Great guns at or under $500?

[Arkansasguns]

Hey guys,
Just looking for some advice on a possible (very soon) purchase. I am looking for a semi-auto pistol and don't want to spend more than $500 because I plan to purchase an AR-15 platform rifle in the coming months and don't want to be waiting too long to save for that purchase. This will most likely be carried until the pistol I really want is purchased and I was leaning toward .45 but could be swayed! Thanks for any insight! (Also, this could start a good discussion that would help future handgun owners with the purchasing of their first handgun.)

 

[oppo]

I got my M&P brand new for well under $500.

Are you limiting this to new pistols or are you including used pistols?

 

[Arkansasguns]

I got my M&P brand new for well under $500.

Are you limiting this to new pistols or are you including used pistols?

Wanting to buy new for this particular purchase.

 

[GLOCK V]

Kel tec 9mm.

 

[DOOM]

ROCK ISLAND 1911 Should do you fine....also lots of options for upgrades if you choose.
Doom

 

[Bootstrap]

ROCK ISLAND 1911 Should do you fine....also lots of options for upgrades if you choose.
Doom

What i was going to suggest, i got my Tactical for like $529, so a GI model should be even cheaper to come by.. Love mine so far, well over 1500 rounds into her w/o an FTE,FTF, even when shooting reloads.

 

[priell3]

9mm - Ruger P95

45ACP - Ruger P345

Best bang for the buck.

 

[RangerDanger]

Springfield XDS is right at the top of your limit if not just above. I've been thinking about picking one up sometime in the near future

 

[Arckadian]

I got my XDS for $525.... and I LIKE IT LOTS!!! It is a great little hand cannon.

 

[Arkansasguns]

Right now, I'm kind of leaning toward the p345 and XDS. I need to go get my hands on them and see what I like best.

 

[bimmerland]

Hey guys,
Just looking for some advice on a possible (very soon) purchase. I am looking for a semi-auto pistol and don't want to spend more than $500 because I plan to purchase an AR-15 platform rifle in the coming months and don't want to be waiting too long to save for that purchase. This will most likely be carried until the pistol I really want is purchased and I was leaning toward .45 but could be swayed! Thanks for any insight! (Also, this could start a good discussion that would help future handgun owners with the purchasing of their first handgun.)

M&P shield. Best ccw at less than one inch thick

 

[oppo]

M&P shield. Best ccw at less than one inch thick

IF you can actually find one, this would be a good little carry gun if you want something small. I shot one a while back and have thought about picking one up once the supply catches up with demand.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Go to a shop and see what fits your hand. It's easy to rattle of brands but it's meaningless if they don't fit.

 

[oppo]

Go to a shop and see what fits your hand. It's easy to rattle of brands but it's meaningless if they don't fit.

I think op is just looking for some suggestions to try out but this is very good advice. Better yet, find a range that rents what you are interested in and actually shoot them.

 

[Arkansasguns]

I think op is just looking for some suggestions to try out but this is very good advice. Better yet, find a range that rents what you are interested in and actually shoot them.

Not many ranges around here to visit. I was just wanting an idea of reliable guns that people have tested. Even if the fun feels great in my hand, I don't want it of its going to start failing in 600 rounds.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

Ark,
Stick with a well known brand and you will be fine.

S&W (Smith & Wesson)
Colt
Ruger
Glock
Sig Sauer
HK
FN Herstal

Any of the above will serve you well.

 

[BrothersInArms]

M&P shield. Best ccw at less than one inch thick

When it comes between the M&P shield and the Springfield xds, the xds wins all day long. We've done action and trigger jobs, followed by test fires on both the xds and the Smith M&P shield 40. Completely unbiased, (we tend to lean towards a 1911), the xds was superior when it came to recoil/muzzle flip, trigger travel and pull weight, and smoothness of action. it resulted in a more accurate pistol. another big plus is that the xds is available in .45acp where as the M&P shield is only available in 9mm and .40. we now actually own and carry xds's.

 

[Maxx2893]

Not many ranges around here to visit. I was just wanting an idea of reliable guns that people have tested. Even if the fun feels great in my hand, I don't want it of its going to start failing in 600 rounds.

Yes but it will also be bad if you buy a great gun that'll last forever and it doesn't fit you right. Nobody wants to buy crap, but you don't want something unwieldy and awkward for you either.

 

[BrothersInArms]

Let me know what you want when you decide to buy. I'll check with my distributors, and see what I can do for you.

 

[Arkansasguns]

Let me know what you want when you decide to buy. I'll check with my distributors, and see what I can do for you.

Thanks! I will shoot a PM when the verdict is in. The decision WILL be made Monday. I have work all weekend but am heading to 3 places Monday to put my hands on as many guns as I can!