round mags.
Beretta 92S from Robertsons trading post on Gunbroker. $289.......$289 of silky smooth broken in Beretta glory. This also had a bad finish on it but no gouges or scratches. I am going to strip it and have it ceracoated black when funds come available but it is so sweet to shoot. Can't believe these are so cheap!
(Bought this below for the wife because she just had to have it.)
$285 Vintage Taurus pt58 all stainless from a GB seller who didn't know what he had. It's .380 and is about the same size as the beretta 92 compact. 13 round magazines and a polished frame and polished stainless steel slide and barrel. New stained wood grips from Taurus set it off nicely. I had to set my Dillon XL650 up for this one because the wife shoots it so much. I run a 95gr Hitek coated Bullet over mid grain loading of titegroup for her. Its fun to shoot for a .380. You'd be hard pressed to find this one for under $350. They hold their value really well. Sometimes Freestate arms get's older imported ones for $300 but they are well used. Get one if you can anyway.
ATI 92sc Compact Beretta clone. $300 on Gunbroker used. (probably shot once or twice). Its a MKE Turkish Beretta copy and is a faithful copy of the Beretta. Beretta surplus mags are super cheap and they all fit and function in this gun. It takes Beretta grips as well. This gun is still being produced by MKE and is sold Under the Chiappa brand and is now $400+.
CZ-52. Years ago these were $150 pistols and ammo was abundant. I Already had a stock pile of the ammo and since I sold my Tokarevs I needed something to shoot it all. I paid $275 for it with two mags, a surplus holster and a cleaning rod. These are only going up in price so if you want one.... get one. The round is Snappy and Loud. Feels like a real piece of history in your hands and they are fun to shoot.
Gen 2 Glock 22 in 40s&w. $275 from a Dealer on Gunbroker ( I see some for $275 on there right now! Even some Gen 3's for $300) My Gen2 22 came with 2 mags and dead night sites. Its the older not so greatly supported chambered Glock 22 that jacks up the brass and gives it that Glock smile. It had all the upgraded parts in it from their police armorer. I bought a 9mm wolf barrel for it and surplus 9mm Glock mags. It was well worn but.......It's a Glock. It runs as you would think. Perfect! Who needs a rail and finger grooves anyhow.
Last but not least......Here it comes....
A $75 Hi-Point c9 I found well used at a pawn shop. It was BEAT and BEAT badly. The slide had almost no finish and the rear sight was broken. It needed tore down and cleaned as well. I noticed the firing pin and springs were wore out. I Called HP and asked to purchase the needed parts and they asked to have the gun sent back apart or together it didn't matter. They sent a Call tag for it and I Sent it off. The gun came back 2.5 weeks later and was by all accounts a brand new pistol. New barrel, New or refinished slide, New internals...Hell the frame even looked new. (Had same ser#?) They also sent two new mags without even asking for them . I did the feed ramp buff job everyone talks about and proceeded to run a astronomical amount of 125gr LCN over a max charge of 4.0gr of titegroup all year long. The gun has ran perfect save for having a bad magazine that was easily fixed with a pair of pliers to adjust the feed lips. Its Ugly as F but it'll hit the plates with no problems and eats Hot ammo like no issue. Its just a plinker but for $75 and the outstanding service I got from Hi-Point I wouldn't leave it off the list.
So there... that's what I bought. I could have bought one or two investment guns I would never shoot but where's the fun in that?. Speaking of investments.. I could sell anyone of these at any time and probably make more money than I had in them. Even if I broke even...where's the loss?
Don't discredit USED Surplus Military and police pistols. I did for years and it was a mistake. like many will tell you.. Most are handled a lot but shot little.
Good luck and make sure to tell us what you get!
HistoryJunky
New member
Arcus 98DAC
I used to own one of these. I only sold it because I was hard up for cash. It is a Bulgarian 9mm police pistol that is loosely based on the BHP. It is DA/SA, all steel, and takes readily available BHP magazines.
Easy to shoot, accurate. I think they can still be had for around $300. Classic Firearms usually has them in stock.
I used to own one of these. I only sold it because I was hard up for cash. It is a Bulgarian 9mm police pistol that is loosely based on the BHP. It is DA/SA, all steel, and takes readily available BHP magazines.
Easy to shoot, accurate. I think they can still be had for around $300. Classic Firearms usually has them in stock.
400.00 is enough to get a good used Glock 19,26,23,27 or even a 30 .. Or same can be said with alot of the S&W M&P , or XD models .. On Gunbroker I have alot of luck with high quality used pistols ..
But if you want new lesser priced quality pistols , the S&W SD series are fine pistols ...Taurus PT809 , PT111 are great choices also ..
I have several quality lesser priced pistols
SD40VE 235 new, GB
PT111 G2. 189.00 new ,GB
PT145 300.00 as new ,forum
PT845. 285.00. As new GB
PT738. 189.00. New LGS
PT709. 200.00 New GB
All great pistols
But if you want new lesser priced quality pistols , the S&W SD series are fine pistols ...Taurus PT809 , PT111 are great choices also ..
I have several quality lesser priced pistols
SD40VE 235 new, GB
PT111 G2. 189.00 new ,GB
PT145 300.00 as new ,forum
PT845. 285.00. As new GB
PT738. 189.00. New LGS
PT709. 200.00 New GB
All great pistols
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Such a funny social experiment this conversation. First the OP states he WANTS a cheap gun, then people try to convince him he should spend more money on a gun like say an XD, which started life as.......a cheap gun.
The man obviously knows what's out there, knows what he wants, stop trying to make his mind up for him. Not all guns need to come with an high advertising budget to be fun to own and shoot.
I have $2000 ARs etc but one of my favorite guns is my $90 20ga single shot, guess I should have "saved up a few hunerd more dollars" and bought a blah blah blah.
The man obviously knows what's out there, knows what he wants, stop trying to make his mind up for him. Not all guns need to come with an high advertising budget to be fun to own and shoot.
I have $2000 ARs etc but one of my favorite guns is my $90 20ga single shot, guess I should have "saved up a few hunerd more dollars" and bought a blah blah blah.
I probably can't type as quickly as Bryco, but my experiences are similar.
EAA Witness - mine is the old-fashioned kind that is a CZ75 clone.
Chinese Tokarev in 9mm
FEG High Power clone
CZ83
Star Super B
Beretta 92
I got the Berettta 84 instead of the Taurus PT58.
I am also a big fan of military surplus and CDI Sales. All of the above pistols were bought used for between $200 and $330. All of them function well. All of them are sturdy service pistols that will doubtless last longer than I will.
If the OP prefers brand-new pistols, that's fine. My experiences with used service pistols have been very positive.
EAA Witness - mine is the old-fashioned kind that is a CZ75 clone.
Chinese Tokarev in 9mm
FEG High Power clone
CZ83
Star Super B
Beretta 92
I got the Berettta 84 instead of the Taurus PT58.
I am also a big fan of military surplus and CDI Sales. All of the above pistols were bought used for between $200 and $330. All of them function well. All of them are sturdy service pistols that will doubtless last longer than I will.
If the OP prefers brand-new pistols, that's fine. My experiences with used service pistols have been very positive.
scoobysnacker
New member
Tallball, I have been looking at those Beretta 84 deals for awhile now, and the only reason I've been able to resist is caliber.
I have 5 guns in 9x18, none in .380, and I like to shoot what I own. So every time I see one really cheap, no matter how nice it seems, I go pick up my CZ 82 and hold it until the urge passes.
But I still pause and hover over those listings...