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Sound Firearms Choices for those on a budget.

TurtleDude

TurtleDude

warrior of the wetlands
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Poorer folks often are the ones in most need of good reliable defensive firearms but due to the costs of buying a gun, or if they live in some of the big cities run by anti gun politicians (NYC, DC, Chicago etc), the cost of complying with the laws to own a firearm often limit their choices. Now I am a fan of really high quality firearms-be they for competitive purposes or for defensive purposes, but I make it a point to obtain and test some of the cheaper choices on the market so I can advise others who cannot say sink 1600 dollars into a CZ Custom shop handgun or a SIG MCX semi auto rifle

One place to look for a good reliable pistol for home defense is the used gun market. Police trade ins-especially Gen II and III (and soon Gen IV) Glocks are a good choice. Same with Smith and wesson M&Ps. with many departments going away from the 40 caliber and back to 9mms, 40 caliber police trade ins are in good supply. The "Trump slump" has caused dealers to cut prices and lots of people are buying new stuff and selling or trading in older firearms that can be bought at a good discount.

However, if you want a really high quality reliable new Auto with all the features the police and knowledgeable private citizens want in a defensive handgun, I recommend the CANIK brand imported from TURKEY by Century arms. They have several versions-one is single action only and one is Double action with a de-cocking button on the top of the slide. that is the one I recommend. They are 330 in cost and come with two high quality MEC-GAR (Italy-top of the line) magazines and an OK plastic holster. I own three different versions-even used one in a steel shooting contest (took 3rd out of about 50 shooters-the two above me were using 1000 dollar customized CZ Shadows)

the supply of these CANIKS is pretty good nationally these days. They are clones of Walthers and are made on modern CNC machines in what was an ISO 9002 IIRC) certified producer.
 
TurtleDude said:
Poorer folks often are the ones in most need of good reliable defensive firearms but due to the costs of buying a gun, or if they live in some of the big cities run by anti gun politicians (NYC, DC, Chicago etc), the cost of complying with the laws to own a firearm often limit their choices. Now I am a fan of really high quality firearms-be they for competitive purposes or for defensive purposes, but I make it a point to obtain and test some of the cheaper choices on the market so I can advise others who cannot say sink 1600 dollars into a CZ Custom shop handgun or a SIG MCX semi auto rifle

One place to look for a good reliable pistol for home defense is the used gun market. Police trade ins-especially Gen II and III (and soon Gen IV) Glocks are a good choice. Same with Smith and wesson M&Ps. with many departments going away from the 40 caliber and back to 9mms, 40 caliber police trade ins are in good supply. The "Trump slump" has caused dealers to cut prices and lots of people are buying new stuff and selling or trading in older firearms that can be bought at a good discount.

However, if you want a really high quality reliable new Auto with all the features the police and knowledgeable private citizens want in a defensive handgun, I recommend the CANIK brand imported from TURKEY by Century arms. They have several versions-one is single action only and one is Double action with a de-cocking button on the top of the slide. that is the one I recommend. They are 330 in cost and come with two high quality MEC-GAR (Italy-top of the line) magazines and an OK plastic holster. I own three different versions-even used one in a steel shooting contest (took 3rd out of about 50 shooters-the two above me were using 1000 dollar customized CZ Shadows)

the supply of these CANIKS is pretty good nationally these days. They are clones of Walthers and are made on modern CNC machines in what was an ISO 9002 IIRC) certified producer.
Click to expand...

Well..... was a skeptic at first, but I have found that EAA makes a nice assortment of pistols not unlike the CZ's at a lower cost....My favorite is the 10mm...I have an EAA witness 12+1 polymer in the 3.6.
Ergonomics are nice, recoil isn't what one would expect, but I did replace the spring with a new Wolff spring......all for under $500.
 
Polar Bum said:
Well..... was a skeptic at first, but I have found that EAA makes a nice assortment of pistols not unlike the CZ's at a lower cost....My favorite is the 10mm...I have an EAA witness 12+1 polymer in the 3.6.
Ergonomics are nice, recoil isn't what one would expect, but I did replace the spring with a new Wolff spring......all for under $500.
Click to expand...

