What is a decent, reliable, and affordable handgun?

Question

I'm Looking for one i can have in case i ever need to protect family.

Answer 1

If you are going to practice shooting and clean it regularly (preferably monthly), then I would suggest a Glock semi-auto. I would think a Glock 19 or 17 (both 9mm) would fit your needs.

If you are going to buy one then just stick in a drawer (or locked safe) and maybe shoot and clean it a couple times a year then I would suggest a revolver (I recommend a .357 magnum revolver because it will also fire .38 Specials, a less potent round and easier to learn with, but a .38 Special revolver cannot fire .357 magnums), I personally like Ruger's SP101 or GP100.

If you have no experience with firearms, then take a firearms course first, then decide what's right for you. Regardless of whether you want a semi-auto or a revolver, the lowest caliber I would consider is .380 ACP (aka .380 Auto) for self-defense (Bersa Thunder comes to mind as an inexpensive .380 Auto handgun, but I hve no experience with them so I can't vouch for their reliability and quality).

You could also buy used then that would open you up to anything...brands I recommend for semi-autos: Glock, H&K, Sig Sauer, Springfield XD, and Ruger.

Brands I recommend for revolvers: Colt, Ruger, or Smith and Wesson.

Check out this link, it has some good advice:

http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?ID=3195

Good luck.

Answer 2

Kevin; First, you must decide if you are willing to use it if necessary. That is a powerful idea to wrestle with; but absolutely has to be considered. Once you have answered yes to that, you are ready to start the hunt for your handgun. Decide how much you are able spend, including training & practice needed to become proficient! Ok, revolver or auto, both will do the job. As a former LEO I have carried both and never felt the need for something different. Depending on the prices in your area, and do shop around, make your decision based on what feels comportable in your hand. Calibers start
with the 9MM and .357mag. for a weapon sufficient enough in power to protect the family. Look for good quality USED handgun, 4" bbl revolver by Taurus, Charter Arms, or maybe a Ruger or S&W if reasonably priced; & too many good quality, reasonably priced autos to name. Again in the auto, look for at least the 9MM or 40 S&W cal's. You can shoot .38 Special ammo in the .357 Mag for practice, and if you feel the need; you can obtain excellent .38 Special Personal Defence Ammo for use in the home. I use either Cor-Bon or Mag-Safe ammo in almost every handgun I own for social purposes. Actually, I carry either a Colt Commander in .38Super, or Taurus 1911A1 in 45acp on the hip and a Smith & Wesson Model 37 3" revolver in my front right pocket, daily. In the .45acp I do use Remington 185 grain Gold Saber round which shoots very well in the Taurus. I hope you find this helpful in your search.

Answer 3

Low-end: Hi-Point C9 9mm, JCP .40S&W or JHP .45ACP, These run anywhere from a 100 dollars used to 200 dollars new depending on the model and options, They are heavy, bulky and ugly but they are reliable and accurate.
Middle: S&W SD9VE or SD40VE, Can be had for 300-350 dollars and is an excellent value, S&W M&P 9mm, .40 or .45ACP, they run anywhere from 400-550 new and of course the Glock 17, 19, 22 or 23 are all great options, they are in 9mm and .40S&W respectively, The 19 and 23 are smaller and more concealable while the 17 and 22 are full size, these run in the 450 used to 600 dollar new range.
High-end: Sig Sauer P226 9mm (700-1100 dollar range), P220 or P227 .45, The P220 is the older model with lower capacity while the P227 has a larger magazine (750-1200 dollar range), Heckler & Koch P30 series in 9mm, .40 and .45 I believe, They have mixed reviews and I'm not a huge fan of them but they are considered one of the high-end of handguns, they run in the 800-1000 dollar range

Answer 4

I would suggest to you a Glock. There are several models available, and these are some of the most reliable handguns you can buy (so reliable that most police forces choose them). You can buy a kit with everything you need through Glock. This will probably run you around $1000, which is a small price to pay for the safety of your family.

Answer 5

mask is right the bersa is a excellent gun and very reasonably priced.i purchased my bersa 380 thunder for $240(usd) including a hard case,cable lock,1 box(20) of federal hydro-shok rounds,1 box(50) of Remington umc fmj rounds,and all the cleaning accessories.i have put quite a few rounds downrange with it and have yet to have it jam up.truly a well made firearm..

Answer 6

gunbroker.com, auctionarms.com, gunsamerica.com >>Check out these sites for value & prices.* Do not buy anything less than a 357 Magnum caliber for self defense. It is a proven man stopper.* Preferably a Revolver.* Its not what you pay for something that matters its what you get for what you pay.* I have Colt & Smith& Wesson.*

Answer 7

The Bersa .380 Thunder semi auto pistol is one of the best bargains around. The gun is well made, it is reliable, and the cost is about $225--$250.

Answer 8

ruger p-89 9mm
reasonably accurate good for home defense and can handle +P+ ammo
also fairly cheap
mine has seen almost 20000 rounds without a mechanical failure

Answer 9

Ruger P 95; I have put 1000 rounds through mine and never had a failure check this thing out.
http://www.impactguns.com/store/SS-18160.html

Answer 10

I would go with a Beretta 9mm, easy to disassemble and clean, more accurate and dependable than a glock..... I have fired both.