Cheapest Gun you consider Good not SW

[Jlduke]

Rock Island M1911.

You might need to replace the trigger parts. Other than that, they seem like fine guns. Likewise the Norincos, which are unfortunately no longer being imported.

I agree about the RIA 1911. I have one in 9mm that I would trust with my life. That thing is one sweet shooting workhorse.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

For a revolver, I'd have to go with my Rossi Model 720 in .44 Special. Mine is the "covert" model with fixed sights, bobbed hammer, and DAO. In a pistol, I'd have to nominate my CZ-82, though my newly acquired CZ V-70 may take the lead (it was cheap at just over $200.00), but I haven't had a chance to fire it yet.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Frizzman]

I bought a Bersa Thunder 45 Ultra Compact eight or nine years ago mainly because I wanted something inexpensive to test handloads I made. I figured to use it a year or two and sell it for a few bucks. Well, I still have and shoot it and carry it somtimes. I don't remember what it cost but it was under $300 new...This Bersa has NEVER had any failures, even with various handloads with many different types of bullets...I no longer think of it as "cheap" but as a very good buy in an excellent pistol...I have a Bersa .380 that has also proven to be quite satisfactory...

 

[Pasifikawv]

I bought a Bersa Thunder 45 Ultra Compact eight or nine years ago mainly because I wanted something inexpensive to test handloads I made. I figured to use it a year or two and sell it for a few bucks. Well, I still have and shoot it and carry it somtimes. I don't remember what it cost but it was under $300 new...This Bersa has NEVER had any failures, even with various handloads with many different types of bullets...I no longer think of it as "cheap" but as a very good buy in an excellent pistol...I have a Bersa .380 that has also proven to be quite satisfactory...

I have to second Bersa as an affordable option. Certainly there are finer pistols on the market, but few offer as much bang for the buck in terms of quality for the price. They are reliable, accurate, and well made from decent materials. I have owned several over the years. The popular .380 Thunder series are very reliable ans surprisingly accurate for such a small semi-auto. Even their new polymer frame BP9CC is a nice shooter with perfect reliability: I have never had a failure. I wouldn't characterize Bersa as "cheap" but rather as a good value.

I don't have any experience with Bersa's large frame bottom-feeders as does the OP, but they are the standard service pistols for law enforcement and military in several South American countries.

 

[Marshwheeling]

For a revolver, I'd have to go with my Rossi Model 720 in .44 Special. Mine is the "covert" model with fixed sights, bobbed hammer, and DAO. In a pistol, I'd have to nominate my CZ-82, though my newly acquired CZ V-70 may take the lead (it was cheap at just over $200.00), but I haven't had a chance to fire it yet.

Regards,

Dave

I'll be interested to hear how that vz.70 works for you, I like my vz.50, but I have been having trouble getting it to feed reliably, or to feed hollow points at all. Polishing the feed ramp helped some, but it is nothing I would trust to carry.

 

[hittman77]

I too have had good luck with Taurus revolvers. Now, for a non-Ruger or non-Smith I'd say one of the best values are the old High Standard 22LR wheel guns. I have more than one and they're a hoot to shoot for very little money out of pocket. Never had a problem with those either, or those sold under the JC Higgins brand.

 

[Grayback]

Czech Republic

IMHO any of the handguns made by Ceska Zbrojovka (CZUB)
are equal to anything made by S&W.
There plant is the largest small arms factory in the world with over 200 acres of buildings. CZ-75B with over one million produced is the most copied handgun second only to the 1911.
Some people call it the most "perfect pistol".

 

[s2harry]

I wonder how the metal in cheaper makes is. The sear is it hardened? Trigger shapes hurt my finger. Are good examples the exception? Trying to think of one on the bottom end that's good.... sig 2022 or P95

 

[Rhetorician]

MHO? You get what you pay for. Not something I heard, saw it with my own eyes. A close friend bought a Taurus 357 snubby for CC, same reason as your post, cost. Less than 100rds, (all 38spl), the cylinder fell off in his hand. In all fairness, Taurus made it right, but it's not a piece I'd ever trust again. Your call, Harry. Me? I'd save up a little longer, get a S&W or Ruger.

Hello all!

I could not but help jump in on this thread. By the by I am new to the board.

Anyway I wanted to offer my opinion. I will tell you what I did and then you can see where I fall.

I had been thinking very seriously about a 38 special Armscor 4" revolver. Can get them for under $200 several places on the web. I have been stopping by various pawn shops just to have a look-see. Went by one yesterday and they had, what I think is an old Model 10 S & W 38 special for $199? It was a bit rough, but for a "tackle box gun" or "pickup truck gun" I had to have it. No beauty queen for sure, but locked up tight and the bore was clean.

So now you know where I stand on this discussion.

As a "PS:" I have a Taurus TCP 380 acp as my EDC. No problems. Eats what I feed it except for the Russian steel case stuff. Boy I won't try that again. The ammo seems to be so underpowered so as to not slam the slid back. Well, do you get what you pay for? I hope so!!!

Anyhow thanks for listening and get back with alternative opinions or "angry exhortations."

"That is all!"