I actually was a sponsored shooter for EAA years ago-shot their first version of the EAA Gold team-the one that was a copy of the CZ and which Eric Graufel won 5 world IPSC open division titles with. I gave the gun away after the contract was up. It worked well but the steel wasn't as good as CZs-not a concern to most people but when you're shooting 3000 rounds a month of 115 FMJ 9x21 rounds making a power factor of 175+ the barrels wore out pretty quick-after that many rounds the accuracy went from 3.5 inches at 50 yards (acceptable for GM level ISPC shooting) to about 6 or so-which was not
 
TurtleDude said:
I actually was a sponsored shooter for EAA years ago-shot their first version of the EAA Gold team-the one that was a copy of the CZ and which Eric Graufel won 5 world IPSC open division titles with. I gave the gun away after the contract was up. It worked well but the steel wasn't as good as CZs-not a concern to most people but when you're shooting 3000 rounds a month of 115 FMJ 9x21 rounds making a power factor of 175+ the barrels wore out pretty quick-after that many rounds the accuracy went from 3.5 inches at 50 yards (acceptable for GM level ISPC shooting) to about 6 or so-which was not
Click to expand...


Hmmm.....I don't think I have put that many rounds down range on mine...I usually get to the range every other week, but I alternate between my EAA and my XD40 for personal carry. I know the earlier models with Wonder finish had some issues, a well as suffering a few failures due to lightening cuts on the side of the upper receiver, but I have not had any issues as of yet.

Wasn't aware of premature barrel wear though, thanks for the info...I need to look at mine when I get back to the states.
 
Most of the firearms that I own are used. Buying a firearms is kind of like buying a car. You have new, and used models. You buy a new gun, you take it out of the store, shoot one round out of it, it becomes a used gun. Used guns, regardless of how little they have been shot depreciate about $100. In other words you can save yourself $100 buying a used gun. You also retain your resale value of that gun when buying used. In other words you buy a used glock for $400 you are going to be able to get that back out of it, on the private market.
 
Polar Bum said:
Hmmm.....I don't think I have put that many rounds down range on mine...I usually get to the range every other week, but I alternate between my EAA and my XD40 for personal carry. I know the earlier models with Wonder finish had some issues, a well as suffering a few failures due to lightening cuts on the side of the upper receiver, but I have not had any issues as of yet.

Wasn't aware of premature barrel wear though, thanks for the info...I need to look at mine when I get back to the states.
Click to expand...

I was using rounds that were far far hotter than normal =the 9x21 was a way of getting around USPSA's ban on making "major" with a 9mm NATO round. BTW the EAA competition pistols are very popular for steel shooting and USPSA Production, open and limited divisions. they aren't much cheaper than the CZ stuff though
 
TurtleDude said:
Poorer folks often are the ones in most need of good reliable defensive firearms but due to the costs of buying a gun, or if they live in some of the big cities run by anti gun politicians (NYC, DC, Chicago etc), the cost of complying with the laws to own a firearm often limit their choices. Now I am a fan of really high quality firearms-be they for competitive purposes or for defensive purposes, but I make it a point to obtain and test some of the cheaper choices on the market so I can advise others who cannot say sink 1600 dollars into a CZ Custom shop handgun or a SIG MCX semi auto rifle

One place to look for a good reliable pistol for home defense is the used gun market. Police trade ins-especially Gen II and III (and soon Gen IV) Glocks are a good choice. Same with Smith and wesson M&Ps. with many departments going away from the 40 caliber and back to 9mms, 40 caliber police trade ins are in good supply. The "Trump slump" has caused dealers to cut prices and lots of people are buying new stuff and selling or trading in older firearms that can be bought at a good discount.

