Quality Pistol for $350

hlds54 · June 1, 2012, 05:09 PM

My brother is looking to get a pistol for CCW/ home defense. He's on a budget and dosnt want to pay more than $350 for a pistol, any suggestions? I was thinking maybe a used glock.

OEF-Vet · June 1, 2012, 05:20 PM

380 ACP or 9mm

BikeNGun1974 · June 1, 2012, 05:23 PM

I used to have a S&W 915 that was about that much. It was DA/SA, something I've grown to not like as much, but I never had a problem with that gun. It was my only gun for about 6 years.

Sparks1957 · June 1, 2012, 05:26 PM

I'll second the Bersa 9UC for decent quality and reliability at a low price... though it might cost more like $400

Doyle · June 1, 2012, 05:33 PM

Makarovs are about that price and are probably the most dependable pistol ever made. Not the highest in firepower, but they will certainly get the job done.

excelerater · June 1, 2012, 05:37 PM

i got my Ruger SR9 for 350..
Used S&Ws are all over the place for 300-400 bucks
plenty of action out there for 300-400 bucks..

Nathan · June 1, 2012, 05:41 PM

Hmm used is the way to go. I would find a used 3" revolver like. . .this.

Revolvers work. 357 is better than 38, but 38 is ok.

For a little more, I like this alot more.

Zhillsauditor · June 1, 2012, 05:41 PM

Lots of used pistols can be had for $350. My pocket carry gun right now is a keltec 380 that I bought used for $150, and has been accurate and reliable at the range. Used Glocks can be had at that price. And there is always that glock copy, the S&W Sigma, even with its horrible trigger.

If he is willing to go to a revolver, he can get some great deals on old S&Ws right now, police trade ins.

meanmachine1961 · June 1, 2012, 05:50 PM

I can buy a new, all black Ruger P95 at my LGS for $300.00.

spodwo · June 1, 2012, 06:05 PM

S&W 5906 - generally you can get a pretty good one for that price....it's a great pistol. Very durable - I love mine.

Master Blaster 2 · June 1, 2012, 06:15 PM

SCCY 9MM for under 250

Mrgunsngear · June 1, 2012, 06:21 PM

My vote goes for a police trade in G22. They're all over the internet for $325ish.

Other good options are:

Ruger P95
Used 3rd Gen S&W
CZ 82 (they're around $220 and built like tanks)

Willie Sutton · June 1, 2012, 06:27 PM

CZ-82. Superb quality and he can add a good holster and a few hundred rounds of ammo up and still spend his budget.

Willie

.

Ace_Breaker · June 1, 2012, 06:32 PM

You can get an outstanding police trade in CZ82 for around $200-$250. They are fixed barrel, polygonal rifling, CZ quality, ultra accurate and reliable. When I think of those attributes I normally think of an Hk P7 for around a grand. But with a CZ there would be money left over for ammo and a holster. I've heard they are the best $500+ gun for $200, as well as having the best trigger for a gun under $1,500. I bought one. I could not believe how awesome the trigger was. It's very small and holds 12+1 rounds. Fantastic ergonomics, it's been 100% reliable, and outshot my Hk USP 45 and CZ75b on it's first range visit. Do yourself a favor, pass on the Taurus, Sccy, Bersa and other lower quality guns. There are many CZ82 reviews that reflect how fantastic they are. Get one before they run out and the prices rise, you won't regret it.

Willie and I must have written at the same time. They say "great minds think alike."

tech4061 · June 1, 2012, 06:37 PM

CDNN has 2nd & 3rd gen. Glocks, as well as some 3rd gen. Smith's in that general price range. Page 27 of their online catalog.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

willmc33 · June 1, 2012, 07:57 PM

I know alot of people slam them for one reason or another but I have had 2 of these and I actually just bought another one today with a Melonite slide for $250.00. A Smith & Wesson SW40VE. I have fired thousands of rounds from the .40 variety of this pistol and I have not had 1 single malfunction. I cannot say that for the Rugers I have had in the same price class. These N.I.B from say Academy are $329.99 with 2 14 round magazines in .40 and sometimes dropped to $299.99 and for that I say they are the best bang for the buck for a NEW pistol. They are light, very shootable you just have to get used to the trigger and a very adequate self defense pistol. Like I said I have fired in the high thousands without a single malfunction. A reliable, affordable, snag free, striker fired pistol, easy enough to conceal with 14+ rounds a a decent caliber. All those +'s should not be outweighed by the fact it has a heavy trigger pull.

