Cheap But Reliable

[CajunBass]

Here's one that's current production, and a little more expensive than most that we've been talking about, but at $505 out the door, just last week, I think it's a pretty good for a Hi-Power copy.

Girsan MC P-35, a Copy of the P-35 Hi-Power. I just got it back from the range where I put about 75 rounds through it without a bobble. Heck, I was even able to hit the target with it, so it's gotta be good.

My target (21 feet). Not much to brag about but the gun seems to work.

 

[csurp34]

"Cheap" is relative these days and mostly bears little resemblance to what it meant even five years ago.


My Glock 43X at $560 two years ago works for me.

I carry it AIWB in a Galco Royal Guard GEN 2 holster.

 

[BourbonCowboy]

I've got a Charter Arms Off-Duty .38 that I was given to me by my mom years ago when she upgraded to a LadySmith (a decision that she still regrets). I shoot it well - so well, in fact, that I bought a Charter Arms Southpaw ($300). I keep both in a Galati Gear double pistol case, along with 20 speedloaders in the mag holders. These little revolvers are reliable, accurate, and a lot of fun.

 

[Muley Gil]

Several years ago, I bought a Ruger EC9s in 9mm. It holds 7 + 1 and it is light and handy. The slide has fixed integral sights, but mine shoots to point of aim. I carry it in my front right trouser pocket, in an Allen pocket holster.

We have copperheads and timber rattlers here in the mountains, so I bought some CCI shotshells. When I went to shoot it with these loads, lo and behold, this little Ruger actually feeds them! So, when I'm out on the land, in addition to the extra mag full of hollow points that I always carry, I tote a second mag filled with shotshells.

The price? Rural King had a sale when I bought mine & I got it for $179. Currently, the cheapest price I have found is $249.99 & that is at Rural King.

Ruger(R) EC9s(R) Centerfire Pistol Models

 

[mckenney99]

Late 2015 CDNN was advertising SAR ARMS B6Ps for $244.95. The B6P is basically a Turkish polymer framed 17rd 9mm CZ75 clone. Before making the purchase, I did a lot of research and the consensus was that it was pretty much indestructible. Other than some sharp edges and mold lines that were easy to smooth out and remove the gun has been a flawless traditional da/sa performer.

 

[sipowicz]

Not sure how reliable but here is a nice collection of inexpensive firearms.

zipgun | Impro Guns | Page 3

 

[jeffrefrig]

I must agree with the Tisas1911 full size. I bought a pretty cool-looking set of stocks for it and it's very reliable AND looks cool all at the same time; haven't had any failures yet and it hits paper at 25 yards. (The paper that I'm actually aiming at.) So far I've only run FMJs, but they work. I also bought an ATI 1911and I was very impressed: my 1st shot I barely was back at my space (nobody else was around), pointed, and bang dead center. The other 7 hit about the same spot. It's never failed. My son confiscated from me and he & his wife both love the accuracy. .45ACP is a nice equalizer! Then, my EDC is a Ruger EC9S and 15 yards is the max for accuracy, but I trust my life enough to keep it as an EDC; never failed to fire or anything. All 3 guns added up MIGHT fetch $1000 on a good day. Inexpensive, yes; cheap, NO. I never heard anything bad about those RIA 1911s, but I don't own one yet.
About a year or so back I posted that I wanted to get a nice 1911, maybe around +/- $2500, but since I got that Tisas those plans are long gone.
Good thread, lots of good ideas.

 

[BigBelle]

Gen 2 Glocks $275-$325 is hard to beat.
$50-$120 Mossberg 500's and $100-$160 Remington 870's.

 

[CajunBass]

Here's another one that is current production. Picked it up at Sportsman's Warehouse for about $270.00 NIB. Walther PPK/S in 22 Long Rifle. I know there are a lot of people who don't like these, but I thought I'd give it a try. Never owned one before.

At the range yesterday, in the S/A mode, it worked like a champ, but for some reason, regular 22 ammo (Federal bulk pack) wouldn't eject the first round when fired D/A. Shoot it S/A it went "blap" every time. Tried some Winchester Super X, same thing. Then I dug out a box of CCI Stingers with a 32 grain bullet, and it was off to the races. S/A, DA...it didn't matter the little gun just cracked. The D/A trigger is awful I admit. At least it's heavy, about 15-16 pounds I've read...my gauge doesn't go that high, but reasonably smooth. The S/A isn't bad at all though.

We've only got 100 rounds or so through it, so I'm hoping a little breaking in will take care of the D/A trigger problem. I'm going to try some more ammo through it too. If not I'll just pick up some more Stingers or Mini-Mags for it. It's not a long range gun but at the 3-5-7 yard range it just cut the X out of the target like one of those BB gun things at the fair. A load of fun really.

 

[Billylee]

I have two Windicators that fit the bill. A 357 2” nickel plated model and a blue 38 spl 4”. The 357 has about 5000 rounds through it with no problems. The 38 is newer and has maybe 1000 rounds fired. Both sturdy, not as ‘pretty’ as a S&W or Colt, but they do the job. Paid about $300.00 a piece for them several years ago. Good shooters.

 

[garddogg56]

Inexpensive and very reliable SD9VE never a ftf or fte

 

[kev74]

Another vote for the Sccy CPX. I think I got mine new for $200.

I've got a KelTec P3AT that I got for $150 that rides in my front pants pocket most days. It always goes bang.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I've noticed there's a big difference between CHEAP and INEXPENSIVE. 3 Berettas I have, all foreign surplus LEO of some sort, are some of the best shooters I own; also the accuracy and dependency of them are just plain great. There were plenty of good guns listed up there. You don't have to buy a $2500 Colt or S&W Performance center to have a good dependable revolver/pistol/long gun.

 

[ZGrand]

I know people hate Taurus, but I have a G2C that has been stone reliable since day one. Never a FTF, FTE, or anything else. The initial trigger pull is not the greatest, but the reset is just fine. I used to carry it -- now it is my bedside weapon.

 

[robvious]

I will add my vote for the Taurus G2C or G3C... mine is a PT111 GEN2... fantastic since day one.. and the SIG226 magazine trick is fun.. and I keep finding spare magazines for 10-15 bucks.. a bit heavy for its size, but not difficult to carry and conceal. a winner for the price..

 

[6thtexas]

I like my .22 High Standard Sentinel. I think I paid $125 for it a few years ago. I think it is the epitome of the term 'tackle box gun". Mine has killed a lot of snakes and helped a few folks to learn how to shoot.

 

[Rich Richardson]

Windicator 357 mag and Taurus G2C 40 cal

 

[culito]

I would rather have a cheap beater S&W any day....

 

[dandyrandy]

The Raven .25 acp. Yep, it was cheap junk. Sold for around $30 or less brand new. But the darned things go bang every single time. I have one and its never jammed or misfired.

I will do a review of the "Ring of Fire" guns later. There is a couple that actually work and work good. The Raven 25 is one of those. Its still made of junk pot metal but its shoots a bullet most of the time. I wish they would bring back the Raven 25 but sadly very few gun makers do 25 autos anymore.

 

[max503]

I've got a Charter Arms Off-Duty .38 that I was given to me by my mom years ago when she upgraded to a LadySmith (a decision that she still regrets). I shoot it well - so well, in fact, that I bought a Charter Arms Southpaw ($300). I keep both in a Galati Gear double pistol case, along with 20 speedloaders in the mag holders. These little revolvers are reliable, accurate, and a lot of fun.

What? You won't trade back with your mom?
What kind of son are you?