However, if you want a really high quality reliable new Auto with all the features the police and knowledgeable private citizens want in a defensive handgun, I recommend the CANIK brand imported from TURKEY by Century arms. They have several versions-one is single action only and one is Double action with a de-cocking button on the top of the slide. that is the one I recommend. They are 330 in cost and come with two high quality MEC-GAR (Italy-top of the line) magazines and an OK plastic holster. I own three different versions-even used one in a steel shooting contest (took 3rd out of about 50 shooters-the two above me were using 1000 dollar customized CZ Shadows)

the supply of these CANIKS is pretty good nationally these days. They are clones of Walthers and are made on modern CNC machines in what was an ISO 9002 IIRC) certified producer.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I have a friend looking for a good economy pistol.
 
Goshin said:
Thanks, I have a friend looking for a good economy pistol.
Click to expand...

Another moderately priced ( and often overlooked) firearms maker is Taurus. Depending on your needs/wants, they make reliable revolvers and semiautomatics.....but I do tend to shy away from the newer Taurus with the magazine well locks....
 
TurtleDude said:
Poorer folks often are the ones in most need of good reliable defensive firearms but due to the costs of buying a gun, or if they live in some of the big cities run by anti gun politicians (NYC, DC, Chicago etc), the cost of complying with the laws to own a firearm often limit their choices. Now I am a fan of really high quality firearms-be they for competitive purposes or for defensive purposes, but I make it a point to obtain and test some of the cheaper choices on the market so I can advise others who cannot say sink 1600 dollars into a CZ Custom shop handgun or a SIG MCX semi auto rifle

One place to look for a good reliable pistol for home defense is the used gun market. Police trade ins-especially Gen II and III (and soon Gen IV) Glocks are a good choice. Same with Smith and wesson M&Ps. with many departments going away from the 40 caliber and back to 9mms, 40 caliber police trade ins are in good supply. The "Trump slump" has caused dealers to cut prices and lots of people are buying new stuff and selling or trading in older firearms that can be bought at a good discount.

However, if you want a really high quality reliable new Auto with all the features the police and knowledgeable private citizens want in a defensive handgun, I recommend the CANIK brand imported from TURKEY by Century arms. They have several versions-one is single action only and one is Double action with a de-cocking button on the top of the slide. that is the one I recommend. They are 330 in cost and come with two high quality MEC-GAR (Italy-top of the line) magazines and an OK plastic holster. I own three different versions-even used one in a steel shooting contest (took 3rd out of about 50 shooters-the two above me were using 1000 dollar customized CZ Shadows)

the supply of these CANIKS is pretty good nationally these days. They are clones of Walthers and are made on modern CNC machines in what was an ISO 9002 IIRC) certified producer.
Click to expand...

for cheap firearms, I would say savage bolt actions, which are very reliable for the cost. For revolvers I would say heritage, pietta, uberti etc as many repro revolvers are cheaper than modern styled revolvers, and a repro revolver in .38 on the cheap is a good deal. They also make cap and ball which is even cheaper but not viable unless you are skilled in antiquing.

For shotguns hetfield single shot is good for under 100 bucks, I would avoid their semi auto though. For pump action remington mossberg etc can often be had for less than 300 bucks.

For pistols, I would avoid high point, they are junk, taurus makes some low end pistols cheap in 9mm and way more reliable than high point.
 
Polar Bum said:
Another moderately priced ( and often overlooked) firearms maker is Taurus. Depending on your needs/wants, they make reliable revolvers and semiautomatics.....but I do tend to shy away from the newer Taurus with the magazine well locks....
Click to expand...

I've had Taurus revolvers. Pretty decent for the price.

Ruger has long been my go-to for economy pistols though.
 
beerftw said:
for cheap firearms, I would say savage bolt actions, which are very reliable for the cost. For revolvers I would say heritage, pietta, uberti etc as many repro revolvers are cheaper than modern styled revolvers, and a repro revolver in .38 on the cheap is a good deal. They also make cap and ball which is even cheaper but not viable unless you are skilled in antiquing.

For shotguns hetfield single shot is good for under 100 bucks, I would avoid their semi auto though. For pump action remington mossberg etc can often be had for less than 300 bucks.

