Outstanding Affordable Handguns - Why?

[TopDog]

Pocket Gun - Ruger LCP - Ridiculously small, but still reasonably powerful and usable.

Single Stack CC - Kahr CM9 - I think Kahr owns this form factor. Lightweight, thin, 9mm, decent trigger and ergonomics. Often imitated, yet to be duplicated.

Double Stack - Almost too many to mention here, but Glock and M&P get my vote. I like the simplicity of both designs and the weight advantage of polymer (for carry). Glock is the industry standard for reliability and durability imho, and also has a nice stock trigger. M&P has outstanding ergonomics. Both can be had for right at $500 otd, which is an incredible value.

All great guns. But the limit is $500 out the door, that puts both Glock and M&P out of the running usually. I also mentioned in the original post brand new. Looking for those affordable new outstanding handguns under $500 out the door as a standard.

 

[Disposable Heart]

Sub-$400 guns:

Ruger SR9: When you take some jeweler's rouge to the trigger assembly and connector, feed ramp: You have a reliable, more ergonomic competitor to the G17. I can carry a SR9 easier than a G19 (heresy, but just IMHO). They are accurate and VERY low recoil. But, caveat, have to get a "good one" from the factory. (Darn Ruger...). Have one!!
Sig SP2022: Ergonomic, excellent trigger, reliable, inexpensive. Rather big for concealed carry. All in all, Sig accuracy, quality just without the cost of a milled alloy frame. I have three, sold one the other day tho.
RIA: Awesome guns, may need some polishing work. Accurate enough, probably the better fitted 1911s (as a person who has built a few from scratch) of the mass produced models.

No free lunch tho: the SR9 needs some polishing to make it a Glock killer, outside of that, it'sjust a Ruger. The SP2022 is a bit large for carry, the RIA can't withstand .45 Super.

 

[jayhawk]

All great guns. But the limit is $500 out the door, that puts both Glock and M&P out of the running usually. I also mentioned in the original post brand new. Looking for those affordable new outstanding handguns under $500 out the door as a standard.

Usually maybe, but if you look around, you can certainly find Glocks and M&Ps for $500 otd. I just saw a G26 at Gander (of all places) for $450. I suppose that may have been used now that you mention it. I paid $470 for my M&P9c, which comes to $502.97 after IN sales tax. I'll gladly skip one double cheeseburger for a gun that I consider to be truly outstanding (regardless of price).
Buds has M&P 40s and 9c (w/ safety) for $450 w/ free shipping right now. That's <$500 after what most places would charge for an FFL transfer.

 

[Aaronhome27]

So what is it you like about this gun, what makes it an outstanding affordable weapon?

The point of the thread is to tout why. There are guns out there that come in below $300 like the Keltec's. I love my PF9 it goes bang every time, but it has no features to set it apart. Its not an outstanding handgun.

SR series by Ruger


Simply rugged, reliable, and accurate. Ruger's lifetime warranty. Balance, feel and overall shootability. This series of guns is amazing when it comes to shooting. Stock sites are very nice and adjustable. If you buy the compact models you get a whole system of carry options that include a larger high cap mag, standard 9 / 10 rd compact mag and a pinky extension should you refer that. They can be had in stainless at a price of $398 before taxes (or you can buy at buds gun shop and have it for $408 - $418 after FFL Fee). Although this is my personal view on the gun, I just think you would be hard pressed to find a better gun at this price point.

 

[Hoosier8]

Wow, not one Bersa in the list so far.

My vote would be for the Bersa Thunder 9mm High Capacity, 17+1, aluminum frame for lightness, lifetime warranty, very accurate, well made but just not as polished as some, used by police forces overseas and definitely sub $500 new.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

You mean "most bang for the buck".

If so then without question look at the Ruger 22/45.

1. It's cheap.
2. The controls are similarish to the 1911.
3. The weapon is durable.
4. Many aftermarket parts, magazines and replacement parts available.
5. You can shoot all day for under $50.

You can shoot the stuffing out of them for year after year (my oldest 22/45 is 16 years old, has only been rebuilt once and still running like a sewing machine). I purchased that one for $189 and have purchased several others paying a max of $225. Today you can get them for $245 and shoot them well into the future (for $500 you may be able to buy two of them). Think it through, $1,000 will get you four 22/45s that will last your shooting career--dirt cheap!

I would look at the Smith 22A as well but do not if it would hold up over time as well as the Ruger.

 

[snowrs]

I have a Buckmark UDX, for just a shade over $400 you get a very accurate, fun to shoot .22. I think every shooter should have at least 1 .22 that they can take to the range and just have fun all day for under $20. I bought this for my wife and it has eaten everything we have thrown at it. I like shooting it and it is more accurate than I am. They make just enough accessories for the gun that you cancustomize it for your needs. I also think it is a really good looking gun as well.

 

[LuckyGunner]

CZ-75 is the best handgun for the money under $500.

If you want a polymer gun the original XD models come in under the budget. Glocks can if you join the Glock club. The FN is a great sub 5 handgun also.

__________________
9mm ammunition

 

[3point5]

I like my Taurus PT 24/7. Personally I have a compact, 9mm. That thing has been flawless...I have put thousands of rounds through it, and my only complaint is that the back side of the grip is rubberized and starting to peel. I had one FTF, that took 2 trigger pulls, and 2 FTEs. One was after shooting dirty reloads all day, before cleaning up the cosmo. The other was just the dirty reloads....gun was pretty clean.

Paid $408 OTD nib. Came with a 13 and a 17 rd mag.