MLeake · June 1, 2012, 07:58 PM

Stoeger Cougar (or compact); S&W 3rd Gen; used Glock; used Ruger; used etc.

Grant D · June 1, 2012, 08:07 PM

I just bought a used Ruger LC9 at my lgs yesterday for $275.00 with extra magazine and extensions,and two takedown keys.
And they also gave me a new IWB holster.Oh, and it also came with manual, and envelope with fired cartridge.
Brought it home and dissasembled it and I don't think it's even been fired.
Well, I took it to the range today at lunch and was quite impressed with the accuracy.
I think it would work fine for ccw (which I carried today in my front pocket) and home defence.
It's my second plastic pistol, the other being a Ruger LCP, my God what's next!!! a Glock???

dave9969 · June 1, 2012, 08:53 PM

suppose the obvious question should have been
new or used?
I assume you are looking for a semi auto since you posted in the semi auto forums.
ccw often means compact or semi compact

not knowing where you live and how your local markets may or may not have what you need.Any online purchase will require transfer fee's and shipping so your real price point is more like 200 dollars- 275dollars

and realistically you are pretty much stuck with trade in guns or local purchases used.

I could sit here and name all kinds of stuff I got "way back when", but you have to make your purchase where you are now.

LockedBreech · June 1, 2012, 11:06 PM

If he has the extra $50 to spare, I helped a friend pick an SR9 in March ($400) and it's at about 500 flawless rounds. Really a heck of a lot of gun for $400. The SR9C compact model has a full-size 17-round magazine and a flush 10-round for carry.

If that is a no go, the Ruger P95 is a solid (if ugly) $300 9mm. Probably a bit rough to carry, it's big.

Contrast Man · June 1, 2012, 11:48 PM

Best bang for his buck would be either a S&W 5906 or CZ-82.

CDNN has (or had, they may be out) the 5906 for $300.

AIM Surplus has the CZ-82 for $220.

The biggest difference would be the caliber. The 5906 will be slightly cheaper to feed and have ammo be more readily available (depending on location) being in 9mm. The CZ-82 is in 9x18 (9Mak) which is somewhat inbetween .380 and 9mm. Ammo is a bit more expensive and isn't as readily available in the wide range of defensive loads as 9mm is.

Both are excellent guns and he would be well served by either.

Sparks1957 · June 2, 2012, 05:39 AM

Where the Bersa might be lacking is in the finish; in terms of function and reliability they are way ahead of some of the other, cheaper brands.

That said, one certainly can't go wrong with the older generation S&Ws. The CZ-82 I can't speak to, but I would think the relative lack of ammo choices might be a concern for some, which is why I went for an 83 model myself.

Kreyzhorse · June 2, 2012, 06:13 AM

Ruger or S&W offer some pistols that fit your price range. Take a look at the P95 from Ruger and the Sigma from Smith. Cloth a bit big for CCW but good home defense guns that should meet your price range.

ojibweindian · June 2, 2012, 06:36 AM

Either a used S&W 5906 or a new Ruger P95.

hlds54 · June 2, 2012, 06:55 AM

Some good suggestions. I will let you all know what he decides on.

June 1, 2012, 05:09 PM	#1
hlds54 Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Location: Martinsburg WV Posts: 174	Quality Pistol for $350 My brother is looking to get a pistol for CCW/ home defense. He's on a budget and dosnt want to pay more than $350 for a pistol, any suggestions? I was thinking maybe a used glock. __________________ "Survival favors the prepared mind."

