Gun recommendation for conceal or HD - on a tight budget

[TexasRedneck]

One thing to keep in mind w/Taurus, Rossi and all the other "basic" guns - they have the resale value of a rock. That's one of the reasons I always tell folks to stretch if at all possible and go w/a Smith, Colt, etc. - there's nothing really wrong with the others, but they won't hold the resale of the "name brands". Not saying whether it's "right" or "wrong" - it is what it is. There's nothing worse than pulling a gun out to sell 10 years after buyin' it used, an' finding out it's worse less!

 

[TxEMTP69]

One thing to keep in mind w/Taurus, Rossi and all the other "basic" guns - they have the resale value of a rock. That's one of the reasons I always tell folks to stretch if at all possible and go w/a Smith, Colt, etc. - there's nothing really wrong with the others, but they won't hold the resale of the "name brands". Not saying whether it's "right" or "wrong" - it is what it is. There's nothing worse than pulling a gun out to sell 10 years after buyin' it used, an' finding out it's worse less!

But also if the gun lasts 10 years with him, is reliable and serves its purpose then it's well worth the money

 

[TexasRedneck]

But also if the gun lasts 10 years with him, is reliable and serves its purpose then it's well worth the money

No doubt! But it's also nice to have one serve its' purpose....and sell for more than you paid for it. Like I said - you gotta do what you gotta do, but sometimes stretching if at ALL possible is a good long-term thing to do. There's family guns in my safe that've been around for 80+ years - little to no value simply because they're not "quality" guns.

 

[some Beach]

Is it just me, or are the prices on TexasGunTrader on the "high" side? From what I've read on this thread, it looks like most recommended guns are overpriced. Of course, I know people can ask whatever they want for their gun but do they normally price them high for a little bartering room?

 

[randomoutburst]

If you're looking at shotguns for HD I love my Mossberg Maverick. I got mine with the shorter barrel since that's slightly more tactical for HD. Bought it for just a little over $200 at a pawn shop. I take it skeet shooting (and still do okay even with the shorter barrel) and it sits loaded next to my bed at night. It's been great, never had any problems with it.

 

[TxEMTP69]

No doubt! But it's also nice to have one serve its' purpose....and sell for more than you paid for it. Like I said - you gotta do what you gotta do, but sometimes stretching if at ALL possible is a good long-term thing to do. There's family guns in my safe that've been around for 80+ years - little to no value simply because they're not "quality" guns.

I agree, buy the best quality gun you can afford (even with a stretch), not just a gun you can afford as reliability may become an issue.

My first gun was given to me, the second I bought dirt cheap from a family member (my kel-tec) and the rest all bought by me. Also on a budget caliber is a concern as .380 ammo is scarce

 

[TxEMTP69]

If you're looking at shotguns for HD I love my Mossberg Maverick. I got mine with the shorter barrel since that's slightly more tactical for HD. Bought it for just a little over $200 at a pawn shop. I take it skeet shooting (and still do okay even with the shorter barrel) and it sits loaded next to my bed at night. It's been great, never had any problems with it.

I got my Mossy 500 12g for $229 at Academy, not sure what they go for in todays market. Would recommend the Mossy line for HD as a relatively inexpensive avenue. Also I would not be hesitant to look at used either

 

[Texas42]

Is it just me, or are the prices on TexasGunTrader on the "high" side? From what I've read on this thread, it looks like most recommended guns are overpriced. Of course, I know people can ask whatever they want for their gun but do they normally price them high for a little bartering room?

They are, but you just have to be patient, and deals will pop up.

 

[brad8k]

+1 on the rossi 38 snub from Academy and also the Maverick 88. I have shot/handled both and for the very slim price they are good pieces. I believe the rossi is $239 and the maverick 88 w/18.5 barrel is $189 unless prices have gone up lately. SomeBeach, these might be something to consider and will keep you in your price range. Not the upper echelon of firearms but they are good reliable pieces.

 

[ConnRadd]

They have some great prices and nice people. Transfers are another story ... save your breath

Shiloh is the place for transfers... And... Great Service, Good People, and the list can go on and on...

 

[jsimmons]

Avoid .380s. It's almost impossible to find ammo for them. In San Antonio, the most plentiful ammo is .40 S&W. I would look into a Taurus semi-auto (one of the sub-compacts). They can be had for $300-400, and that's the minimum I would spend on a new gun. You want one that will a) stop the threat with one or two shots, and b) reliably fire every time you pull the trigger.

 

[jsimmons]

Is it just me, or are the prices on TexasGunTrader on the "high" side? From what I've read on this thread, it looks like most recommended guns are overpriced. Of course, I know people can ask whatever they want for their gun but do they normally price them high for a little bartering room?

Yes, it's like anything else (cars, for example). If you see something that you think you want, find out how much a new one costs. DO NOT go by local gun shop prices. For price references, check Buds Gun Shop or Whitakkers on the internet. They tend to have the best prices on guns.

Also checkout gunbroker.com. If you're patient, you can find exactly what you want for a decent price (but you're usually in a bidding situation).

I got a XD40 NIB for $410 and a Springfield 1911 GI for $489 off gunbroker.

 

[some Beach]

Yes, it's like anything else (cars, for example). If you see something that you think you want, find out how much a new one costs. DO NOT go by local gun shop prices. For price references, check Buds Gun Shop or Whitakkers on the internet. They tend to have the best prices on guns.

Also checkout gunbroker.com. If you're patient, you can find exactly what you want for a decent price (but you're usually in a bidding situation).

I got a XD40 NIB for $410 and a Springfield 1911 GI for $489 off gunbroker.

I'm glad you brought up GunBroker.com... Looks like guns have to go to an FFL; how much do FFL's charge for their service?

 

[DCortez]

how much do FFL's charge for their service?

I'd say $25. You can find better, you can definitely find worse.

 

[TexasRedneck]

Yep. Generally, the lower-priced ones are 20-25 bucks. Some find 'em for 15, but I haven't. Others charge more - some MUCH more. Find one ya like, that gives good service and is reasonable. But also bear in mind that most of the local shops will stand behind their guns - if you buy it from a website, it's yours - period. If they DO offer warranty, you're usually responsible for the freight. It can make that "cheaper" gun more expensive quickly. Don't get me wrong - given the types of guns I tend to collect, 95% of 'em come from outside of Texas, but it's something I factor in. Generally speaking, I've had no issues with any of 'em, but all it takes is one!

 

[Dog]

BEFORE u buy, consider this on a budget...
Ruger P-95.. 300 or less
Ruger P89-91
dont wanna bash or offend, but you couldnt sell me a Tauras or kel-tec at any price.not even free. I wouldnt want to pass a problematic piece to another gun owner. The used market is just fine. an CDNN can really help u out right now.

 

[TexasRedneck]

I dunno....I have several friends w/trouble-free Taurus revolvers. I've owned several myself w/o any issues as well. Which one gave you trouble?

 

[some Beach]

What caliber is more readily available: .38, .357, 9mm or .40?

 

[TexasRedneck]

In a revolver? I'd go w/357 if at all possible - you can then shoot 38/357, depending on availability.

 

[some Beach]

In a revolver? I'd go w/357 if at all possible - you can then shoot 38/357, depending on availability.

Yeah, I'm open to revolver or semi. All I really want is something that goes "bang" if/when bad guy decides he/she wants to come into my apartment to "borrow" any of my stuff. I may just look at one of those Mossberg HD short-barrel shotguns.