Best Guns Under $500

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

[joe fonebone]

finally!!!!! someone who actually read and understood what I wrote........you are to be congratulated sir or madam..

[Afterguard]

Black powder. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that...)

[Apogee]

If you look or dicker a little, an IMI Desert Eagle .45 (aka Baby Eagle) can be found in the under $500 price range.
10 rds of .45 ACP, tight weapon.

[Red in Blue PA]

The S&W 22A is on sale this month at Cabela’s for $199.

[backwoods-engineer]

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

I have been giving serious thought to getting one of those. Has it ever malfunctioned on you? How many rounds do you have through it? Does it use standard 1911 magazines (e.g., Wilson)?

In the centennial of the 1911, it is fitting that Americans should be able to buy one inexpensively (for <1/3 oz of gold, which would have been $5.56 in 1911).

[OldEagle]

The Bulgarian Makarov is $259 at J&G Sales. A seriously bulletproof pistol like the 1911.

[woollyone]

Outstanding weapon. And very near the colt in quality and precision.never had a ftf, or a fte. I’ve gone through well over 2000 rounds. Quality 1911 mags feed it fine, but I only use 7-round mags, so can’t speak about 8s. The mill-spec model is forged steel. The only changes I made were to change out the recoil spring and firing pin spring to wolf springs. But I do that with EVERY 1911, except my NIB (box is matching serial#, with original paperwork and wax paper) 1911 c model, as it is an investment purchase (but there is a new spring and pin set in the box, as back up. Don’t waste your time on their tactical model as it isn’t forged. Mine its my traditional carry choice in winter. Add some nice grips and you’ll have a pistol to give to your grandson.

[Jim from C-Town]

I have been using Winchester FMJ at the range, but am getting a load of Brown Bear. It is a Russian made ammo and have heard good things about it. The only Ammo i have had a problem with is the Tul Ammo. A real cheap Russian ammo.

I use Speer Gold Dot Jacketed Hollow Point when I carry. Hornaday makes good reliable JHP for personal protection as well.

[starlifter]

Is there a prize?

[backwoods-engineer]

A nice report on the Rock Island, and thanks for the advice on the non-forged tactical model. The RI 1911 is definitely on my list now.

[matthew fuller]

Thanks for the info, I have a Beretta 92FS (in 9mm of course) and I love it. I’m considering the Stoeger in 40 S&W as my next acquisition. I really like the rotating barrel concept, should help accuracy. And, it may just be possible to replace the barrel and mag with a Beretta 357 Sig barrel and mag, and have my choice of calibers.

[correctthought]

Take a look at Kahr’s CW 45.

[painter]

I have been giving serious thought to getting one of those. Has it ever malfunctioned on you? How many rounds do you have through it? Does it use standard 1911 magazines (e.g., Wilson)?

I have shot over 500 rounds through it. FMJS will go through it as fast as as can pull the trigger. High quality hollow points will too. It will say in the instructions that flat nosed wad cutters and some hollow points can jam the action and to take it to a gunsmith who can fix the problem.

Yes it will take standard 1911 magazines.I have extras myself.

[painter]

Don’t waste your time on their tactical model as it isn’t forged.

I didn't know that. I'm glad I bought the standard 1911 RI. When I saw the smaller tactical model I was kinda bummed that I didn't get it instead.Now I'm glad I didn't.

I bought 500 hollow points from Georgia Arms and sometimes one will not feed into the chamber and jam the action. I took the barrel out and polished the edges that helped but didn't stop it completely.

Any ideas?

[smokingfrog]

Get a Glock :-)

Sorry. Somebody had to do it.

[panaxanax]

“I buy most of my weapons ‘used’...”

Best answer on this thread.

[JMJJR]

A friend had one of these at the range, shot really well, I was surprised, it's got peep sights

Hi-Point 45ACP $186.00

Barrel length: 4.5"
Overall length: 7.75"
Weight: 35 oz.
Frame: High-impact polymer
Finish: Black powder coat with polished sides
Capacity: 9-shot magazine
Sights: 3-dots, fully-adjustable rear sight

www.hi-pointfirearms.com

[panaxanax]

I just bought a Walther P5 for $235.00 from an ad in the locl paper.

I broke 27 traffic laws getting to this guy’s house and did not dicker on the price. The pistol does have some some very minor ‘holster wear’ on the bluing, but is otherwise like new and better than the one offered below.

Gunbroker.com has similar weapons in the $600-$900 range.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=219671399

Like you said. Your dollar will go a lot further if you buy used.

[painter]

My son in law has a glock17,shot it.Don’t like it. First,it feels “clunky” in my hands and Two no safety.