Good Quality, Cheap Handgun

[Computergeek]

Hello!
I was wondering if there was a good, reliable semi auto handgun that is under $500, preferably under $400. NO HI-POINTS! I am a gun snob, thanks to Eric Shelton, and I can't even legally own firearms. I am just wondering. I am new, so go easy on me :-)
Also, I am in love with the Mossberg 590 tactical shotgun in 12 gauge. Is there anything that might dissuade me from buying this?
Thanks,
Steven

[MHarvey124]

Quality and cheap do not mix. Period. If you cannot afford quality right now save up for later.

Second, what's up with the comment stating you cannot legally own a firearm? Are you a prohibited person or are you just underage?

My recommendations on a semi-auto would be a Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P, or a Springfield XD. All are fantastic and have great reputations.

[Eric R Shelton]

Geek, your statement about not being allowed to own one is disconcerting- more info please.

For purely academic discussion, however?  A Smith & Wesson Sigma (SW9VE) isn't a "nice" gun, but it functions, and can be had for about $300.  Just keep in mind that finding holsters and what-not for them afterward can be a bear.  Rugers are a little more affordable and reliable.  A surplus Sig P6/225 is a single stack 9mm, so limited magazine capacity, but very nice, and still can be had for around $350 (I think) if you can find one.

I'll also point out that an annual membership to the GSSF (Glock Shooting Sports Foundation) costs $35 per year, and will get you one LE priced Glock per year, I believe.  That was $399 before tax for me, with an extra magazine (cost of the GSSF membership?), and is an awesome way to go.

Keep in mind, used guns are always an option, too.

[Computergeek]

Geek, your statement about not being allowed to own one is disconcerting- more info please.

For purely academic discussion, however?  A Smith & Wesson Sigma (SW9VE) isn't a "nice" gun, but it functions, and can be had for about $300.  Just keep in mind that finding holsters and what-not for them afterward can be a bear.  Rugers are a little more affordable and reliable.  A surplus Sig P6/225 is a single stack 9mm, so limited magazine capacity, but very nice, and still can be had for around $350 (I think) if you can find one.

I'll also point out that an annual membership to the GSSF (Glock Shooting Sports Foundation) costs $35 per year, and will get you one LE priced Glock per year, I believe.  That was $399 before tax for me, with an extra magazine (cost of the GSSF membership?), and is an awesome way to go.

Keep in mind, used guns are always an option, too.

Eric,
I'm 14. OK. by the way, im a gun dudes fan 

[James O.]

Eric,
I'm 14. OK. by the way, im a gun dudes fan 

I think you have a couple years to save up for the "snob" gun.

I've picked up a couple "nice" used guns that were barely broken in for under $400, just be sure it operates properly.
And I agree, a Ruger or Smith on the "low" end is a great option.

[lee n. field]

Eric,
I'm 14.

By the time you're 21, things could be quite different.  1) if McDonald comes down right, a lot could change.  2) Financial SHTF.

I was wondering if there was a good, reliable semi auto handgun that is under $500, preferably under $400. NO HI-POINTS! I am a gun snob, thanks to Eric Shelton, and I can't even legally own firearms.

I assume you've been listening to Eric's podcast.  Go back and review the ones on "accessories vs. ancilliary gear", and "good enough".  He speaks good sense.

More or less from the bottom dollar up: Makarov, CZ-82, various other commie milsurp while they may still be had, S&W Sigma, Ruger P series, CZ, Taurus, Tanfolglio.  Armscor under several names.  I'm sure there are others.

[Jkwas]

The Sigma and the Ruger P95 can both be had for under $400 out the door and are excellent entry level hanguns.  Magazines are also cheap and plentiful, and many inexpensive holsters are available also.  It really depends on what you're after.  I also have several Taurus handguns that have been very good, just make sure the dealer stands behind what he sells and will take care of any problems that might show up.

[Aaron L]

A friend just bought a Taurus PT-140 Millennium Pro (.40 cal) and we shot it today and I must say it shoots pretty nice. It's got a good trigger pull and short trigger reset. He picked it up for around $400. As far as I know Taurus comes with a lifetime warranty also.

[Jkwas]

I also have a Taurus Millenium Pt111 for about 4yrs now.  After over one thousand rounds it's still perfect and has never had an issue.  It's my bedside gun, and I have Rugers and Smiths to choose from.

[Aaron L]

I also have a Taurus Millenium Pt111 for about 4yrs now.  After over one thousand rounds it's still perfect and has never had an issue.  It's my bedside gun, and I have Rugers and Smiths to choose from.

Yeah I was impressed and how nice it shot. Now he can finally get rid of his Hi-point. 

