Budget considerations when buying a gun.

O.K., it’s been a while since I touched on actual guns out there or the marketplace. Yes, I’ve answered specific firearm questions but let’s talk more detail.

Don’t overlook the lowest price firearms. Just because they don’t cost much doesn’t mean they are cheap and of poor quality,

Of great note are the Hi Point line of semi automatic pistols, the Rossi and Taurus revolvers, and some 1911 types that are under the grand mark. I have had 4 trainees come to class with Hi Point firearms. The retail price on these firearms runs from $119.00 to $259.00 in calibers from .380 to .40. These are outstanding buys and everyone I have seen and handled is reliable and  accurate.  They are a bulky handgun but who cares? They work. I recommend them if you have budget considerations. Holsters and spare mags are a search project but they are out there.

Lots of folks are starting to buy small revolvers. Rossi and Taurus both make them and have them from retail of $199.00 to $300.00. Academy has Rossi on now for $199.00 with a 3” barrel. I plan to purchase one as a pocket back-up for duty and for instructing use. 

Academy also (still), regularly puts the Taurus PT 101 Beretta pattern pistol on sale for $299.00. All Taurus firearms come with a lifetime guarantee, 2 mags., case and accessories. Their revolvers are of both 5 and 6 shot varieties and are also on Academy’s usual sale flyer list. You can go to a gun show and find the entire line of Taurus firearms semi autos and revolvers which is numerous (Academy only carries the most common sellers in the Taurus line), and the other Rossi revolvers at good prices. You have to practice with these guns. Don’t just stick them in your pocket and go about your business. At practice stick it in your pocket and try drawing and firing five rounds in ten seconds and at 3 to 7 yards. Scoring all A zone hits, it’s not so easy. These are great arms length defensive tools.

Don’t forget to look for the police trade ins at the gun shows, both in revolvers and semi autos. I saw some outstanding bargains at the last show from Smith & Wesson and others all under $400.00.

Now to the 1911 type pistols…. They are available from more manufacturers every year. S&W, Colt, Taurus, Springfield Armory, Detonics, Kimber, Para USA, Les Baer, Hi Point, Century, Dan Wesson,  etc etc. etc…… prices from $299.00 to $4000.00. 

Look folks, a 1911 is a 1911, is a 1911, is a 1911...please don’t try to tell me yours is different. They all have  the same laundry list of features accepted as standard, and they are all the same and overpriced. The only difference in the various versions are all cosmetic, or in name. I think a cool sounding name immediately ups the price by $500.00 and man if it says “tactical”  oh boy, look out.

Polymer pistols of the striker fired or hammer type are starting to flood the marketplace. They are also in various sizes and shapes but they are also pretty much the same. I have fired them in many variations and makes and notice that almost to a T the trigger pulls suck. The Sigma from S&W varies from pistol to pistol, the greatly overpriced (in my opinion) Kahr Arms has the worst trigger of any firearm I have ever handled, bar none, Glock triggers are mushy, as are Taurus and XD’s, again these are the polymer guns….can’t figure out why. They are also starting to rise in retail as their popularity rises, but can still be found at bargains if you pay attention and hunt for them.

Those are some suggestions if you are in the market for a budget priced, quality firearm. Check em out, and do yourself a favor, don’t buy from “gun auction” sights on line. They are hacked into all the time and they never let people know cause they don’t have to. Order from reputable dealers and don’t pay without a security guarantee or ask if you can use a gift card purchase option if they say no…..don’t buy.

My advice not an order...

Your Instructor,         EDDIE