June 1, 2012, 05:20 PM	#2
OEF-Vet Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2011 Location: Backwoods, PA Posts: 284	Bersa thunder 380 ACP or 9mm __________________ Jim "If a man does his best, what else is there?" - General George S. Patton Jr

June 1, 2012, 05:23 PM	#3
BikeNGun1974 Member Join Date: March 5, 2012 Location: Valley Forge, PA Posts: 80	I used to have a S&W 915 that was about that much. It was DA/SA, something I've grown to not like as much, but I never had a problem with that gun. It was my only gun for about 6 years. __________________ -Tom

June 1, 2012, 05:50 PM	#9
meanmachine1961 Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2009 Location: Muscle Shoals, Alabama Posts: 276	I can buy a new, all black Ruger P95 at my LGS for $300.00. __________________ "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." Plato

June 1, 2012, 06:15 PM	#11
Master Blaster 2 Junior member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Posts: 895	SCCY 9MM for under 250 Last edited by Master Blaster 2; June 1, 2012 at 06:21 PM.

June 1, 2012, 05:26 PM	#4
Sparks1957 Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,552	I'll second the Bersa 9UC for decent quality and reliability at a low price... though it might cost more like $400

June 1, 2012, 05:33 PM	#5
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	Makarovs are about that price and are probably the most dependable pistol ever made. Not the highest in firepower, but they will certainly get the job done.

June 1, 2012, 05:37 PM	#6
excelerater Junior member Join Date: June 27, 2011 Location: Memphis TN Posts: 694	i got my Ruger SR9 for 350.. Used S&Ws are all over the place for 300-400 bucks plenty of action out there for 300-400 bucks..

June 1, 2012, 05:41 PM	#7
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,321	Hmm used is the way to go. I would find a used 3" revolver like. . .this. Revolvers work. 357 is better than 38, but 38 is ok. For a little more, I like this alot more.

June 1, 2012, 05:41 PM	#8
Zhillsauditor Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2008 Posts: 635	Lots of used pistols can be had for $350. My pocket carry gun right now is a keltec 380 that I bought used for $150, and has been accurate and reliable at the range. Used Glocks can be had at that price. And there is always that glock copy, the S&W Sigma, even with its horrible trigger. If he is willing to go to a revolver, he can get some great deals on old S&Ws right now, police trade ins.

June 1, 2012, 06:05 PM	#10
spodwo Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2008 Posts: 839	S&W 5906 - generally you can get a pretty good one for that price....it's a great pistol. Very durable - I love mine.

June 1, 2012, 06:21 PM	#12
Mrgunsngear Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2011 Location: Carolina Posts: 3,415	My vote goes for a police trade in G22. They're all over the internet for $325ish. Other good options are: Ruger P95 Used 3rd Gen S&W CZ 82 (they're around $220 and built like tanks) __________________ Mrgunsngear Youtube Channel Last edited by Mrgunsngear; June 1, 2012 at 08:12 PM.

June 1, 2012, 06:27 PM	#13
Willie Sutton Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2012 Posts: 1,066	CZ-82. Superb quality and he can add a good holster and a few hundred rounds of ammo up and still spend his budget. Willie .

June 1, 2012, 06:32 PM	#14
Ace_Breaker Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2007 Posts: 1,170	You can get an outstanding police trade in CZ82 for around $200-$250. They are fixed barrel, polygonal rifling, CZ quality, ultra accurate and reliable. When I think of those attributes I normally think of an Hk P7 for around a grand. But with a CZ there would be money left over for ammo and a holster. I've heard they are the best $500+ gun for $200, as well as having the best trigger for a gun under $1,500. I bought one. I could not believe how awesome the trigger was. It's very small and holds 12+1 rounds. Fantastic ergonomics, it's been 100% reliable, and outshot my Hk USP 45 and CZ75b on it's first range visit. Do yourself a favor, pass on the Taurus, Sccy, Bersa and other lower quality guns. There are many CZ82 reviews that reflect how fantastic they are. Get one before they run out and the prices rise, you won't regret it. Willie and I must have written at the same time. They say "great minds think alike."