 

[CampingJosh]

LuckyGunner is spot on with the CZ75B. It's a full-frame "wonder nine" that fits your hand just so. Great ergonomics. Choice of a manual safety or a decocker (I have the "D"). Good accuracy, and it's been 100% reliable for me. It's the only autoloader I've ever had more than a week that never had any failure of any kind.

Downside: trigger out of the box isn't all that great. A few hours of dry firing helps dramatically, though.

 

[rivitir]

All great guns. But the limit is $500 out the door, that puts both Glock and M&P out of the running usually. I also mentioned in the original post brand new. Looking for those affordable new outstanding handguns under $500 out the door as a standard.

Got my M&P for $481.

 

[TopDog]

Have not priced CZ 75B since 2009, but when I bought mine it was $509 before tax from PSS in May 2009. Are they less than $500 out the door now?

 

[Kelzo]

Does any one have any information on the Smith & Wesson 40VE Sigma? I have seem it online for $289. Thanks

 

[45fan]

Best bang for the buck in a carry gun, I would have to go with a Smith & Wesson J frame.
First because it falls in under the $500 mark new even in places like Gander Mountain.
It is simple, reliable, accurate, and it doesnt have feed issues that can be daunting for a beginner to work through.

If you are looking for just a shooter, or a hunting pistol, I have to go with the Super Blackhawk. It may be pushing the price ceiling, but with a little shopping, it should be able to be found for right around the limit set. Rugers are built like tanks, accurate, and reliable. That, and loading single action is something that makes a person slow down and enjoy the time on the range for a bit longer.

 

[Knuckle Head]

Ruger P95

[/QUOTE] I love my PF9 it goes bang every time, but it has no features to set it apart. Its not an outstanding handgun.[/QUOTE]

...sounds like the most outstanding feature anyone could ever want , not to mention the affection you express. I don't know about you but something has to be pretty special in order for me to love it ........................yeah, I own one also .

I also like the Ruger95 for the price range specified

Feature #1. It also goes "bang" everytime. I bought mine used from a relative and still going strong after owning it for the last 4 or 5 years.

Feature #2. These can be bought for around the $350ish to $450 range new with double stack 15+1 mag x2.

Feature #3. Mine is the de-cock model DA/SA so.. "one in the pipe" cocked or not, i prefer not, is nice.

Feature #4. there is a rail, altough i do not use the rail I would like to get a light for it eventually. This is my "nightstand" piece and would like to add this accessory in the future.

 

[MadBomber]

I love my PF9 it goes bang every time, but it has no features to set it apart. Its not an outstanding handgun.[/QUOTE]

...sounds like the most outstanding feature anyone could ever want , not to mention the affection you express. I don't know about you but something has to be pretty special in order for me to love it ........................yeah, I own one also .

I also like the Ruger95 for the price range specified

Feature #1. It also goes "bang" everytime. I bought mine used from a relative and still going strong after owning it for the last 4 or 5 years.

Feature #2. These can be bought for around the $350ish to $450 range new with double stack 15+1 mag x2.

Feature #3. Mine is the de-cock model DA/SA so.. "one in the pipe" cocked or not, i prefer not, is nice.

Feature #4. there is a rail, altough i do not use the rail I would like to get a light for it eventually. This is my "nightstand" piece and would like to add this accessory in the future.[/QUOTE]


I agree completely on the Ruger P95, except you're way off on the price; PSS has them out the door, brand new, with two 15 rd mags for $325. They're tough, reliable, and shoot the inexpensive 9mm caliber. The polymer frame keeps the weight to a manageable level for daily carry and the rail allows adding a light or laser, still keeping the cost well under $500.

 

[IncendiaryGunner]

Wow, not one Bersa in the list so far.

My vote would be for the Bersa Thunder 9mm High Capacity, 17+1, aluminum frame for lightness, lifetime warranty, very accurate, well made but just not as polished as some, used by police forces overseas and definitely sub $500 new.

The Bersa firearms are hard to beat for the money... The Bersa Thunder is an accurate, reliable, concealable handgun for less than $300 new (if you are fine with .380).

I also tip my hat to the RIA 1911... I have seen more expensive 1911s that I felt did not shoot as well... and a 1911 at that price...

 

[Principal Skinr]

SR series by Ruger


Simply rugged, reliable, and accurate. Ruger's lifetime warranty. Balance, feel and overall shootability. This series of guns is amazing when it comes to shooting. Stock sites are very nice and adjustable. If you buy the compact models you get a whole system of carry options that include a larger high cap mag, standard 9 / 10 rd compact mag and a pinky extension should you refer that. They can be had in stainless at a price of $398 before taxes (or you can buy at buds gun shop and have it for $408 - $418 after FFL Fee). Although this is my personal view on the gun, I just think you would be hard pressed to find a better gun at this price point.

I'd have to agree, and I'd add that they are slim compared to other guns, including Glocks and M&P's. I've had 2 SR9's and 1 SR9c and haven't had an issue with any of them. The triggers improve greatly with time, too. I also like the round in the chamber indicator because it stands up, instead of being a slot to peek through.

They also have a quality feel and look to them.

 

[Principal Skinr]

Quick not on the P95....what sets it apart is that it is built like a tank. It is heavy, but rock solid. The value is fantastic. I've seen them brand new for just under $325 out the door!

Besides, if you run out of ammo, you can bludgeon someone to death with it! I think that makes it stand out, right?

 

[jason867]

Another vote for the Bersa firearms.

The Bersa thunder 9mm/40/45 ultra compact OR high capacity models are a great value for the money. Accurate, reliable, good feeling, and still made of metal

I only hear good things about their 380s, and I love my 22 from them.