Best handgun under $500
- Thread starter dawgkc
- Start date
I tried a few others for carrying concealed but made the 9mm Shield my choice about eight years ago.
I absolutely love my Sig P365 Macro. Threw a red dot on it and it’s pretty good for range trips and conceal carry. I also considered the Glock 19 but wanted something I could put a manual safety on.
I'm a huge sig fan too thank you for your service
probably an unpopular opinion. If it’s gonna be a night stand gun consider a revolver. Spend some money and put a laser on it. I have a number of nines all sigsauer and I like them a lot. The simplicity of a revolver is an amazing asset if it ever comes down
to a critical moment and there’s no need to interpret whether there’s one in the pipe or not. I have a Taurus ultralight 85J frame and it’s light and performs really well. Learning curve on those is simple. Having been car jacked at gunpoint long ago and then recently accosted in a parking lot, where I was able to show mine first and run him off the ability to point and shoot for an admitted non-enthusiast might be something to consider. There’s a lot of good advice on here but what I’m saying is old-school simple and one less element to negotiate. I think statistic show most gunfire exchanges between victim criminal or under four shots fired total which makes sense because somebody’s either dead or running. You won’t have as much fun at the range with it but it seems like that’s not your first goal. Keep it simple for you man. I know there are a lot of experienced good marksman on here
Which may not agree . My Taurus ultralight is titanium so it’s easily seen if polled which also could strongly dissuade a bad guy.
to a critical moment and there’s no need to interpret whether there’s one in the pipe or not. I have a Taurus ultralight 85J frame and it’s light and performs really well. Learning curve on those is simple. Having been car jacked at gunpoint long ago and then recently accosted in a parking lot, where I was able to show mine first and run him off the ability to point and shoot for an admitted non-enthusiast might be something to consider. There’s a lot of good advice on here but what I’m saying is old-school simple and one less element to negotiate. I think statistic show most gunfire exchanges between victim criminal or under four shots fired total which makes sense because somebody’s either dead or running. You won’t have as much fun at the range with it but it seems like that’s not your first goal. Keep it simple for you man. I know there are a lot of experienced good marksman on here
Which may not agree . My Taurus ultralight is titanium so it’s easily seen if polled which also could strongly dissuade a bad guy.
Palmetto State Armory sells a Dagger which is almost identical to a Glock, but half the price. I bought one last year for $299 and I love it. I can hardly tell the difference between it and my Glock 17. I’m a big Glock guy.
You don't need a semi auto for a handgun if you are not going to be a regular shooter. You need a revolver. My wife has a 38 Smith and Wesson, Air Weight, hammerless. its light, no hammer to get caught in pocket or purse and you don't have to cock it or slide to load; you can pick it up and pull the trigger. You can buy 38 target load for the range (not much kick) and a heavy load for home. I had my wife take a safety shooting class. People showed up with all sizes of semis. Most didn't have a clue. The Ex Military instructor picked out my wife's gun and recommended it as something simple.
100% go to the range and rent various models. Find the one that fits your hand and you shoot well.
I understand having a budget, but maybe up it a little or be willing to expand a little. This is an area where going cheap could be a matter of life and death. Quality does matter. I’m not saying drop $2k on a custom 1911.
Train changing mags to where it’s muscle memory. Learn how to fix malfunctions on the fly
I understand having a budget, but maybe up it a little or be willing to expand a little. This is an area where going cheap could be a matter of life and death. Quality does matter. I’m not saying drop $2k on a custom 1911.
Train changing mags to where it’s muscle memory. Learn how to fix malfunctions on the fly
I too like Ruger. Have a 380 ACP and a 9 mm. Love them. My wife has the LCR in .38 Special. Easy to use.
I cc the SA Hellcat and love it. Shoots really well and is very comfortable to carry. I think it was just under $500 when I bought it a few years ago.
But I'd also echo the others that say you should try several and find one that is comfortable in your hand.
I love revolvers and they are great in many situations. What should be considered is that revolvers are not easy to fire accurately without training and practice, especially snub noses.
Not by design, but it just shook out this way. Handguns and long guns, I own more Rugers than any other brand. They have some great weapons.
Not sure about any man who doesn’t love a 1911.
Agree. I am old school. I bought a 357 revolver 45 years ago and, up to 2022, was the only handgun I have owned. In '22 I bought two 9mm I didn't think I needed but bought anyway as investments, and "prep" in case we enter a "zombie apocalypse
".If I thought I was going to be involved in gun fights often I would probably be a 9mm guy. But for home protection I like my 357 in the nightstand, with my 12 gauge behind the bedroom door.
