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If you had $350-or-less to spend on a semi-auto pistol...

Gooberlx2

Gooberlx2

Lifer
I want to get a pistol for me and my wife. We'd use it for home defense (so I'm thinking 9mm or greater), but mostly at the range for our own enjoyment (which steers me back to 9mm for ammo costs). We don't plan to carry.

Unfortunately, since we're saving our money for future purposes, our budget is limited to $350. I'm not particular, except I just don't want a revolver. My wife hates Glocks (for some reason).

What would you get in that $350-or-less price range?
 
Hmm, if only you could add $100 to that budget or wouldn't mind going used. Anyway, try to see how good a deal you can get on a Springfield XD pistol.
 
Originally posted by: IeraseU
Hmm, if only you could add $100 to that budget or wouldn't mind going used. Anyway, try to see how good a deal you can get on a Springfield XD pistol.
Click to expand...

Heh, I'd love to add the $100 to the budget, but then the wife would have words about it. I'd be fine with used, but haven't seen any around here.
 
How about an online purchase? They have gun auction sites (new and used), the only thing is they have to ship it to someone with an FFL, and those guys usually charge you $20-30 for the service....however, you can avoid tax so it should even out sometimes.

Edit: If you know someone in law enforcement, they can get you a gun at or near wholesale cost.
 
Originally posted by: IeraseU
How about an online purchase? They have gun auction sites (new and used), the only thing is they have to ship it to someone with an FFL, and those guys usually charge you $20-30 for the service....however, you can avoid tax so it should even out sometimes.
Click to expand...

I guess I had been somewhat reluctant 'cause the idea of buying a gun site-unseen seems risky to me, especially used. Anyone with experiences and website recommendations?
 
Smith and Wesson Sigma 9mm for $269.00

I don't own a S&W sigma, but the REVIEWS seem to be ok.

If you have time to wait, you should keep an eye on your local paper for guns that come up for sale. I've bought a couple of lightly used $400 Glocks locally. You can also check out the Glocktalk.com forum for guns that are for sale in your area. If you live near a large city, then the Glocktalk forum will be your best bet for finding a good deal on a used gun.
 
Originally posted by: Gooberlx2
Originally posted by: IeraseU
How about an online purchase? They have gun auction sites (new and used), the only thing is they have to ship it to someone with an FFL, and those guys usually charge you $20-30 for the service....however, you can avoid tax so it should even out sometimes.
Click to expand...

I guess I had been somewhat reluctant 'cause the idea of buying a gun site-unseen seems risky to me, especially used. Anyone with experiences and website recommendations?
Click to expand...

http://www.gunsamerica.com/

http://www.gunbroker.com/
 
You do know that you'll have to budget more then 350 for the gun. Maybe 350 for the gun itself, but you'll also need decent cleaning supplies (only 10-25 but still money spent) and you have to feed it.

For 9mm, it'll be about 7-8 bucks a box of 50, and thats for target rounds. For defense rounds, you'll probably be upping the price to about 15-20 bucks for a box of 20. You also have to make sure that your gun feeds those rounds well and so you'll have to go through a box of those every now and then.

I don't know what the laws are like over there, but do you need to pass a test first? Its 25 bucks for that over here in California. Then after you buy the gun, you'll have to pass a background check (25 bucks or more).

Maybe you should rethink that and get a decent shotgun for 250?

EDIT: Try hitting some local pawn shops. Sometimes you can find some good deals there. Having a gun for self defense means you have to be good with it. That means going through a lot of rounds and some classes to make yourself comfortable with how it shoots and how it works. Don't just buy the gun and expect it to be what you need in a bad situation.
 
S&W Sigma .40 -- I own this model, and although Sigma's in the past were mostly crap, the newer ones are great guns. I've put over 5k rounds through it without a single hitch. Paid right @ $350 for it brand new.
 
If that was all the money I had, I would get a ruger P series. Ugly as hell, but they are built like tanks, and are very reliable.
 
Originally posted by: adairusmc
If that was all the money I had, I would get a ruger P series. Ugly as hell, but they are built like tanks, and are very reliable.
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I agree, I forget what I paid for my P90 but it was well below 350.
 
Originally posted by: Kelvrick
You do know that you'll have to budget more then 350 for the gun. Maybe 350 for the gun itself, but you'll also need decent cleaning supplies (only 10-25 but still money spent) and you have to feed it.

For 9mm, it'll be about 7-8 bucks a box of 50, and thats for target rounds. For defense rounds, you'll probably be upping the price to about 15-20 bucks for a box of 20. You also have to make sure that your gun feeds those rounds well and so you'll have to go through a box of those every now and then.

I don't know what the laws are like over there, but do you need to pass a test first? Its 25 bucks for that over here in California. Then after you buy the gun, you'll have to pass a background check (25 bucks or more).

Maybe you should rethink that and get a decent shotgun for 250?

EDIT: Try hitting some local pawn shops. Sometimes you can find some good deals there. Having a gun for self defense means you have to be good with it. That means going through a lot of rounds and some classes to make yourself comfortable with how it shoots and how it works. Don't just buy the gun and expect it to be what you need in a bad situation.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm talking $350 for the gun itself. Florida's gun laws are very easy on the buyer. No tests or courses (my wife and I have both been through Hunter Safety anyway), no permits (unless CC, which I don't care to do), no registration, etc...just the background check.

Like I said, it's mostly just going to be a fun plinker at the range, and perhaps home defense, in the off chance it ever had to be. I appreciate the suggestions from everyone.
 
Now that thats out of the way. No matter what you get, I really recommend this accessory.

Uplula

Too bad the S&W MP is so new, otherwise a good used one would be right in your range. Very underrated gun. I have no other input aside from joining some of the gun forums. I'm sure they'll have some good deals for members.
 
Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Now that thats out of the way. No matter what you get, I really recommend this accessory.

Uplula

Too bad the S&W MP is so new, otherwise a good used one would be right in your range. Very underrated gun. I have no other input aside from joining some of the gun forums. I'm sure they'll have some good deals for members.
Click to expand...
Thanks for mentioning that. I'm going to order one.
 
I would say P-Series Ruger if your wife has big hands. I like my P95, but my mitts are definitely XL. Otherwise try out the S&W Sigma, it may fit her better. The M&P series autoloaders would be even better (adjustable grip size), but would run $400+.
Please note the prices do not include the transfer fee your local FFL holder will charge for legally receiving an interstate firearm shipment (usually $20-$35)

Before you spring for the Uplula, check out This HKS magazine loader. It works great, and is a lot cheaper.
 
Eh.. I cant think of anything under $350 that i'd want. You might be able to find a used XD in that range, but its very very similar to a Glock, so I doubt that your wife would like it.

I bought a used Sig online with no hassles. You have to pay shipping and transfer, which limits your budget to about $300 though.
 
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