Best Guns Under $500

YCN ^ | Dec. 20, 2011 | Dan S. Defense

[fightinJAG]

Best self-defense handguns typically conjure thoughts of high priced custom handguns. But in reality, you can get great self-defense handguns for under $500. In this collection, we'll look at affordable quality for any budget. And while these handguns may not be built by master gunsmiths, we'll submit that combat accuracy and rock solid reliability can both be achieved with any handgun on our list. And with that, let's look at the best self-defense handgun for under $500. Note that prices are based on December, 2010 survey of top online handgun selling sites (e.g. Buds' Gun Shop & Gun Broker).

[FLAMING DEATH]

Pistol - Bersa Thunder
Shotgun - Mossberg 500
Carbine - Kel Tec Sub 2000 or Hi Point Carbine
Auto Rifle - SKS or Saiga

[painter]

I have a Rock Island 1911 that cost me something like $375.Shoots great and accurate.

[Neoliberalnot]

Handguns should be your first, but short-term option for self-defense, until you can get to the nearest long-gun.

[Prince of Space]

bflr.

[JAKraig]

Nobody has mentioned Kel-Tec.

I really love my little PFH90, never leave home without it. It allows you to attach a little belt clip so that it doesn't even require a holster.

I have put about 1000 rounds thru it so far. While I did have one bullet that would not fire, it had nothing with the gun I jot got some bad ammo.

9mm at Wal-Mart is about as cheap as it gets.

[Gaffer]

It’s mine - as soon as I can find one in a gunstore!

[Big Bronson]

You can get one of these for under twenty bucks. The gasoline costs extra though.

super soaker flame thrower http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yFUtJhUb7Q

[Big Bronson]

You can get one of these for under twenty bucks. The gasoline costs extra though.

super soaker flame thrower http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yFUtJhUb7Q

[Red in Blue PA]

Rock Island Armory 1911 ($389)

Remington 870 ($270)

CZ-750 around $500 or so.

[IrishCatholic]

They say third quarter this year. If you get one, please post pictures and ping me. The way expenses keep coming up I think pictures are as close as I am going to come for a while.

[gusty]

A few good ones that I have under $500

1. Lee Enfield Type I Mark III .303
2. Cimarron P Model (Colt replica) .357
3. Ruger 10/22 .22 ammo inexpensive also

[crusty old prospector]

You can get any of a multitude of good 9mm or .40 caliber semi-automatic pistols for under $500. I recently bought a Sig Sauer but I also have a Smith & Wesson Sigma in 9 mm with Crimson Trace laser sights for around $400. With a fifteen round clip, you can put a lot of lead in the air and fast.

[TexasTransplant]

**** “That new 14 rd double-tubed 12 gauge is my new dream!” ****

Me too. I jus wishin it was a semi instead of a pump.

TT

[Vaquero]

I buy most of my weapons ‘used’....either from a known private owners or reliable stores....

for the difference in price, your better off buying a used weapon from a responsible party...most good gun stores will give you a warrantee...and a private owner does not put you in Uncle Sams loop.

[EdReform]

What ammo are you feeding your Bersa .380?

[OSHA]

If you are truly interested in a nice, effective, and affordable pistol, particularly for CC, I would advise a BERSA Thunder .380 or the BERSA Thunder .380CC.

I just got home from the gun show. I was looking for a Bersa 380 to be my CCW but couldn't find one. I did accidentally buy a very nice 3 screw single six though. :^)

[joe fonebone]

i did not say made in america on purpose....using the union arguments I have been subject to, the profits still come back to america, so it is ok...sarc off

[joe fonebone]

geez, does anyone actually read...i did not say made in america, i said made by an american company...different things

[2001convSVT]

Kel-Tec Sub-2000 in 40sw or 9mm with 32 round mags look sweet!

[starlifter]

Huh. Made in Croatia and purchased by a real American company.

Not that I have anything against Serbo-Croatian gun smithing skills.