[Natteulven]

New member from WA (state) here.

So the gun show is just right around the corner (next week) and I was thinking about purchasing a new handgun, I was thinking about picking up a Makarov, my budget right now is about $400.
Anyone have any experience with Makarovs? Or know of a better gun for around my budget?

Thanks!

 

[Old4Eyes]

Is this your first handgun?
What is the purpose for the handgun (target, home protection, carry?)

9x18 ammo will be more difficult to find that 9mm or 380ACP.

A Bersa Thunder 380 will fit the budget you outline. But it is less powerful than the 9x18. It's a fun gun, it's not my first choice for self defense but I'd hate to be shot by one.

I just picked up a Ruger SR9C and it was slightly above your budget, but that's because I live in California, it will probably be cheaper up your way. It's slim for a double stack and the trigger is pretty good.

 

[Obscura]

Hi-Point 9mm

 

[Cuda66]

You should be able to find a used Glock 17 or 19 for that amount.

I'd also recommend the Ruger P-Series pistols in whatever caliber you are interested in.

You can also find used S&W autos for under that; again, you choice of calibers. Also from S&W, Sigmas and the new SD9&40 come in under $400.

There's a fresh batch of trade-in S&W 65's out there for around $350, if you're into a wheelgun.

Plenty of good choices out there.

And Maks are good guns; however, realize that 9mm Makarov is not what we call a standard 9mm cartridge.

 

[weaponoffreedom]

standard service XD9, 40, not the XDM

 

[Keltyke]

Buy what you want. Carry what you shoot best.

 

[TriviaMonster]

I too would say a Glock 19 or an XD service model in your choice of caliber. For even less than your budget you could probably find a decent used Smith and Wesson 5906 police trade-in or the like.

Is it going to be a conceal carry gun eventually? Might take that into consideration now and buy a multipurpose weapon like a Glock 19 or an XD compact or subcompact.

 

[TriviaMonster]

Can I also just say after watching that video, I hope those two "turds" live really far away. Their handgun safety is piss poor, they came off racist, and I am surprised either one of those guys can operate a gun or a camera. The Hi-Point is what it is, a simple design, cheap, fairly reliable bedside gun. And the failure right off the bat can probably be attributed to limp wristing.

 

[cz75luver]

New member from WA (state) here.

So the gun show is just right around the corner (next week) and I was thinking about purchasing a new handgun, I was thinking about picking up a Makarov, my budget right now is about $400.
Anyone have any experience with Makarovs? Or know of a better gun for around my budget?

Thanks!

Personally, I'd hold on to the money and save an additional $100-$200. The $500-$600 range seems to be the sweet spot for some really great, new guns. In that price range, you could get Glock, XD, M&P, CZ, Beretta, etc.

If not, check CDNN (http://www.cdnninvestments.com/). They sell police trade-in as well as some new guns for really good prices. Download their latest catalog. You can get a trade-in S&W 5906 or 6906 including an extra mag or two for less than $400. You can get a new Beretta PX4 Storm or Walther P99 for $440 or a trade-in CZ-82 for less than $200.

 

[jtcruiser]

I just purchased a Ruger SR9, new for $445 out the door. That includes tax and the background fee. I've got about 300 rnds through now and its been great. I would highly recomend trying this one out....I also have an XD9 service model, 1750 rnds and no problems at all, I love that gun.

 

[ekim]

My el cheapo pa-63 has not failed me yet. Changed the recoil spring and IMO, is just as good as the Bersa. It's 9X18MM, a tad more power than the .380 and I have no problem finding ammo. 9mm ammo is a little cheaper unless you buy bulk on line, then it's close in price. Not the top of the line for finish, but for under $200 out the door for a gun that is carried concealed the finish doesn't matter to me. It's not a show gun it's a tool for SD.

 

[bunk22]

I say go with a slightly used G19 or XD9 or XD9 sub compact.

 

[nmxdshooter]

Check out a Kahr cw9. You might be able to find a used one for that price. Very nice pistol!

 

[Spooled]

Used Glock 19
XD9 service essentials package

 

[Mr Evilwrench]

I'd get something in 9x19 (parabellum). There are a lot around, and since you're looking at a Makarov, you obviously aren't discounting used. I have an affinity for military calibers, though I have a couple of things that aren't. If SHTF I'd like to be able to fire what I can, um, "liberate" from "the man". Plus it's generally cheaper to fire military/police calibers anyway. Not that 9x18 is a bad load or something, just that you don't see big boxes of it much. There may be a tradeoff between the cheap pistol and the ammo you should consider.

 

[DevJames]

you can likely find a nice used revolver too.

a Ruger SP101 or GP100 under 400 used would not be an uncommon find.

 

[Natteulven]

I'm not too worried about an SD gun at the moment, not really a big fan of pocket pistols. I'm mainly looking for something to just go out and have fun with at the range. Chances are there will be a plethora of used Glocks at the gun show though, so I might try on a few of those if the price is right.

 

[kalford]

Bersa ultra compacts, 9, 40, 45

Stoeger Cougar, 9, 40, 45

Rock Island 1911s, generally 45

Ruger p series

Sig Sauer Sig Pro series, 2022

 

[Poink88]

...my budget right now is about $400.

If I am you...I'll buy a used S&W 5906 (9mm) from CDNN for $300 + shipping and FFL.

I did and it is actually one of my best pistols. For me, it is easily worth more than twice what I paid for it.

 

[Brickboy240]

Summit Gun Broker has some really nice police trade in Glock 22s and 17s for well under 400 bucks. Good price for pistols that are reliable and indestructible. I own both and swear by them.

There is also the excellent Sig Pro 2022 that sells for around 400 brand new. Another great pistol at a great price.

- brickboy240