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Looking for a handgun

crhcrh Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
edited October 2010 in Ask the Experts
So I have a friend who tried to sell me a Stafford Arms JS-9MM for $300.00. I was wise enough to check and see if it was worth near that - thanks mostly to this web site I found that it was not worth even 1/3 of that. So I have told him NO! But I really want a good handgun. Had really wanted a 9MM but am not limited to that. Would like for my wife to be able to shoot it as well. It will mainly be for me to conceal carry when I get my license. What is a good handgun for a guy without much money. Looking forward to learning from you guys - thanks!
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Comments

  • MossbergboogieMossbergboogie Member Posts: 12,211
    edited November -1
    I saw a Ruger LCP on CTD listed for $252 plus transfer and shipping. Seemed like a good deal to me. but that is a .380

    Kahr CW-9 would be worth while to look at and even Kel tech modles. 9mm will be your cheapest round so I won't even go into others
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  • crhcrh Member Posts: 3 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks Mossbergboogie,
    I looked both of those up - I will look at some reviews. I appreciate your willingness to answer - I just don't know much about guns - haven't owned one since 1992 when all of my guns got stolen...
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  • 45forme45forme Member Posts: 948 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Beretta 92, Glock 19, and CZ-75 are all very well made 9mm pistols that you can get used for around $350. They will hold up well and be fun to shoot and easy to find mags & parts for.
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  • gotstolefromgotstolefrom Member Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    As Gary mentioned, consider the (loaded) weight of the gun. A heavier carry gun, even by several ounces, can take a GOOD WHILE to get used to it, or you will not bring it all the time...which defeats the purpose. To be light, Autos will have a lot of polymer and revolvers will be made with light alloys (Titanium for one).

    My wife likes to shoot autos for fun, but only trusts herself with a revolver to carry. There are many light frame revolvers out, and as long as your power is at least 38+P, you have a good tool.

    ENJOY, and save up for a good, well anchored safe.
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  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Its hard (though not impossible) to find a quality concealable 9mm luger gun for only $300, let alone one your wife will enjoy shooting.

    Problem here is that concealable carry guns need to be small and light (or you won't be able to conceal them, and won't want to carry them).

    Most of the guns that are small and light also don't meet your presumed $300 price cutoff.

    Also, small and light guns of the power level of a 9mm probably aren't going to be much fun for your wife to shoot.

    So I'm going to say that what you want is a compact (but NOT subcompact) 9mm luger auto with either an aluminum alloy or polymer frame. That would be small enough for you to carry concealed, yet large enough for your wife to shoot. Models that could work include Glock 19, Smith M&P, Beretta 9000, CZ-RAMI (high on price here), Kel-Tec PF9 (low price, high recoil), and the compact Smith autos.

    Alternatively, you could get away with a .38 snubnose gun, preferably in aluminum alloy frame, though all steel might work here too. Check out the Smith and Wesson "airweight" guns (eg models 637, 642, etc).
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  • BUCKAWHOBUCKAWHO Member Posts: 966 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Handgun? Get a Smith model 39...light alloy frame, 9mm, semi-auto, eight shot, plenty available on GB for less than $450, fun to shoot, and have had mine for forty years and love it! BT[:D]
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  • quickmajikquickmajik Member Posts: 15,576 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Glock 19
    Steyr M9
    Springfield armory XD 4"
    Smith and wesson M&P 9 compact

    These guns are all nicely made and light weight, my advice is to get a gun with tritium night sights and a light rail on the dust cover. as both are useful options on a handgun.
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  • rambo rebelrambo rebel Member Posts: 4,028
    edited November -1
    try looking at the slim single stack keltec 9, good warenty, reliable, (at least my sub 2000 and 32 are), light even loaded and way under 3 bills. I'd have one if I were a 9 guy. I do the 32 or 57x28, and somtimes the 22 mag.
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  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Have you, or your wife, had much experience with handguns, or were all of your stolen pieces long guns? if either of you are new to the handgun game I'd suggest looking at a wheel gun. Something like a used Ruger Security Six. Heavier than a small 9 for sure, but accurate, easy to shoot, and with a good holster, concealable enough. A joy to shoot with .38 special ammo and not bad with hotter 357 defense loads.
    Just a thought. Whatever you decide, both you and your wife should try any guns out before you buy and make sure that they'll be friendly enough for you both to enjoy practice!
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