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Old March 2, 2011, 11:42 PM   #1
Shipman515
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Best 250-350 dollar handgun

Well the title says it all. I'm looking to see what you consider your best purchase for the 250-350 range. Can either be a revolver or a semi. Used or New.

Edit: Sorry, guess I should specify, looking for something of a self defense caliber, preferably 9mm or .45.

Last edited by Shipman515; March 3, 2011 at 12:21 AM.
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Old March 2, 2011, 11:43 PM   #2
38superhero
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Sigma...ftw
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Old March 2, 2011, 11:51 PM   #3
Ichiro
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Ruger 22/45
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Old March 2, 2011, 11:58 PM   #4
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Ruger P95

Tough as tanks, built to last through the end of times, fairly comfortable in the hand, quite reliable. About $300.
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:02 AM   #5
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I typically recommend the Ruger P95 for those looking for a semi-auto in that price range.

For a revolver, I'd recommend a police trade-in S&W or Ruger in .38spl or .357Mag. You can usually find several at a typical gun show and prices generally fall in the range listed. Take along a revolver savvy friend and/or use Jim March's revolver checkout procedure that's "stickied" at the top of the revolver subforum of TFL.
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:04 AM   #6
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Used Ruger SP101 is my first choice. GREAT pistol. Used Glocks or new S&W Sigmas are good choices also.
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:07 AM   #7
Shipman515
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P95 is what I've been leaning towards. Can an SP101 really be had in that range?
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:11 AM   #8
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Probably. As long as you're not in a rush to find something. I bought a police trade-in GP100 for $200 out the door a few years back. It was in great working condition but had a good deal of carry wear.
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:13 AM   #9
huntinaz
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Quote:
Can an SP101 really be had in that range?
Yeah, you may have to shop around though. I bought mine for $380 with 4 holsters, 2 speed loaders filled with SD ammo and Bianchi speedloader pouch, Hogue monogrip, and a couple other things. I've seen a few go for $350. You can't buy one any day of the week at that price though, that is true.
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:17 AM   #10
Jim March
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Ruger P95 is a top candidate...runs more reliably than any semi-auto in that price range.

The P85Mk2 ain't that bad either. Barrel is 1/2" longer, it's heavier, still runs very well.

I have a friend with a P85Mk2 that I've made two holsters for. In looking at it closely, it appears it can be put into a sort of "cocked and locked mode" by cocking the hammer and then throwing the safety on to a point just before the de-cocker hits. For this to be safe, a holster would have to be specially designed to hold the safety at exactly that point but...it appears possible to me. At least for a rig I made for my own use, don't know that I'd do one for anybody else as it's a bit "edgy". But it also has a good Ruger trigger-linked automatic safety and even when "cocked and locked" in this fashion, the trigger pull is still full length. Much lighter than true DA though...same as the trigger feels after that first shot (it's technically a DA first shot, SA thereafter same as most of the P95s).
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:19 AM   #11
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We are talking USED SPs, I assume. Not that it makes much difference as they are built like tanks.

My recommendations for NEW guns in that range: Ruger P95 from personal experience. Smith Sigma VEs have a good reputation. I also think Bersa Thunder 380 is decent, and its @ 260 or so.

Used, also consider Glock police trade-ins from J & G Sales. I have found them great to deal with, and they give a 30-day guarantee on their used guns, gives you time to determine if any issues, unlikely with Glock police guns.
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:34 AM   #12
Shipman515
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Used or new, doesn't matter. It's gonna be my "beater". Something I won't feel bad leaving in the truck, throwing in the suitcase, etc etc.

I just want to have a cheaper one to really work hard since all of my others are a little more expensive.
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:50 AM   #13
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To me it depends on what you are looking for. A P95 is a great choice for home defense.

If you are looking for pure fun, a used Ruger Single Six is hard to beat. I got a stainless new model this year for $225.00 and it is prob. my favorite gun. Cheap ammo, can shoot better than I can aim, and built to pass on to my son.

thanks for this tread....it gives me a chance to post my Rugers.

.357/9mm Blackhawk
.22lr Single Six
.357 SP101
.22lr MKIII 22/45
.9mm P95

Of these, 3 (P95, Single Six, and 22/45) were $300 or under and the Blackhawk was $325.......hard to beat Ruger in value for $$$$$

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Old March 3, 2011, 12:51 AM   #14
Shipman515
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Thanks for all the replies. It'll mainly serve as a SD or HD gun, but I guess primary use will be as a truck gun.
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Old March 3, 2011, 12:59 AM   #15
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If you can get a high-cap Ruger 9mm for under $350 total, that would be a good choice.
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Old March 3, 2011, 01:01 AM   #16
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Get yourself to a gunshow and look at the tables with the used guns on them. Often you can find police trade in auto's that have a lot of finish wear but are almost pristine on the inside. My local shows usually have a few Ruger's, S&W 3rd gen autos, and some older Sig imports. All are good guns and can be had in that price range. As far as new guns, look at Ruger and the S&W Sigma's. They aren't the most refined but they usually work well and they are cheap.
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Old March 3, 2011, 01:30 AM   #17
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Ill promote the cz 40 b. You can't beat it for the price but its in 40 s&w. I have run about 1000 rds through it and haven't had a single problem yet. Its a colt/cz project that just never took off but was still a great gun.
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Old March 3, 2011, 07:34 AM   #18
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S&W Sigma or a Ruger P95 if you want to go semi auto. If you want a revolver a used Ruger SP or GP or any number of various used S&W.
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Old March 3, 2011, 07:54 AM   #19
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The sigma.
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Old March 3, 2011, 08:21 AM   #20
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Bersa Thunder Pro 9mm UC
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Old March 3, 2011, 10:13 AM   #21
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TT-33 can be had at most gun shows $260-$310

Surplus ammo 1260 rounds? just under $200
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Old March 3, 2011, 10:24 AM   #22
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Bersa makes good guns in that price range.
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Old March 3, 2011, 10:51 AM   #23
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I vote for Ruger P series. I have a P97 and it is very reliable and good bang for the buck. I did see some S&W 9mm at the gun show for $250 new last weekend. Not sure of the model, but it looked like a good deal.
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Old March 3, 2011, 11:07 AM   #24
Bernie Lomax
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Another vote for Ruger, here. You won't get a new one for what you're looking to spend, but you can get a used one in good condition.
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Old March 3, 2011, 11:37 AM   #25
Eagle0711
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A choice of what works for one person may not work for another.

My son in law shoots a Ruger P-95 better than any of his 45 ACPs.

I bought one and did not like it, because it didn't fit my hand and felt too top heavy when shooting.

See if you can shoot one or at least hold it and see how it feels. It is accurete, and dependable, and built like a tank. Good Luck, Eagle
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