[Zeus]

The best under $500 hanguns I have personally seen new are the SIG SP2022 or the Steyr M9. CDNN sports and Buds once had both for under $400. The SIG was intended to challenge the Glock for polymer frame gun contracts. It never caught on initially because of the prejudice to "tactical tupperware" guns. Now they are selling faster. They come with 2 15rnd mags and tritium night sights included and have one of the best SA/DA triggers around although the DA trigger is very long pull. The Steyr was built by a Glock partner that wanted to design a different gun but Glock said no way. He left and Designed the Steyr M series of guns which many say are superior to Glock and rival HK for about 1/3 the price. I have been searching for one in 357 SIG for a while. Glocks are a dime a dozen and you can find one for under $500 once in a while. We all know their story. Reliable, cheap mags and so on. Good luck on the search.

[Zeus]

I suggest your Dad buy you one now and save it for you. Pay him on it if he wants little by little. If you wait, by the time your 18 a decent pistol will cost 1 1/2 to 2 time what they are now due to inflation of the dollar which is imminent. That XBOX or PS3 can wait. It will only depreciate. A good gun will last a lifetime. If I had known what I know now I would have had my dad by about 10 different firearms as I paid him in high school and I would be sitting pretty right now. FAL's and HK91's were selling for $300 when I was a kid. Look at them now. Here's a link if your interested-    http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_28/products_id/14902

[Kevin]

For my anniversary about 2 months ago, my wife bought me a Gen 3 Glock 17 with Trijicon night sights that was an LEO turn in for 385 bucks. The gun looks like it hasn't had 500 rounds through it. I got tenth out of 140 shooters in the GSSF shoot in Orlando with it, and shot most accurate with it my first time in SSP in an IDPA match.
Heck of a nice gun for under 400 clams. Look around for deals, they're out there. The more you get involved with the shooting community, the more deals you'll find. Keep your eyes open, make lots of friends, and have cash ready. Gun guys are always looking to sell something to buy something else. Well, some of us are, anyways... Gail from Pro-Arms calls us "Gun Sluts"..
-Kevin, Queen of the Gun Sluts....

[Christopher Burg]

A Hungarian FEG PA-63 comes in at under $200.00 and is a very reliable pistol overall.  It fires the somewhat anemic 9x18 Makarov but ammunition is cheap and pretty easy to find.  Overall it's a Walther PPK clone that actually feed ammunition reliably (I've never had luck with any PPK I've held).  I highly recommend it for an inexpensive gun that is good enough to carry.

[Monkey]

Used Police glocks are not a bad way to go at all. (IMHO) I am picking one up next month. It is a Glock 22 and is going to run me less than $350. The gun has been shot twice and never carried. Our local department bought a bunch of them and then switched to 9mm Sigs less than two months later. My friend's dad (local sheriff) bought a bunch and is now selling them. I dont know if you would be able to find something like that but just keep an eye out. Also gun shows are not too bad.. but with that said know what your looking for. Know enough about the firearm you want so you can ask good questions about it. There are shady people out there that can try to get something out of you if you seem like you dont know much. Its unfortunate but these people are out there. so beware. But yeah.. keep an eye out, ask around, see if there is anyone that you know that can take you shooting and let you fire a variety of weapons so you can make an intelligent and informed decision. I never liked glocks much before I actually handled and fired them now i am in love.
You have some time to try different things and save for exactly what you want.

Good luck man!

   Monkey

[Carrot]

I second the gun show recommendation, but with the caveat that you have a specific idea of what you are looking for when you go.

You also may want to go to the magazine rack at your local store and pick up a copy of Shotgun News.  There are hundreds of listing, and would give you a good idea of what is out there.

Specifically, J&G sales here in Arizona have some very good prices on some Police / Service pistol trade-ins. Right now they have 38 special S&W Model 67 revolvers for $240 and some 9mm SIG P6 / 225s for $350.  I’ve also seen that they have the Beretta 9mm 92FS (basically the M9) for $340, but I’ve only seen them advertise it intermittently. 

They may be a little bit more expensive than buying from a random listing, but when looking for a used gun it’s always better to go to a dealer.

[TheOtherMattG]

I say have your elder get a Taurus for you. I suggest the pt92. Get it at buds.

[mjg710a]

Find out when A shop gets some a new gun release (ie. Glock gen 4) and start shopping their used guns, some people will trade in barely used guns to get the newest model.

Mike

[mn80228]

A good used gun is also a great bet.
I picked up a slightly used, Loaded Model, Springfield 1911-A1 in full stainless a couple year ago here at a gun show. Even with minimal signs of wear, for $500.

I thought it was a great deal, and haven't had more than one or two stovepipes in a couple thousand rounds.