Only $400.00 to spend

[Camprunner]

A friend of mine says he has only $400.00 to spend on a new full size pistol and he has it down to a Sigma SW40VE or a Ruger KP345 I told him that the Sigma is a good choice since I own a SW9VE and it works just fine but does anyone know or can comment on the Ruger KP345?

 

[Camprunner]

A friend of mine says he has only $400.00 to spend on a new full size pistol and he has it down to a Sigma SW40VE or a Ruger KP345 I told him that the Sigma is a good choice since I own a SW9VE and it works just fine but does anyone know or can comment on the Ruger KP345?

 

[s&wchad]

I can't help you with your choices. If I was looking to spend $400 on a pistol, I'd look for a good deal on a nice used gun. I wouldn't rule out Glock, Sig, S&W, H&K or Beretta pistols, either.

Got gun shows?

 

[ColbyBruce]

The KP345 is similar in operation to my P95dc 9mm. The frame is a bit slimmer on the .45, mag release is different, and of course the "K" would have a stainless rather than blue slide. I got my P95dc used, have owned it just over a week and fired it today for the first time.

It was accurate enough, but I do not like the feel of the frame. It feels like the body of my Honda lawnmower, in all honesty. My gun functioned flawlessly, but I did not warm up to it at all. I have the following other handguns chambered in 9mm: Beretta 92F, S&W 908, Astra A75L, BHP, two HK P7 PSP's. Out of the seven, the Ruger is my least favorite. It isn't a concealed carry piece, and holsters aren't readily available on vendors shelves.

I got a co-worker a used Ruger P345 a week ago for less than half cost of a new one. He likes it, though it wasn't his first choice he opted to purchase two used handguns for the price of one new handgun. I haven't shot it yet, as he and I have different off days but I do want to try it.

Here is my Ruger P95dc 9mm.

 

[MattB]

For $400 you can get one of the nice .40 SW99s out there right now.

 

[ColbyBruce]

BTW, if he will buy used, a local shop has a S&W #410 .40 in VGC cosmetically for $310.00 (I saw it yesterday). It would be under $400.00 shipped; as well as a Astra .40 S&W and a few Star PD .45 a.c.p.'s. Another nearby shop has a few used S&W #915 9mm pistols in the same price range.

 

[Beauetienne]

I recently went to a gun show in search of a nice third gen auto in 40 or 45 caliber to replace a M4006 that I had recently traded for a M19.

My budget was $400 and there were no S&W's that I was looking for in the condition I wanted so, my choices came down to a new Ruger P345 at $415 and a 2003 model SA XD40 w/two mags for $345.

Used Glocks were plentiful and some Sig P6's really got my attention also.

I came home with the XD40 not due to price but due to the feel and the higher capacity.

He may want to consider a used XD. I also think that I may pick up a Sig P6 at the next show if my budget permit.

I would suggest any of the above as all were in the $400 or less range but, the P345 almost came home with me.


.

 

[JnBy]

I'd make the choice based on the owner's experience level. If he's new to handgun ownership, particularly semi autos, I'd recommend a pistol with an external manual safety (the Ruger). It sounds like he is on a tight budget, so funds for training with the gun will probably be limited. All the more reason for an added safety feature on the firearm. This, of course, is my very subjective view on the matter. Others may (and probably will) disagree.

Ruger makes a solid product and provides good customer service. I think the 345 had some early production issues (several years ago), but the later ones are fine according to most folks who own them. I'd have no problem with buying a 345 for myself.

 

[deanpf]

Hey, I'm new here but I just wanted to say that AuctionArms is a good place to start. However, don't do as I did and bid on too many at once because you just might end up with them. I have THREE coming this next week or so.
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>S&W 40VE SW40.......$265 USED
<LI>S&E 4046 SW40.......$325 USED
<LI>Taurus 24/7 SW40....$380 NEW
[/list]
It's an investment; right?

 

[ColbyBruce]

Welcome Dean, you will find some great people here. I am not sure if this is an investment or addiction, LOL!

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by Camprunner:
A friend of mine says he has only $400.00 to spend on a new full size pistol and he has it down to a Sigma SW40VE or a Ruger KP345 I told him that the Sigma is a good choice since I own a SW9VE and it works just fine but does anyone know or can comment on the Ruger KP345?

The KP345 is an excellent pistol if you want a double action .45 ACP. I am not a fan of the SIGMA trigger for all around shooting, but the SIGMA is a fine pistol for defense and they are very reliable. If you want a 9mm or .40 S&W, the SIGMA is a fine choice.

 

[VdrSain]

The P series Rugers are great guns IMO (I have a P89).

They are by no means fancy and your not going to find many "ooh ooh look what I just got..." threads on them, but I have seen countless testimonies that you can "store them in a bucket of dirt, stuff any cheap *** ammo you can find, never even accidentally spill any lube on them, and they are still going to fire EVERY time."

I can't swear by that cause I don't treat my guns that way, but I believe it, and I can confirm its a lot less finicky than my CS40.

 

[jja327]

If he is tight on cash he should take a look at the difference in ammo cost between 9mm, .40, and .45.

If he is a new shooter, the .40 has a bit of snap to it when shot from a polymer gun.

 

[sar4937]

Check our own Classifieds!

 

[carlt]

If you are stuck on going new, I would pick up a Ruger SR9. I would strongly suggest you go with a used firearm in good condition. There is a long list of used handguns available in that price range, so I'm not going to list, but I'm sure you know who's out there.

 

[wheelgun1958]

Originally posted by sar4937:
Check our own Classifieds!