 

[Bozz10mm]

Tisas 1911. Turkish made basic GI 1911. Bud's GS. for around $400. Hickok45 did a review of it and didn't hate it.

 

[M29since14]

I wonder how the metal in cheaper makes is. The sear is it hardened? Trigger shapes hurt my finger. Are good examples the exception? Trying to think of one on the bottom end that's good.... sig 2022 or P95

Harry, you will always have doubts if you don't forget the "cheap" business and just buy the pistol you want. The two pistols you mention have good reputations.

If I were trying to save a little money I would side in with the guys who have said to look around for a good used Model 10 or similar S&W. I am confident that I can spot a good used one and reasonably confident any repair parts that might be needed at some point in the future could probably be rounded up - one way or the other. You may not have that particular knowledge or your tastes may not run that direction.

If it is between the SIG you mention and the Ruger, I'd say long-term odds favor the Ruger for any possibly necessary parts or repairs. Ruger seems to be serious about taking care of their customers.

 

[Whitens Moss]

My GSG 1911 .22LR, bought almost new for $240 out the door. Nice plinker for the money.

 

[Bill Bates]

I'm going to add another inexpensive shotgun. For a side by side you could even call it cheap at prices below $1000. I have a little 28 Gauge Huglu side by side that is my rainy day grouse gun. The barrels are black chrome plated and the action is also chrome plated. I don't worry much about rust. I've put a lot of shot down range without a single problem.

 

[s&wbest]

I look at the price more than I look at quality. I cannot justify $600 or $700 for a gun right now. I will eventually get a 45 that may put me at that price. Just purchased a Charter Arms bulldog mag pug target in a 357. A 357 revolver has been on my wish list for sometime. Gritty ejector was remedied with some rem oil and grease. Oil to the trigger and hammer really smoothed out the double action. looking into barrel laping. Great buy for $300. Pawn shops in my area do not sell used guns. Gun stores are wise to the market pricing. Bargins are bought up quickly.

 

[inspcalahan]

For semi auto pistols, I'd say the old P series Rugers are the best compromise.

They are 100% reliable (9mm, 40, 45), very durable, last a long time, butt f-in ugly, rattle like a threatened snake, fill the hand like a lead brick, feel like a sharpening stone and usually can be had for under $400. Like a boot camp graduates first date (and too often soon to be wife) - butt ugly, oversized, not to be seen in public with, but puts out every time.

Have I shot one, yes. Do I own one, no.

 

[brucev]

I never liked anything but SW and Colt Autos. Once in the 70s I handled a Taurus yeek the action felt like it was full of sand. So I see a 3 inch Model 85SS a while back and thought it was kinda nice they removed the sand. I do not like the trigger spring design maybe some are different. Could tell it was still a compromise but it seemed the minimum gun for quality. Looking at Tarus recently I discover they make CNC machinery! Hmm they cant make a perfect pistol but make Aerospace machines? Well it seems they make a few I could hack The 905 .357 is ok I shot one of those and the 817 and 85 seem ok I dont know about the autos. I dont know if they shoot to POI either but seem ok so far. Of the cheaper revolvers I think thats as low as Id go. What is your bottom line?

The cheapest gun I consider to be of good quality... pistol - RIA 1911-A1; revolver - Ruger Single Six; Rifle - Savage 110; Shotgun - Mossberg.

 

[CW Spook]

I'd go with either a RIA 1911 or a Makarov, though my little Beretta M21 mouse gun is generally quite reliable and only cost me a couple hundred bucks.

 

[BearBio]

"Cheapest"??

Auto: The real sleeper is Bersa. A 380 Thunder and a 22 Thunder will, (if you look around) cost under $600 for both.

Double action revolver: I had a Charter 44 Bulldog that was really good Cost under $300. But they are hit-or-miss.

I have a Raging Bull (Taurus) in 454 Casull. No problems but I have a Gary Reeder custom job coming, so I'll be selling that one.

Single Action Revolver: Ruger Blackhawk or Vaquero! 45 "long" Colt. Preferably one of the older ones. The standard for carrying in bear country here in the west, although 44 and 41 (my wife's choice) does well also.

 

[BigBill]

I paid $219 for this CZ82 and it's as accurate and reliable as anything in my safe.

A really BIG DITTO on this one. The cz 82/83/75/85 pistols rock there quality is awesome. Mine was only $189 from the first batch of the very good cz 82's.

 

[Taurus627]

I've had good luck with Taurus revolvers. I've had about a half dozen or so, never had a problem. They were all older ones, made from the 70's to the mid 90's. I look for the older ones, and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one after checking it out the same as I would a Smith & Wesson or a Colt.

I've never had a bad gun to tell you the truth. The "cheapest" one? A High Point C-9, 9mm. That thing worked like a champ and felt really great in my hand. I think it retailed for $149.00 when I bought it. I sold it several years later for $100.00.

I had a Kel-Tec, P-11 that was the same way. Cost a little more, and kicked pretty good, but it was a good gun.

Wow, someone besides me that own Taurus and don't whine and cry about them. Got several Taurus revolvers and not a problem.
Cheapest, at least cost wise in my collections is a S&W SD9ve and it works. Anything less and I am not interested!