advise for a friend who need a firearm?

[darinb]

Here is the background to this question. I have a friend that is relocating due to employment. He is going to have to rent a cheap apartment in a crappy area crimewise antil his job gets going. He just got his carry permit but has no firearms. He only has enough cash to get either a cheap handgun or a cheap longgun. He does have a family but wife isn't into firearms. I personally told him to get a decent handgun (hi point,surplus pistol) so he can have something to carry and have at home and get a cheap shotgun later. His budget is $200 max. What would you tell him?

 

[wsenefeld]

H&R Pardner Pump 12ga. It's similar to a Rem 870. Friends don't let friends buy high points.

 

[armedindy]

maybe a used taurus revolver?

 

[MattyLite]

maybe a used taurus revolver?

Probably only if it were a used factory reconditioned one.

 

[Spike_351]

check into a used EAA Windicator, it shouldn't cost him the full $200 considering they sell for 289 new, I have had one for a few years and it is a decent shooter. He could probably find one in a 2in barrel easily.

or you could be an awsome friend and loan him one if you can.

 

[wcd]

Here is the background to this question. I have a friend that is relocating due to employment. He is going to have to rent a cheap apartment in a crappy area crimewise antil his job gets going. He just got his carry permit but has no firearms. He only has enough cash to get either a cheap handgun or a cheap longgun. He does have a family but wife isn't into firearms. I personally told him to get a decent handgun (hi point,surplus pistol) so he can have something to carry and have at home and get a cheap shotgun later. His budget is $200 max. What would you tell him?

I would tell him to wait and save up just a little more. Also I would tell him t o do a litle window shopping and try a few out at a range, not sure where he is at but quite a few ranges around here have rentals. Also a good used one is an option. There is a decent gun store in Rennslear(not srue if thats the correct spelling?) But the guy is genarally pretty good at giving objective advice and has fair prices. Jmo.

 

[Spike_351]

hey wait....i just realized you live in my area, I know some people I know are always asking me if I want to buy guns at a cheaper price ( usually the $300 area) maybe I could do some scouting and find a good deal for you.

 

[Spike_351]

I would tell him to wait and save up just a little more. Also I would tell him t o do a litle window shopping and try a few out at a range, not sure where he is at but quite a few ranges around here have rentals. Also a good used one is an option. There is a decent gun store in Rennslear(not srue if thats the correct spelling?) But the guy is genarally pretty good at giving objective advice and has fair prices. Jmo.

this is a pretty good idea as well, if your friend isn't to far from you try dales Sport N' garden out on hwy 256 east of Austin, he is a good guy and if absolutely needed has a decent lay away plan. Also he recently seemed to have a decent selection in his used case at a reasonable price. Also squire's shop is just west of scottsburg (cabin fever) he also has a decent selection and good prices.

 

[sparkyfender]

At the risk of repeating myself, I would personally look for a snub Rossi revolver in .38 Special.

I've owned a couple, decent little guns, worth more than their asking price, in my opinion.

Get a workable carry holster, and he is ready to be armed in all the places where firearms are legal. And at home.

 

[92ThoStro]

If he only wants one for home protection, and not to carry, you can find plenty of chopped down 12 and 20 gauge H&Rs for under that price, like mentioned above.

 

[aaron580]

or a stevens pump shotgun. Pistol wise Id go with something surplus or a makarov

 

[Tomc1947]

Saw Polish made,P64"s, online for about 220

 

[EdC]

You mentioned he had a "family" which I presume means kids. I think he'll also want to look into a way to secure the firearm at home when he isn't carrying it, while allowing it to be handy. Depends on the ages and individual personalities of the kids, of course.

 

[seldon14]

If he is wanting something to carry, surplus. Cz70, cz82, or P64. If it's just for home a used 12 ga pump from a reputable maker.

 

[dleak]

38 special & 12ga are probably best options , but its going to be pretty hard to find anything for $200

 

[PGRChaplain]

Spend the money and move the Family to somewhere besides the Ghetto.

 

[Spike_351]

Spend the money and move the Family to somewhere besides the Ghetto.

not all people are able to do this.

 

[LANShark42]

Saw Polish made,P64"s, online for about 220

+1 for the P64. Nice pistol.

 

[danielson]

Home only gun= IAC hawk (870 knockoff)
Carry gun= EAA windicator 38/357 2" revolver.

Also, My dad has a hipoint 9mm, I ground/polished the internals before it was ever fired, and after 300 rounds, it hasnt failed once, and shoots a decent group at 7yds. I dont like it, but if you force-break it in, its pretty reliable.

 

[pokersamurai]

If he wants a first handgun that he can use for carry & home defense and his budget is ~$200, I would recommend a used CZ-83 chambered in .380.

CZ is a top tier manufacturer (high quality) with great customer service. The CZ-83 is a very reliable, compact pistol that has seen much use with European Police. It has a magazine capacity of 12+1 which should be more than enough for most self-defense situations. Also, the .380 round is easy to shoot for a beginner and with modern hollow point ammunition it has adequate "stopping power".