Cheap reliable handgun for HD and CCW

[45Badger]

I have a co-worker who is looking for her first handgun. She is seriously limited on funds, so MAX budget would be $300 ($200 is better). Aside from Shippy's Jennings and Bryco collection, what have you folks used for reliable handguns on a budget?

[zachkuby87]

sw9ve gets my vote all day ive owned 2 9ve's and one sw9f all three functioned flawlessly trigger pull sucked but once you were used to it it was no longer an issue. should be able to pick one up for around 200 used. i bought my sw9f used for 100 one 9ve for 200 used and the other for 250 brand new. i really love em but i keep selling em for other guns.

[Pezhead]

You should be able to pick up a used revolver. Check the Frontiersman.

[PileDriver]

sw9ve gets my vote all day ive owned 2 9ve's and one sw9f all three functioned flawlessly trigger pull sucked but once you were used to it it was no longer an issue. should be able to pick one up for around 200 used. i bought my sw9f used for 100 one 9ve for 200 used and the other for 250 brand new. i really love em but i keep selling em for other guns.

Gotta agree. I will never sell my 9VE.

Otherwise... Maybe a trade-in G22? Or a used revolver.

[Bulldawg]

If a semi-auto is prefered I wouldn't rule out the Bersa .380 or 9mm. I have two Bersa's, a Thunder 9 Ultra Compact that I bought new in '08 for $299 and a Thunder .22 which I bought new a year ago for under $300. I have at least a couple thousand rounds (probably a dozen different brands and bullet types) through the 9mm with absolutely no failures at all and it came with two 13 rd mags. The BT9UC is similar in weight and size to a Glock 26 and has a 3.5 inch barrel. The down side to the 9mm is that there is not as many accesories and holsters available as there is for more popular models. My BT22 is the same gun as the .380 only chambered in .22lr. It has also been completely reliable as long as you run ammo it likes. Very similar to other .22 semi-auto pistols in the fact that they can be finicky with different ammo. The .380 is Bersa's flagship and there are far more of them available and accesories are easier to find. Let me know if you or your friend want to check out my Bersa's.

[sawgrass]

Maybe she could save a little longer and pick up a used Glock 19.
For HD a cheap used shotgun will do the trick.

PS. Badger, Ryan put the sight on the Springer yesterday. That is one fun toy!

[Stradawhovious]

Kahr CW9. Probably find one for less than 300 if you look hard enough.
Taurus 85.
Ruger LCP.

[wrench]

Used is the magic word.
Used Ruger 9mm, reliable as heck, a little big for the CCW role.
Used revolver. Yeeeeeccch, but I know some folks like them.
Bersa 9mm?
Makarov, though the more expensive .380 or 9mm makarov ammo would be a deal breaker there, I'd say stay with 9mm for cheaper ammo.
How about skipping the CCW idea for now, and getting a nice old pump shotgun for HD? Tons of them around, cheap.
You're right, not a lot of choices in that price range.

[Pat Cannon]

Is a semi-auto preferred by her or by you?

[rugersol]

Ruger P95's on sale fer $330 at Gouger. .. s/b cheaper elsewhere.

[farmerj]

bought my GF a EAA windicator in .357 mag. She can shoot either load with it.

She shot a lot of different revolvers and a lot of different pistols. This was her final decision. To include the 4" barrel.

http://www.eaa-guns.com/item/2875_EAA_H ... L_RUB.aspx

[Erik_Pakieser]

Used S&W Model 64s are on the market, I paid less than $300 for mine, including shipping, hand select, and transfer. I got mine from JG Sales.

[MNIceMan]

Bought a NEW Keltec PF9 from MNblackjack (dealer) and the price was right in her range. Nice little pocket/ purse pistol.

[PileDriver]

Bought a NEW Keltec PF9 from MNblackjack (dealer) and the price was right in her range. Nice little pocket/ purse pistol.

Great budget gun, but I don't know if I'd be recommending it as a first gun. It's not the funnest to practice with.

[Countryfried Frank]

Kahr CW9. Probably find one for less than 300 if you look hard enough....

Mrs. C. has one that she loves. Big enough to shoot easily, small enough to fit almost anywhere you need it. The price on the CW9's dropped some after they released the CM9 too.