What are the best valued pistols you own? - Page 2

BourbonCowboy · June 9, 2024, 09:51 PM

For me, it's my HK VP9. I picked it up a few years ago from a GB seller for $325/shipped. At the time, they were going for about twice that amount. The listing had an out-of-focus photo, and I took a chance. The gun looked practically new. That was a good value.

But it became a great value when I picked up a VP40 slide assembly from an eBay seller for $330. For $655, I basically bought two pistols.

Beyond the HK, it will probably be my S&W M&P 40. $330/shipped. I plan to add a conversion barrel and have a similar setup as I have with the HK for about $525.

To me, the versatility of swapping calibers is the real value.

bac1023 · June 11, 2024, 01:10 PM

A very open ended question

The best shooter for the money is no doubt the CZ Shadow 2. If that’s where you put the value, that’s the answer. Obviously it’s no carry gun

Drm50 · June 12, 2024, 12:13 AM

I couldn’t compete with guys that by guns for “ a good price “ or “Win” them at auctions.
I had to pay for all mine and they may not be a value. When I bought most of my collection a dollar was worth considerably more. So I would have to get north of 7x just to break even. So tell me about best valued.

Terry G · September 10, 2024, 12:24 PM

IMG_3708.JPGThis by far, Christmas Gift from my Wife when we couldn't possibly afford it.

Ricklin · September 10, 2024, 12:45 PM

If do overs were permitted, I would buy a Glock 23 rather than the Glock 19 that is my primary carry.
A hunert bucks or so for a barrel and the 23 is both 9 mm and .40 S&W. I may pick up a LE turn in 23 anyway. I'm very fond of my 19 but they are pretty darned identical. For range use at least the 9 mm mags work. For carry I would buy .40 S&W mags.
Multiple calibers appeal, I have an old Contender too.

GeauxTide · September 10, 2024, 08:41 PM

I have Blackhawks in 357, 41mag, 44spl/mag, and 45 Colt. They have Fermin Garza front sights, Bowen Rough Country Rear sights, and trigger jobs. 1 inch at 25 with cast SWC handloads.

Ricklin · September 11, 2024, 01:06 PM

The Glock 23 does give me some pause, due to the lack of chamber support in the early model 23's.
Anyone know what to avoid? Hands on inspection I have pics of the change they made, online is unlikely to have pics of the chamber and feed ramp to determine that.
Is there a serial number range to avoid? Since I would purchase a used LE gun, I'd like some certainty on the chamber support. The Glock 23's are known to be hard on brass, any input older vs. newer 23's? I do reload.

Skans · September 12, 2024, 12:40 PM

My "best value" pistol is a S&W 659. High quality, all stainless, basically unbreakable, reasonably accurate 15 round 9mm. I think I paid $400 for it new - this was decades ago. It still looks 98% and has been well used over the years. Never breaks and I can't recall it ever jamming.

Several years ago, I used to see these for about 350-450. I just saw one on Gunbroker for $600.

mrray13 · September 21, 2024, 12:33 PM

I finally found a 659 several months back, in pristine condition, $650 is what it cost me. Gladly.

In comparison I gave $250 for my 95% 39-2, ~$450 for a similar 4506 and ~$400 for a 5906. Can’t remember exact prices on the gen 3s, I got them from b&m’s, I got the gen 1 from my chief deputy way back. It might be an ISP pistol, I have yet to send off for a letter.

And honestly, that gen 1 might be the best value gun in the safe.
Or maybe the Virginian Dragoon .45Colt. It needs refinished, is big and heavy, but it’s accurate and strong. And for $120, I won’t complain.
My 61 6” Royal Blue Python is the most valuable and is worth 2-3 times what I paid for it.

September 10, 2024, 12:45 PM	#30
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,371	Me too If do overs were permitted, I would buy a Glock 23 rather than the Glock 19 that is my primary carry. A hunert bucks or so for a barrel and the 23 is both 9 mm and .40 S&W. I may pick up a LE turn in 23 anyway. I'm very fond of my 19 but they are pretty darned identical. For range use at least the 9 mm mags work. For carry I would buy .40 S&W mags. Multiple calibers appeal, I have an old Contender too. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

September 10, 2024, 08:41 PM	#31
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,514	MVPs I have Blackhawks in 357, 41mag, 44spl/mag, and 45 Colt. They have Fermin Garza front sights, Bowen Rough Country Rear sights, and trigger jobs. 1 inch at 25 with cast SWC handloads. __________________ Reloading For: 223R, 243W, 6.5 GR, 6.5 CM, 260R, 6.5-06, 280R, 7mmRM, 300HAM'R, 308W, 30-06, 338-06, 9mm, 357M, 41M, 44SPL, 44M, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 450BM.

September 11, 2024, 01:06 PM	#32
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,371	Anyone know? The Glock 23 does give me some pause, due to the lack of chamber support in the early model 23's. Anyone know what to avoid? Hands on inspection I have pics of the change they made, online is unlikely to have pics of the chamber and feed ramp to determine that. Is there a serial number range to avoid? Since I would purchase a used LE gun, I'd like some certainty on the chamber support. The Glock 23's are known to be hard on brass, any input older vs. newer 23's? I do reload. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

June 9, 2024, 09:51 PM	#26
BourbonCowboy Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2019 Posts: 139	For me, it's my HK VP9. I picked it up a few years ago from a GB seller for $325/shipped. At the time, they were going for about twice that amount. The listing had an out-of-focus photo, and I took a chance. The gun looked practically new. That was a good value. But it became a great value when I picked up a VP40 slide assembly from an eBay seller for $330. For $655, I basically bought two pistols. Beyond the HK, it will probably be my S&W M&P 40. $330/shipped. I plan to add a conversion barrel and have a similar setup as I have with the HK for about $525. To me, the versatility of swapping calibers is the real value.

June 11, 2024, 01:10 PM	#27
bac1023 Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 1,206	A very open ended question The best shooter for the money is no doubt the CZ Shadow 2. If that’s where you put the value, that’s the answer. Obviously it’s no carry gun

June 12, 2024, 12:13 AM	#28
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,491	I couldn’t compete with guys that by guns for “ a good price “ or “Win” them at auctions. I had to pay for all mine and they may not be a value. When I bought most of my collection a dollar was worth considerably more. So I would have to get north of 7x just to break even. So tell me about best valued.

September 10, 2024, 12:24 PM	#29
Terry G Member Join Date: December 3, 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 27	IMG_3708.JPGThis by far, Christmas Gift from my Wife when we couldn't possibly afford it.

September 12, 2024, 12:40 PM	#33
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,320	My "best value" pistol is a S&W 659. High quality, all stainless, basically unbreakable, reasonably accurate 15 round 9mm. I think I paid $400 for it new - this was decades ago. It still looks 98% and has been well used over the years. Never breaks and I can't recall it ever jamming. Several years ago, I used to see these for about 350-450. I just saw one on Gunbroker for $600.

September 21, 2024, 12:33 PM	#34
mrray13 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 920	I finally found a 659 several months back, in pristine condition, $650 is what it cost me. Gladly. In comparison I gave $250 for my 95% 39-2, ~$450 for a similar 4506 and ~$400 for a 5906. Can’t remember exact prices on the gen 3s, I got them from b&m’s, I got the gen 1 from my chief deputy way back. It might be an ISP pistol, I have yet to send off for a letter. And honestly, that gen 1 might be the best value gun in the safe. Or maybe the Virginian Dragoon .45Colt. It needs refinished, is big and heavy, but it’s accurate and strong. And for $120, I won’t complain. My 61 6” Royal Blue Python is the most valuable and is worth 2-3 times what I paid for it.