Looking For a Cheaper Handgun

[saki302]

Don't buy a crap gun. A Tokarev (9mm) or makarov (9x18) is in your price range and bothare good functional pieces of communist technology. A CZ52 pistol can be had for under $200, and you can convert it to 9mm if you want also.

A nice .38 can be bought for that price range too, or even a used .357 if you look. Do not buy a crapy gun which won't last and gives no pride of ownership. If you become a 'gun guy', you'll regret it later.

-Dave

[kenc9]

ROCK ISLAND .45 1911-A1 PISTOLS. ONLY......$289.95

http://www.classicarms.us/

-ken

[SFW516]

I really like the Rock Island's but as far as I know they aren't legal here in CA. Does anybody know the practicallity of having someone buy a gun out of state and bring it in?

I just might go for a .38 if I can find a good one. I really don't care what pistol it is I just want something reliable and cheap to shoot. I may just end up getting the money together and just getting a Springfield 1911. Who knows. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. Keep em coming.

[pilotimb]

You can get a used CZ75b for around $300

Where do I need to look to find that price? Thats exactly what I want but haven't been able to find any under 400 in the SF bay area.

[asintado]

The cheapest CZ75B I've seen was $360. I think he was just giving a round number. Try and hit up a S&W Sigma (sw9ve or sw40ve). They're around $325 and I believe there's a gentleman on the classified selling both his 9mm and .40 cal. versions for $275.

[The Soup Nazi]

Don't buy a crap gun. A Tokarev (9mm) or makarov (9x18) is in your price range and bothare good functional pieces of communist technology. A CZ52 pistol can be had for under $200, and you can convert it to 9mm if you want also.

A nice .38 can be bought for that price range too, or even a used .357 if you look. Do not buy a crapy gun which won't last and gives no pride of ownership. If you become a 'gun guy', you'll regret it later.

-Dave

I thought Tula Tokarev 33 was chambered for 7.62X25, just like the CZ52. Its not as common, but it definately is out there from what I can see.

[brassburns]

For a first gun, I'd buy a .22 semi-auto pistol. My first choice would be a Ruger Mark II target model with a 5.5 inch bull barrel. There may not be new ones out, there, but a used one would definitely be in your price range.

When Ruger fixes the problem with the loaded chamber indicator (accidental discharge when struck from the side), the Mark III would also be an excellent choice, but until that happens, stay away, especially a new shooter.

The S & W 22A series is also a choice, but many steps down in quality from the Ruger.

Randy

[pepsi2451]

ROCK ISLAND .45 1911-A1 PISTOLS. ONLY......$289.95

http://www.classicarms.us/

-ken

+1 for the Rock Island I have only put about 300 rds of WWB through mine but haven't had a problem.

I really like the Rock Island's but as far as I know they aren't legal here in CA. Does anybody know the practicallity of having someone buy a gun out of state and bring it in?

Its on the approved list under "Armscor Precision Rock Island 1911 A-1 G.I. / Blue Steel" Exp date is 6/12/2006 so hurry up!

[saki302]

I thought Tula Tokarev 33 was chambered for 7.62X25, just like the CZ52. Its not as common, but it definately is out there from what I can see.

You can convert virtually any Tokarev from 7.62x25 to 9mm with a simple barrel and mag swap. I have a Norinco 213 which fires both. I leave it as 7.62 since I have too many 9mms already, and the little bottle necked bullet really zings! With a good US-made JHP, that would be a nasty little round..

-Dave

[CaMakarovnik]

9x18 Ammo Costs

Originally Posted by SFW516
I was also thinking about the Makarov but I was worried about the price of ammo. How available is the ammo for them?

I just got a case (1000 rounds) of S&B 9x18 from Natchez Shooters Supply for $185, including shipping. The cost has risen somewhat, reportedly due to demand from Afgan and Iraqi police/military purchasing.

The Russian manufactured ammo is also a little harder to find than before, but still cheaper that that.

CaMakarovnik

[kenc9]

I really like the Rock Island's but as far as I know they aren't legal here in CA. Does anybody know the practicallity of having someone buy a gun out of state and bring it in?

I just might go for a .38 if I can find a good one. I really don't care what pistol it is I just want something reliable and cheap to shoot. I may just end up getting the money together and just getting a Springfield 1911. Who knows. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. Keep em coming.

Just got one three months ago...They are legal.

-ken

[Satex]

Turners has Star 9mm on sale once in a while. Why does everyone hate them?

[SFW516]

Turners has Star pistols? I thought they weren't approved. I heard that they are illegal for dealers to sell.

I have heard alot of good things about the Star pistols, that is what I would most like to get.

[rainman8819]

The Star pistols are not on the list. I can't remeber when, but the stopped bringing them in years ago. I was lucky enough to buy a Firestar M45. First handgun I bought and never had a single problem. I still have it today. If you find one on consignment, I'd buy it.

[saki302]

I believe the Star model B is a C&R pistol and thus SB-15 exempt. That's the most likely explanation anyhow. I've read about some reliability problems with the Star B, but have never owned one personally.

-Dave