Lets discuss not what is the best first time handgun, not what is the cheapest handgun, etc... there are plenty of those threads. I want to talk about outstanding affordable handguns. When I say affordable, a max of $500.00 out the door - brand new. If you mention a handgun as an outstanding value for the money please explain why.
I hope this will be a departure from the usual recommend a cheap handgun threads...
The handgun with a total cost well under out the door of less than $500 that has impressed me the most are the RIA basic GI 1911A1's in .45 ACP.
You get a proven reliable platform in a proven caliber that is well made and regarded by most people as an excellent manufacture. I have to say that for an economically priced gun this has the best trigger and accuracy I have ever found on a handgun in this class. It does not come with a very durable or attractive finish and it does not come with anything more than the most basic sights, heck it doesn't even have any features to speak of. But its a all steel workhorse that is a pleasure to shoot. For my money, value, reliability, and general purpose the RIA 1911A1 is king. This is one of those guns you can buy without suffering any buyer regret later.
Another gun that has really grabed my attention is the FNP line of handguns. A well made (made in USA) handgun loaded with features. You can get a FNP-9 or FNP-40 for $429 plus tax, still the total well under $500.
For that price you get a DA/SA pistol with stainless steel slide, interchangeable backstrap, accessory rail, ambidextrous decocker, reversible magazine release button, loaded chamber indicator, three dot combat sights, and 3 magazines (currently from Bradis you get 5 magazines). These are well made, quality fit and finish. The trigger is smooth and mine breaks at 4.5lbs. It fits well and is more accurate than I am.
So who else wants to stand up for a particular model?
I hope this will be a departure from the usual recommend a cheap handgun threads...
The handgun with a total cost well under out the door of less than $500 that has impressed me the most are the RIA basic GI 1911A1's in .45 ACP.
You get a proven reliable platform in a proven caliber that is well made and regarded by most people as an excellent manufacture. I have to say that for an economically priced gun this has the best trigger and accuracy I have ever found on a handgun in this class. It does not come with a very durable or attractive finish and it does not come with anything more than the most basic sights, heck it doesn't even have any features to speak of. But its a all steel workhorse that is a pleasure to shoot. For my money, value, reliability, and general purpose the RIA 1911A1 is king. This is one of those guns you can buy without suffering any buyer regret later.
Another gun that has really grabed my attention is the FNP line of handguns. A well made (made in USA) handgun loaded with features. You can get a FNP-9 or FNP-40 for $429 plus tax, still the total well under $500.
For that price you get a DA/SA pistol with stainless steel slide, interchangeable backstrap, accessory rail, ambidextrous decocker, reversible magazine release button, loaded chamber indicator, three dot combat sights, and 3 magazines (currently from Bradis you get 5 magazines). These are well made, quality fit and finish. The trigger is smooth and mine breaks at 4.5lbs. It fits well and is more accurate than I am.
So who else wants to stand up for a particular model?
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