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Good handgun for under $400?

Posted on 7/15/16 at 9:15 pm
Posted by LakeViewLSU
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2009
17730 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 9:15 pm
I have never owned a gun before.

Thanks
Posted by 03GeeTee
Oklahomastan
Member since Oct 2010
3371 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 9:20 pm to
Spend a slight bit more and get a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. You can find them online for $400ish new and it is a much better gun than almost anything in that price range.
Posted by Vacherie Saint
Member since Aug 2015
39388 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 9:21 pm to
Ruger sr9 for about 350 is a pretty good value, imo. I believe the s&w shield in 9mm luger can be had for under 400.

Plenty of good wheel guns under 400. What's the application?
Posted by wickowick
Head of Island
Member since Dec 2006
45794 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 9:21 pm to
What are your plans/ purpose for the gun, where will it be stored, carried, etc.
Posted by CoyillonTiger
With You
Member since Sep 2010
371 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 9:26 pm to
I know you said $400, but I bought a brand new Glock 43 for $440 cash. Great little gun.
Posted by texag7
College Station
Member since Apr 2014
37472 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 9:29 pm to
Look on budsgunshop.com for used police trade ins.
Posted by DownshiftAndFloorIt
Here
Member since Jan 2011
66763 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 9:38 pm to
What are you intending to use it for?

$400 can buy you an extremely nice used gun and some nice new ones. It just depends on what you're looking for. Home defense? Range toy? Shoot cans in the yard?
Posted by CP3
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2009
7401 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 9:59 pm to
quote:

Glock 43


Yeah, but it's a glock

Get a S&W M&P or a Ruger.
This post was edited on 7/15/16 at 10:00 pm
Posted by upgrayedd
Lifting at Tobin's house
Member since Mar 2013
134843 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 10:24 pm to
quote:

know you said $400, but I bought a brand new Glock 43 for $440 cash. Great little gun


I'm a Glock man and the 43 is terrible
Posted by lsu xman
Member since Oct 2006
15525 posts
Posted on 7/15/16 at 11:08 pm to
Don't get a Glock 43 unless it's for conceal carry.

Is this home defense? Glock 19 is a good option. Much easier and enjoyable to shoot than a subcompact.
Posted by X123F45
Member since Apr 2015
27348 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 12:19 am to
quote:

Yeah, but it's a glock

Get a S&W M&P or a Ruger.


I have range toys and the guns I trust my life to.

The second a gun has a malfunction, it's a toy. All the Glocks, the two AKs, and the shitty maverick 88 mossberg shotgun are the only ones to never let me down.

Obviously the bolt actions too, but they're such a pain in the arse to conceal carry.

Advice to the OP, get something you can trust. An M&P or a Glock. The M&P is more sensitive to limp wristing or light ammo. If you shoot factory loads and are always holding onto it, it's a fine gun.

Get a 9mm.


Shoot a few thousand rounds, then decide whether you like 18 shots as fast and accurate as possible (9mm), you like throwing door knobs (.45), or if you have hands like a gorilla and like the idea of a bullet that is carrying 750ft/lbs of force behind it (10mm).
This post was edited on 7/16/16 at 12:20 am
Posted by BrotherEsau
Member since Aug 2011
3500 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 6:02 am to
I just got this on sale under $400 Sar arms k2 .45acp

Shipped within an hour of purchase. Haven't had a chance to shoot it yet though
Posted by BayouFann
CenLa
Member since Jun 2012
6868 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 6:40 am to
Sig Sauer .380 to .40 smith&wesson. You can definitely find a used one in perfect condition. The actual model will depend on your physical stature, handgun readiness and purpose of the weapon.
Posted by Miller Lite Fan
Member since May 2015
321 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 7:36 am to
LINKthis place has great prices.

I'm on the wait list for the M9. Free shipping on most
Posted by Bayouboogaloocrew
Dixie
Member since Jul 2013
3101 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 9:36 am to
Just bought a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. Great gun.
Posted by AthensRattler
Classic City, GA
Member since Dec 2013
911 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 10:01 am to
Get 2 CZ-82s.

Or 1 82 and 1 P-64
Posted by rungunz
Member since Jul 2016
92 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 1:54 pm to
Glock 19 or 17.
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6810 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 4:42 pm to
quote:

What are you intending to use it for?

1+
Posted by LakeViewLSU
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2009
17730 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 4:56 pm to
In case of a home invasion.
Posted by TigerOnThe Hill
Springhill, LA
Member since Sep 2008
6810 posts
Posted on 7/16/16 at 6:55 pm to
quote:

In case of a home invasion.


Best home defense gun is shotgun. 12 gauge has been the traditional choice, but 20 is good as well. Choose whatever you and your family can best handle. And don't worry, it doesn't have to be a "tactical" shotgun. For many families, a youth model 20 is the best choice. Here's a good article on shotgun self defense ammo. You'll frequently see recs here for birdshot. They have their reasons, but I agree instead w/ the above article: Birdshot at close range may cause a bad wound, but stopping power can be limited due to decreased penetration. Do your research and decide for yourself what you're most comfortable w/.

After shotguns, most folks would next turn to a handgun. I'd suggest a full size (e.g. NOT a compact or semi-compact) handgun in 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 Mag, 357 Sig or 45 ACP. Full size guns are generally easier to shoot for a number of reasons; your'e not looking for a concealed carry gun. Full size (not "airweight or lightweight") revolvers are fine, but they're not foolproof and have limited round capacity. Most folks would get a double stack magazine semi-auto (e.g a Model 17 Glock, S&W M&P, Springfield Armory XD/XDM and MANY other models). Of course, for someone willing to learn it's manual of arms, a reliable 1911 is always a good choice. There's lots of good self defense ammo available. One way to simplify the choice is to consider using whatever handgun ammo your local LEO's use. Put a premium on getting a 100% RELIABLE gun from a reputable gun maker, i.e. Ruger, S&W, Beretta, Sig, Springfield Armory. etc. This is NOT where you want to save money, especially for a handgun newbie.

And yes, don't forego OTHER layers of home defense, including house dogs, security systems, security locks, etc.

Since this is your first handgun, I'd consider getting some formal training, as well.

Keep us updated w/ your choice(s).
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