For pistols, I would avoid high point, they are junk, taurus makes some low end pistols cheap in 9mm and way more reliable than high point.
Click to expand...


True.

My daughters first carry pistol was a Judge.....low cost, reliable, and, obviously, no jam issues that one can sometimes get in semi automatics.
 
Avoid Jiminez pistols like the plague, I believe they bought out Jennings. I had a Jennings semi auto, compact 22 as a kid, it jammed EVERY SHOT!

I do the grass cutting at the local pawn shop, they had 3 different jiminez pistols, from 160$ to 300$ 22. 9mm and .380

They had nothing but complaints and wont order anymore. Junk.

I hear Hi Point can be decent.
 
Polar Bum said:
True.

My daughters first carry pistol was a Judge.....low cost, reliable, and, obviously, no jam issues that one can sometimes get in semi automatics.
Click to expand...

Not sure what they go for in your area, but here a low end taurus 9mm is around 229, which I consider cheap. There are some other low end pistols similiar in reliability and price but I can not remember them. High point however can be as low as 120 here for 9mm or 45 acp, and high point has a massive return rate due to how bad they are, I guess you get what you pay for.

On high point though, their 45 acp assault weapon thingy is actually good, but that is the exception not the rule.
 
Slingshot Bob said:
Avoid Jiminez pistols like the plague, I believe they bought out Jennings. I had a Jennings semi auto, compact 22 as a kid, it jammed EVERY SHOT!

I do the grass cutting at the local pawn shop, they had 3 different jiminez pistols, from 160$ to 300$ 22. 9mm and .380

They had nothing but complaints and wont order anymore. Junk.

I hear Hi Point can be decent.
Click to expand...

high points are made of pot metal in Ohio. avoid stuff that doesn't use steel in the slides like the infamous "ring of fire" crap like Ravens, Jennings, (those companies kept changing names after lawsuits).

if you have to go cheap a used Taurus revolver is usually going to work. Taurus has a good warranty. I owned a 85 which was a copy of a SW J frame. I gave it to one of my fellow DOJ attorneys who needed something to carry and I had a top SW Pistol smith go over it first. I had a Taurus copy of a Beretta 92-good pistol great safety since you could carry it cocked and locked or hammer down without the danger of lowering the hammer on a live round. I gave it to a friend who did some landscaping for me because I was shooting Berettas in Competition and the magazines weren't interchangeable. good gun though
 
Since you're talking about a weapon that is likely going to get minimal use but would be suitable for home defense on a budget I think you were on the right track with used. If someone doesn't mind wandering a show or two they should be able to come up with a Ruger Security 6 or a S&W model 15 for right around $300. For a new semi-auto my experience with Taurus is that their guns go "bang" when they're supposed to and their price point isn't bad. Someone should be able to pick up a PT111 for $250 or so.
 
TurtleDude said:
high points are made of pot metal in Ohio. avoid stuff that doesn't use steel in the slides like the infamous "ring of fire" crap like Ravens, Jennings, (those companies kept changing names after lawsuits).

if you have to go cheap a used Taurus revolver is usually going to work. Taurus has a good warranty. I owned a 85 which was a copy of a SW J frame. I gave it to one of my fellow DOJ attorneys who needed something to carry and I had a top SW Pistol smith go over it first. I had a Taurus copy of a Beretta 92-good pistol great safety since you could carry it cocked and locked or hammer down without the danger of lowering the hammer on a live round. I gave it to a friend who did some landscaping for me because I was shooting Berettas in Competition and the magazines weren't interchangeable. good gun though
Click to expand...

Good points, any thoughts on Kel tec?
 
beerftw said:
Not sure what they go for in your area, but here a low end taurus 9mm is around 229, which I consider cheap. There are some other low end pistols similiar in reliability and price but I can not remember them. High point however can be as low as 120 here for 9mm or 45 acp, and high point has a massive return rate due to how bad they are, I guess you get what you pay for.

On high point though, their 45 acp assault weapon thingy is actually good, but that is the exception not the rule.
Click to expand...

