Cheap reliable handgun for HD and CCW

[ninjaplease!]

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=26770

My buddy just picked up one of these and he loves it.

[yuppiejr]

First handgun, CCW and conceal carry appropriate? After experimenting on my wife (bow-chicka) I am convinced a .357 revolver with proper trigger for double-action use is the way to go.... probably 3" given the other requirements? The revolver has less "stuff" to consider under stress, if it's loaded you point and squeeze. This is not a "chick's can't shoot guns" thing, my wife just doesn't shoot that often and while she's a capable shot (farm girl, possibly better than me...) I've found she occasionally struggles with the controls on the semi-autos I've put in her hands. Start with .22 ish loaded puffball .38 loads and then work up to full .38's and eventually .357's.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/inde ... +Trade+Ins

The Ruger LCP would be smaller/lighter and easier to conceal, bit more expensive ammo and not as "fun" to shoot and practice:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... r+LCP+.380

[farmerj]

My GF went with the 4" because she said it balanced better. I don't argue with her because of the how she shoots it.

[yuppiejr]

My GF went with the 4" because she said it balanced better. I don't argue with her because of the how she shoots it.

Yep, my wife fell in love with my S&W model 19 as soon as she picked it up, the 4" just felt "right."

[ijosef]

I just sold my Kel-Tec P11 with two magazines (they only come with one) and a pocket holster for $200. There's a person at work who is selling his for the same amount, reportedly in excellent/like new condition. I can get his information if you like.

[illbits]

I have a pf9 with pocket holster I would let go for $250. Cool tan finish and practically new.

[Mdclinks]

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

I have been looking to get one of these for the wife. The one time I got to shoot one I really like it.

[usnret]

Seeing as she has limited funds, that probably also means that she would have very limited funds in which to be buying ammunition to practice with. Therefore maybe her best bet for now would to be looking at something in 22LR. For the price of buying 50 rounds of 38 Special, a person can buy just about a brick of 22LR and actually shoot a lot.
It does you no good to have a gun that you can't afford to shoot and practice with.

[fatboy97]

With that budget I'd look at a Kel-Tec PF9 or Bersa Thunder 380CC.... but by all means don't buy it unless you try it first... Bill's has a Bersa Thunder, but not the CC, and last I checked they don't have a PF9.

[Thunderjohn]

How about a like new (200 rds fired) Ruger P95 (blued) with case and two 15 rd mags for $269 + tax, cash??????

[mrbadexample]

Kel-tec makes some nice little guns, the P3-AT, P-32 & PF-9 can be had at http://www.cheaperthandirt.com new for under $300 after shipping and transfer fees, they are all small, the 9mm model is 13oz unloaded, the .32 and .380 models are under 12oz loaded. For the PF-9, use 115 gr ammo, less recoil in the lighter gun.

[Evo]

Cheap and reliable dont usually mix. It also depends what kinda usage she wants to get out of the gun. If only a couple hundred rounds a year then anything could do.


First I would suggest she wait and save more. Also have her pick the gun and shoot it. All to many times guys will recommend and push a certain make or model of gun on a woman new to shooting and completely turn them off on shooting because either recoil,intimidation or loss of interest. If you have a wife into pistols or know of a woman that she can talk to and go shooting with that will help greatly.


I would recommend a gently used Glock 17 or 19, replace all the springs and get new factory magazines. You have a great solid platform that has proven to be reliable and that there are plenty of accessories for(sights,holsters,spare parts, support). I just dont think you can get a better option for a pistol on a budget that has a better reputation and track record.

[PHATSPEED7x]

I like both my kel tec pf9 and bersa thunder 380 cc. Both guns were less than $300.

The bersa is a little easier to shoot. The pf9 kicks pretty good.

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[TacticalGunny]

I am going to recommend a Ruger LC9, Kel-Tec PF9 or a Kahr CM9. You can find most of these used handguns a local gun show for around the 3 bill mark. As far as the low budget S&W's I wouldn't trust my life to them.

[rockcreek]

Hard to beat a Ruger P95. I wouldn't go for anything in 9mm smaller than that for a first handgun, due to them being a bit of a handful to shoot. Bersas are rock solid also, and easier to carry, if a .380 is adequate.