Affordable Firearm Recommendations?

Jackson -

For an excellent introduction for those interested in acquiring a firearm for self-defense, see this article. Two good suggestions for a first-time weapons purchase would be a revolver and/or a shotgun.

A shotgun is a terrific home defense weapon, and they can be had affordably.  A "cheapie" Maverick (Mossberg's economy brand) can be had for about $150, but I wouldn't expect it to take much abuse. Within the past week I saw Mossberg 500 Combo pump-action shotguns on sale at Big 5 sports for $219, these come with two barrels, a long one for hunting and a short one for defensive use.  The Winchester 1300 imho is the Cadillac of pump-action shotguns, they're quite nice but a little more expensive.  If you want one act quickly since Winchester is closing the plant where they are manufactured.  Remington 870 is a fine shotgun also, tons of aftermarket products available but in my opinion these are not necessary, just window dressing for an already fine firearm. The only accessory that is justifiable is a flashlight. In defensive shotguns, 12 guage is the standard, although lighter 20 guage "riot guns" are available for those who prefer less recoil.  A 20 guage, with an adequate load, is still a formidable defensive weapon.

Downsides to a shotgun - substantial recoil may be harder for smaller household members to handle.  If you are forced to travel on foot, a shotgun and it's ammo are HEAVY.  A shotgun is not concealable, and there may be times where you need the ability to defend yourself while away from home, but don't want to advertise the fact that you are armed.

In a handgun, a revolver makes a fine first purchase because it is mechanically simple to operate and maintain.  I'm partial to the Ruger GP-100 myself, a super durable .357 magnum that will also fire lighter .38 speciall ammo.  This allows the user to tailor the recoil to their ability to handle it.  Don't bother with a .357 with less than a 4" barrel, less than that and the extra powder of the magnum round just goes into more flash and noise, not into the bullet velocity.  People who own these revolvers seem to like them a lot. A GP-100 can be had for around $400.  On the downscale side, Charter Arms makes some nice little revolvers in .357magnum and .44 special.  If you want something small and light that still packs a punch, the Charter Arms Bulldog is quite the ticket.  It's not as "dinosaur tough" as the GP, but at under $300 it's a real steal.  

If you are familiar with semi-auto handguns and feel one is right for you, you cannot go wrong with the Springfield XD series.  They are available in calibers from 9mm, .40, .357sig, .45gap, and they recently released a model in the venerable .45acp cartridge.  IMHO, they embody all the Glock strengths without the Glock weaknesses.  Put one in your hand and see how it fits - most people, having picked one up, have a hard time putting it down.  For defensive purposes, the .40 cal (which most police departments these days are moving to) and the .45acp (a traditional favorite of the military) are probably your top choices, although those with less grip or upper body strength may prefer a lighter round such as 9mm. An XD pistol will probably cost you between $400 - $500 in price, depending on the model, finish, & options.

Those are my "best value" and "economy option" picks.  You can get a cheaper gun but realize you are getting just that - a cheap gun.  I'd hate to stake my life on something "cheap".  Mull it over, consider what kind of an investment you can afford to make in your safety.  My Dad used to say "If you don't like what you got, it wasn't a bargain, no matter how little it cost."  It's often less expensive in the long run to "get it right the first time".  You can often rent firearms at some indoor ranges, an excellent way to take a given model for a "test drive".  It's always best to try before you buy.

Whatever firearm you choose, realize that a gun is only as safe or as useful as the skill of the person behind the trigger.  At the very minimum, attend a class or have an experienced shooter teach you safe handling and range etiquite.  Go to the range and practice frequently, at least 4 times a year, ideally once a month.  Through repetition, make safe handling an instinct that you practice without thinking. Know your firearm well, don't let it be a stranger that you have to "get to know" all over again in a moment of crisis.  Take a defensive firearm class if time and money permit - otherwise, learn what you can through home study (vcr or dvd are available).  Try this or this or this for handguns.  Or this for shotguns.

Here are the two guns you should own.  As a rep for a company that does SWAT Team training I feel confident in these two choices for the money.

1. Glock pistol either model 17,19,22,23 these are the 4 glocks of choice=$550

2. Remington 870 pump shotgun 12 guage=$250

both of these guns are very reliable and easy to use.  make sure to go to a range and learn to use them.  Most police dept offer training courses for free or very little money

Bruss01

I don't disagree that the Springfield is a great gun also just that the glock is a little more user friendly in several ways.  Lets just pretend we had a pandemic.  Silly me to think such off the wall absurd things...LOL

Here is why you would want the Glock as opposed to others

1. More accessories available

2. Parts for Glock could be found on any dead soldier or cop

3. Glock has proven they can be dropped from a ten storie building, froze in ice for 2 years in the artic, 100,000 rounds fired through same gun so on so forth.  No other gun to my knowledge has ever passed these test except the Glock.  Causing Glock to be our Militarys choice of handgun

Since we may be unable to get many manufactured items during a pandemic I would rather rely on a gun that heaven forbid I need a part I can get it.

Just my worst case senario thoughts.  Thanks for your post though