Best budget handguns under $500?

[Winx]

I am looking to grab a reliable handgun without breaking the bank. What are you guys recommending in the sub-$500 range? I keep seeing Canik and Taurus getting love, but are they actually good or just cheap? I'd rather spend less now and upgrade later than blow my whole budget on one gun

 

[WAYNO]

For $500 the sky is the limit on plastic fantastic pistols.
At that that price point, play with and/or handle as many as you can and make a decision on what is comfortable for you. There is a plethora of pistols in that price range.

I've owned them all, and right now, if I was to suggest a pistol, it would be the Ruger RXM, for far less than your target price.

But further, it's not always just about price. Do you have training on such pistols? A fully cocked pistol with no safety requires a lot of discipline.

Canik is an also-ran, but I will never suggest any Taurus besides the TX-22.

 

[BenJ]

Hey Winx, that's a great question on budget guns, I'd also look closely at the CZ P-10 C, the Ruger Security-9, and the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus.

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

Second vote for the RXM. It is like the love child of a Glock 19 and an Sig P320 X Carry. Also, check out the Ruger forum and wait for a guy that is thinning out his collection of P series pistols.

So far I have bought 2 P85’s, a P94, and a P345 from him. His guns are LNIB and the most expensive one was $475 and the least expensive was $325. They are great if you like a larger grip like a Beretta 92.

The guy selling these is in Grant’s Pass. He is delivering me two pistols tomorrow to me in Springfield.

 

[MisterEd]

Best sub $500 gun I have ever bought NEW is my recent $379 Rock Island FS 1911 9mm.

I bought it on a 'whim' and It has EXCEEDED my expectations on nearly all 'fronts'.

RIA other models and styles look pretty nice as well.

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

I had a Girsan 1911 that was under 400. It had ambi safety. Large beaver tail grip safety, a strip of front strap checkering and a flared and extended mag well. The trigger was really heavy though. I sold it to a friend in a package deal. The price for the gun new was $369.00. It was really accurate and was a soft shooter. A lighter spring could be put in.

 

[greg smith]

Used Steyr m40a1, 4", cuz I like .40 S&W and I can swap barrels to .357 Sig. Not a 9x19 fan.

 

[Rida]

I’d look at the Taurus G3C or the Canik TP9 series, both give you a lot for the money. The Ruger Security-9 is another great pick if you want something simple and reliable. Try to handle them first though, the grip and trigger feel can make a big difference.

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

If you want a 40, BiMart has the Taurus G2C for $199.00.

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

@Winx I can’t believe we didn’t ask earlier, but what is the intended use for this gun and what caliber are you wanting. Is this your first handgun?

Is your intended use for target/plinking, home defense or concealed carry. Or do you want one gun that can do it all?

 

[McGavin]

Really need to know your intended use for the gun. $500 works for a lot of different types and calibers. I'm not a fan of Taurus semi-autos. Their revolvers are spot on in my experience and I own several. But I've never had luck with any of their autos, including my G3C.

 

[Rimfire Fanatic]

@Winx , how about an update?

 

[Winx]

@Winx I can’t believe we didn’t ask earlier, but what is the intended use for this gun and what caliber are you wanting. Is this your first handgun?

Is your intended use for target/plinking, home defense or concealed carry. Or do you want one gun that can do it all?

Mostly for plinking and occasional home defense. I'm not planning to carry, just want something reliable and affordable to train with