Can someone tell me a good pistol to get for $250.?

Question

I want to get a gun for concealed carry and only have $250.

Answer 1

This is going to be pretty tough. Be warned that there is a lot of junk out there in the price range you are limited to.

Stay away from brands Jennings, Bryco, Raven, Davis, Jiminez, they are junk. I'm going to include Hi Point in this list also, maybe not junk but not worth risking your life with either.

Brands that are barely marginal quality like Bersa, Charter and Kel Tec may be considered but understand they while perhaps acceptable in design the final product that comes from the factory is not always without problems. You take some chances and you must really work it out to see if it's going to be dependable or not.

Try and find a used revolver in .38 Special or bigger.

For a semi auto pistol, consider .380acp to be the minimum caliber.

One option may be a Makarov pistol. NOT a PA-63, but a real Makarov. A Makarov should have all the springs changed out, but it is a solid and dependable pistol that fires the 9x18 round, just shy of the power of a 9mm Luger. You should be able to get one, with a new spring kit plus some rubber Pearce grips for just over your budget. I have one that is extremely dependable and I sometimes carry it in place of my full sized auto.

Answer 2

To be straight with you $250 is a little on the light side to try and get a decent handgun for concealed carry. As a Dealer, I would suggest you look around at as many local Gun Shops or maybe a Pawn Shops for a decent Smith & Wesson Model 36 Revolver in 38 special caliber,or an Older Colt Snub nose 38, or even a Charter Arms snub nosed Revolver if you can find one. Most of the better used guns will cost between $300-350 for a name brand gun in decent used.
I realize that you quoted a figure you can afford but you are going to get exactly what you pay for and probably not a lot more. You have to look at it this way. Is saving a few dollars here and now worth risking your life for later? I would wait and save some more money first, then go out and look. I think you will be amazed what you will be able to afford for a few more dollars.

Answer 3

You failed to state what your experience with handguns is. I suspect that your knowledge base is limited and you are unsure of what to get. All of the previous answers are good. You should avoid any new pistol that is under $300. These "junk" guns are throwaway. Stay away from the semi-auto handgun that others have stated.

Decide what you want. Revolvers are less expensive, and may be the way you need to go with the limited budget. You should be able to get a decent pistol for that price...revolvers are more reliable than a semi-auto. (especially the cheap ones) Jennings really sucks.

Go to a gun shop - not a pawnshop - and look around. Tell the fella what you are looking for and your price range. A .38 or .357 is what you will be looking at more than likely. Feel the different items. Handle them. Grip them. Find one that feels great - not good - in your hand. The rest is up to you. Be sure to practice a lot to get the feel of your firearm. Practice with less expensive ammo at first. Then practice with the tactical ammo of your choice.

An excellent resource to help you with different calibers and ballistics is http://www.mouseguns.com

Spend the day reading the testimonies and stuff...very interesting stuff from police officers and the morgue.

Answer 4

Surplus Makarov.Simple,reliable,accurate. the 9x18 makarov round is only marginally less powerful than 9 mm parabellum.If you shop right 250 can get you the gun,some spare mags and a few dozen rounds of High quality self defense ammo.

Answer 5

OH Boy, at this time the only gun you could get would be a used one. And because you seem to be unfamiliar with guns I would try to find a .38spl revolver with a short barrel. There are many Internet on-line lists of guns for sale and they will send the gun to a local gun store for you to pick up and fill out the paperwork. Other than that go to every gun show in your local area. Bargain with the sellers and GOOD LUCK
Sarge

Answer 6

The Bersa .380 Thunder double action semi-auto pistol is one of the best bargains on the gun market. It is chambered for the adequet .380 Auto round, the guns is well made, and very reliable. Double action trigger pull is about 7-8 pounds, and single action is about 4-5. Excellent value of the money. It retains in my area for about $235+ tax.

Answer 7

Its not what you pay for something that matters, its what you get for what you pay.*...... Be patient & save up more $$$ and get yourself a Smith & Wesson or Colt or Ruger in 357 Magnum caliber only because when you buy a 357 Magnum you get two (2) guns for the price of one, because you can shoot 38 caliber ammo also in the 357 Magnum.* Whether you buy new or used you will be well protected, and don't settle for any other caliber but a 357 Magnum.* Great value & a Great self defensive caliber.* You will be glad you did.*

Answer 8

I would not get a Hi Point...Save up another 100 to another 150 and depending on the state and dealer you could get a Taurus Millennium Pro PT145. They are not that expensive. In IL around 360 or so before taxes. But yeah I would wait and by something decent. Someone mentioned a .38 spec. snubby and that would work but you would have to find a well kept used model. To save would be worth it.

Answer 9

This pistol has very good reviews and is in your price range and although the 380 acp is the minimum for self defense with the right ammo ( Federal Hydra-Shock or Remington Golden Sabers) you will be well armed. I love my 380 and it is 100% reliable. Bersa Thunder Dual Tone 7 round, check-out the link.

Answer 10

Try to get a gun with a lot of stopping power. The small caliber guns are weak and can't stop someone from coming at you. You need something that when they get hit they know it, it will push them back. For $250 I would try to find a nice used .45 auto or revolver. Good Luck