Best Sub $400 9mm

[dubya3488]

Hey guys,

I am looking at buying a new handgun. My FEG PA-63 is a great gun, but the Makarov cartridge is still rare in my neck of the woods (as is everything else, but a lot of places don't even carry it). I am thinking of switching over to something in either 9mm or 45 ACP, but I only have around $400 right now. Given that, I think 9mm is probably the best bet.

I am looking for something I can use for concealed carry, home defense, and some range shooting. Basically, I need a good all around gun. I have read a few recommendations for the Sccy CPX-2, the Ruger SR9c, and the Kel Tec PF-9.

What do you guys think would be the best way for me to go?

Thanks,
Dubya

[knewcomb]

Ruger Sr9C. Black

[xjsnake]

Sr9 but don't count out the SD9VE from Smith and Wesson

[xRUSTYx]

Springfield XD 9mm Subcompact (XD9SC)

 

Best $400 or so firearm on the market.  Large capacity, easy to conceal, good for EDC or Home defense :)

 

My :2cents:

[scoutfsu]

I bought my most recent Glocks for $400. 

I would save another month or so and buy a quality handgun rather than settling.

[turkeydad]

My Ruger P95 has hands down been the best entry level handgun I have ever dealt with.  . .

[PackinMama]

I am a long time Glock fan and have several, but I love my KelTec PF9. Been carrying it exclusively for over three years now. Can't beat them for less than $400 imo.

[TripleDigitRide]

My Ruger P95 has hands down been the best entry level handgun I have ever dealt with.  . .

Built like a tank. Heavy as one, too.

[turkeydad]

Built like a tank. Heavy as one, too.

Oh yeah. . .and I dont carry mine although I have in the past. . .I carry a Glock 26. . but the ole Ruger is wearing a set of Meprolights and serves diligently as the wifes nightstand gun. . but if I had only $400.00. . .I would buy a  Ruger P95 DC which I still see occasionally for $300.00 even in todays market slap me set of Meprolights on it and feel I was good to go. . .Mine has never balked on anything from cheap steel cased crap. . .to +p+ PDR's

[Mdunntn]

Sr9c no doubt. The trigger is sooo nice<br /><br />Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 2<br /><br />

[Guest Rowoco]

I got a taurus pt709 slim for 320 it's a great little gun.it compliments my glock nicely

[Spook]

Built like a tank. Heavy as one, too.

 

Try to P85. Even heavier but a great shooter.

[WyldEyed1]

The 709 Slim is a good option but for less than $400 you might also find  a Kahr CM9.  Both are good for carry and not bad at the range.  If you can wait a little longer, most would say the Glock 19 is great for all your needs.

[kieefer]

Bass Pro has the Taurus M709 on sale between now and the 31st for $349.99.  Can't go wrong with that one.

[Jonnin]

beretta nano for leftys that like DAO?

I liked our taurus slim too.  Well made!

hmm  most of the other cheapos are big

[Guest Victor9er]

Save up another $100 or so and get either an M&P 9 or a Glock 19

Edited March 13, 2013 by Victor9er

[MarkInNashville]

Lots of different people have lot of different idea's. You have some excellent ideas above, pick each gun up and see if one of them talks to you.

[zeek]

I either own or have shot many of the guns recommended and they are all good choices to look at. I wouldn't take any off the list.

 

That all being said, noone but you can decide on the gun that fits your hand best and its hard to find a good all around gun.

 

A gun that is highly concealable is not going to be a great gun at the range and something comforable at the range is rarely going to be the pocket rocket thats good to hide all the time. Nor is it going to have the mag size that I would prefer in a gun that I kept in my nightstand. 

 

one gun is going to be a compromise and only you can make those choices.

[Ropin4gold]

You used to be able to buy a sig 2022 for well under 400 but I havent been able to find one recently for a good price.

[rugerla1]

I bought my wife a Ruger SR9c and I could shoot that thing all day(except for ammo situation lol). I LOVE that pistol!!

[Mykltn]

Academy sports has the Taurus pt92 (based on the Beretta 92) for $380. Its a great pistol for carry, target shooting and home defense. And its got a rail for add ons.

[dubya3488]

What about the Sccy? Does anyone own one? I've read some really good reviews of the 2nd generation, they're made in America, and it would leave enough money left for a nice holster and some ammo.

[dubya3488]

Also, I really like that PT92! I like the way it looks. Would it be too large for carry though? How much does Academy charge for a background check? Edited March 13, 2013 by dubya3488

[Mykltn]

Also, I really like that PT92! I like the way it looks. Would it be too large for carry though? How much does Academy charge for a background check?

Carry depends more on the holster than the gun. I've got a cross bread super tuck and can carry a full size 1911 all day and forget its there. Academy charges $10 for the background check.

[Patton]

I have had some great Keltecs p11/pf9 for around $250. Kahrs come to mind but people sometimes have trouble or they need a break in. The Taurus Slim gets ok reviews. Me, I would wait until I could get a Glock 26.