I got her the 2.5 45/410......at one point she had my old PT 908, but she is a tiny thing, and didn't like the slide pull....ergonomically, she liked the single stack mag because the grip fit nicely into her hand.

$330 used, and she carries it religiously.
 
beerftw said:
for cheap firearms, I would say savage bolt actions, which are very reliable for the cost. For revolvers I would say heritage, pietta, uberti etc as many repro revolvers are cheaper than modern styled revolvers, and a repro revolver in .38 on the cheap is a good deal. They also make cap and ball which is even cheaper but not viable unless you are skilled in antiquing.

For shotguns hetfield single shot is good for under 100 bucks, I would avoid their semi auto though. For pump action remington mossberg etc can often be had for less than 300 bucks.

For pistols, I would avoid high point, they are junk, taurus makes some low end pistols cheap in 9mm and way more reliable than high point.
Click to expand...

The heritage are good for the money, my pal has one. I think they overcomplicate the extractors and for a revolver, they sure have a lot of parts!
 
Slingshot Bob said:
Good points, any thoughts on Kel tec?
Click to expand...

Kel tech are similar to Taurus in my experience though Kel Tec is more adventurous with new designs while Taurus often copies proven designs. Lots of bang for the buck but they have higher warranty issues than say Smiths or Walthers. But the warranty is good and as one big big dealer noted to me-he never has had a problem with a Taurus or Kel Tec after it has been back to the warranty center once and returned
 
TurtleDude said:
Poorer folks often are the ones in most need of good reliable defensive firearms but due to the costs of buying a gun, or if they live in some of the big cities run by anti gun politicians (NYC, DC, Chicago etc), the cost of complying with the laws to own a firearm often limit their choices. Now I am a fan of really high quality firearms-be they for competitive purposes or for defensive purposes, but I make it a point to obtain and test some of the cheaper choices on the market so I can advise others who cannot say sink 1600 dollars into a CZ Custom shop handgun or a SIG MCX semi auto rifle

One place to look for a good reliable pistol for home defense is the used gun market. Police trade ins-especially Gen II and III (and soon Gen IV) Glocks are a good choice. Same with Smith and wesson M&Ps. with many departments going away from the 40 caliber and back to 9mms, 40 caliber police trade ins are in good supply. The "Trump slump" has caused dealers to cut prices and lots of people are buying new stuff and selling or trading in older firearms that can be bought at a good discount.

However, if you want a really high quality reliable new Auto with all the features the police and knowledgeable private citizens want in a defensive handgun, I recommend the CANIK brand imported from TURKEY by Century arms. They have several versions-one is single action only and one is Double action with a de-cocking button on the top of the slide. that is the one I recommend. They are 330 in cost and come with two high quality MEC-GAR (Italy-top of the line) magazines and an OK plastic holster. I own three different versions-even used one in a steel shooting contest (took 3rd out of about 50 shooters-the two above me were using 1000 dollar customized CZ Shadows)

the supply of these CANIKS is pretty good nationally these days. They are clones of Walthers and are made on modern CNC machines in what was an ISO 9002 IIRC) certified producer.
Click to expand...

Yes yes that's all well and good, got any suggestions on budget tanks though?
 
TurtleDude said:
Kel tech are similar to Taurus in my experience though Kel Tec is more adventurous with new designs while Taurus often copies proven designs. Lots of bang for the buck but they have higher warranty issues than say Smiths or Walthers. But the warranty is good and as one big big dealer noted to me-he never has had a problem with a Taurus or Kel Tec after it has been back to the warranty center once and returned
Click to expand...

Had any warranty issues with EAA?
 
Slingshot Bob said:
The heritage are good for the money, my pal has one. I think they overcomplicate the extractors and for a revolver, they sure have a lot of parts!
Click to expand...

Heritage like peacemaker replicas are good, and often 400-500 bucks for a fully functional revolver is often a good deal new and often dirt cheap used.

For a 22 revolver no one else touches them, they can be had for barely over 100 bucks, and are reliable as hell.
 
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