June 1, 2012, 06:37 PM	#15
tech4061 Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Posts: 79	CDNN has 2nd & 3rd gen. Glocks, as well as some 3rd gen. Smith's in that general price range. Page 27 of their online catalog. http://www.cdnninvestments.com/

June 1, 2012, 07:57 PM	#16
willmc33 Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2012 Location: Mobile,Al Posts: 473	Smith & Wesson SW40VE Best Bang For Buck New I know alot of people slam them for one reason or another but I have had 2 of these and I actually just bought another one today with a Melonite slide for $250.00. A Smith & Wesson SW40VE. I have fired thousands of rounds from the .40 variety of this pistol and I have not had 1 single malfunction. I cannot say that for the Rugers I have had in the same price class. These N.I.B from say Academy are $329.99 with 2 14 round magazines in .40 and sometimes dropped to $299.99 and for that I say they are the best bang for the buck for a NEW pistol. They are light, very shootable you just have to get used to the trigger and a very adequate self defense pistol. Like I said I have fired in the high thousands without a single malfunction. A reliable, affordable, snag free, striker fired pistol, easy enough to conceal with 14+ rounds a a decent caliber. All those +'s should not be outweighed by the fact it has a heavy trigger pull. __________________ "Perfection is the enemy of good enough"

June 1, 2012, 07:58 PM	#17
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	Stoeger Cougar (or compact); S&W 3rd Gen; used Glock; used Ruger; used etc.

June 1, 2012, 08:07 PM	#18
Grant D Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2011 Location: Brazos County, Texas Posts: 1,038	I just bought a used Ruger LC9 at my lgs yesterday for $275.00 with extra magazine and extensions,and two takedown keys. And they also gave me a new IWB holster.Oh, and it also came with manual, and envelope with fired cartridge. Brought it home and dissasembled it and I don't think it's even been fired. Well, I took it to the range today at lunch and was quite impressed with the accuracy. I think it would work fine for ccw (which I carried today in my front pocket) and home defence. It's my second plastic pistol, the other being a Ruger LCP, my God what's next!!! a Glock???

June 1, 2012, 08:53 PM	#19
dave9969 Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2012 Location: South Florida Posts: 199	suppose the obvious question should have been new or used? I assume you are looking for a semi auto since you posted in the semi auto forums. ccw often means compact or semi compact not knowing where you live and how your local markets may or may not have what you need.Any online purchase will require transfer fee's and shipping so your real price point is more like 200 dollars- 275dollars and realistically you are pretty much stuck with trade in guns or local purchases used. I could sit here and name all kinds of stuff I got "way back when", but you have to make your purchase where you are now.

June 1, 2012, 11:06 PM	#20
LockedBreech Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Rocky Mountain West Posts: 3,395	If he has the extra $50 to spare, I helped a friend pick an SR9 in March ($400) and it's at about 500 flawless rounds. Really a heck of a lot of gun for $400. The SR9C compact model has a full-size 17-round magazine and a flush 10-round for carry. If that is a no go, the Ruger P95 is a solid (if ugly) $300 9mm. Probably a bit rough to carry, it's big. __________________ 16 Pistols, 5 Rifles, 1 Shotgun, no time to shoot them

June 1, 2012, 11:48 PM	#21
Contrast Man Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 178	Best bang for his buck would be either a S&W 5906 or CZ-82. CDNN has (or had, they may be out) the 5906 for $300. AIM Surplus has the CZ-82 for $220. The biggest difference would be the caliber. The 5906 will be slightly cheaper to feed and have ammo be more readily available (depending on location) being in 9mm. The CZ-82 is in 9x18 (9Mak) which is somewhat inbetween .380 and 9mm. Ammo is a bit more expensive and isn't as readily available in the wide range of defensive loads as 9mm is. Both are excellent guns and he would be well served by either.

June 2, 2012, 05:39 AM	#22
Sparks1957 Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,552	Where the Bersa might be lacking is in the finish; in terms of function and reliability they are way ahead of some of the other, cheaper brands. That said, one certainly can't go wrong with the older generation S&Ws. The CZ-82 I can't speak to, but I would think the relative lack of ammo choices might be a concern for some, which is why I went for an 83 model myself.

June 2, 2012, 06:13 AM	#23
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Ruger or S&W offer some pistols that fit your price range. Take a look at the P95 from Ruger and the Sigma from Smith. Cloth a bit big for CCW but good home defense guns that should meet your price range. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

June 2, 2012, 06:36 AM	#24
ojibweindian Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2000 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 1,198	Either a used S&W 5906 or a new Ruger P95.

June 2, 2012, 06:55 AM	#25
hlds54 Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Location: Martinsburg WV Posts: 174	Some good suggestions. I will let you all know what he decides on. __________________ "Survival favors the prepared mind."

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