What is the most reliable handgun for Self Defense under $400

[Qwerty357]

AimSurplus, LLC

LEO TRADE-IN GLOCK 22 GEN 4 .40S&W HANDGUN W/ NIGHT SIGHTS

$280

View attachment 340206

Oh yeah. I’ve bought a used LE Glock 23 and put tons of rounds reliably through it.

I have a LE Beretta 92, G 22 too. 100% reliable but I don’t know the count or brands. I used to run alot of Georgia arms and Tula through them.

 

[Gunaddict]

I have to say my Taurus G3C is my most carried shield. I have well over 2000 rounds and a ton of dry fire training. Not one failure. I have Glocks, Sigs, S&W, but my go to has always been the G3C because if I had to turn it in after a lawful defense it is not one that costs a ton of money if it is confiscated.

 

[firecadet613]

I have to say my Taurus G3C is my most carried shield. I have well over 2000 rounds and a ton of dry fire training. Not one failure. I have Glocks, Sigs, S&W, but my go to has always been the G3C because if I had to turn it in after a lawful defense it is not one that costs a ton of money if it is confiscated.

As cheap as they are now, buy a second, break it in, and keep it as a spare...

 

[Mij]

When I got my Security Six it was under 400.00 and I can’t begin to say how many rounds have been thru it. Well north of 5000. All .38 spec. Granted most of them have been my 148 gr. FWC, hand loads, but a fair number of REM. 125 gr. +P Gold Saber and Hornady 110 gr. Crit. Def. It’s a tank, can’t remember the last failure to fire, I’m sure it would have been one of my hand loads.

I’ve shot 357+P but not enough to say yea or nay about them. When I’ve had to carry it as a carry gun it’s full of .357 HP. What ever I have/had on hand.

 

[JBLee]

I was thinking about this as not everyone has $800-2500 to put on a self-defense handgun.

This can be a good source of information for those seeking a reliable inexpensive self-defense handgun.

So what handgun do you personally have experience with that is reliable, and have had no malfunctions with at least 500rds fired including self-defense ammunition.

Post your experiences with the above criteria.

Make and model of firearm.

How many rounds of ammunition including self-defense ammunition you have fired without any malfunctions.

Ammo wise include the brand, weight of bullet, and type of bullet you used.
Example:
Federal 124gr FMJ
Federal 124gr HST

Do you recommend it as an under $400 reliable self-defense handgun?

If you stop by Marksman Shooting Sports in Westfield you will find many brands of firearms for $400 or less as they are almost exclusively a used gun store. You will see Glock, Sig, Smith & Wesson, Walther, H&K etc and all of them will meet your price criteria. Myself I would snag the Sig P365 that’s used in the case right now for $399.00 and be the happiest of campers. A slightly used gun defends just as well as a new one for a lot less initial investment and allows you to get a better quality gun at your specified price point too.

 

[LtScott14]

AimSurplus, LLC

LEO TRADE-IN GLOCK 22 GEN 4 .40S&W HANDGUN W/ NIGHT SIGHTS

$280

View attachment 340206

Nice score! There are some that think 40 cal is going away, but I know guys who carry them daily. I carried one for over 5 years and no problem or complaints. You learn to shoot them well. That is a great price for a great firearms

 

[LtScott14]

When I got my Security Six it was under 400.00 and I can’t begin to say how many rounds have been thru it. Well north of 5000. All .38 spec. Granted most of them have been my 148 gr. FWC, hand loads, but a fair number of REM. 125 gr. +P Gold Saber and Hornady 110 gr. Crit. Def. It’s a tank, can’t remember the last failure to fire, I’m sure it would have been one of my hand loads.

I’ve shot 357+P but not enough to say yea or nay about them. When I’ve had to carry it as a carry gun it’s full of .357 HP. What ever I have/had on hand.

Good thread reply! I like the GP100 series, built to last. Carried an SP101 for a bit too. A little heavy vs an Airweight J Frame. Both are well made. Loved those Stainless guns.

 

[Mij]

Good thread reply! I like the GP100 series, built to last. Carried an SP101 for a bit too. A little heavy vs an Airweight J Frame. Both are well made. Loved those Stainless guns.

Mine is stainless, 4 in. don’t know if the GP 100 was around at that time. I’ve had it for a long time.

And to add to the OP. I would recommend it as a carry piece to anyone, forgot that in my original answer.

 

[DadSmith]

AimSurplus, LLC

LEO TRADE-IN GLOCK 17 GEN 5

$380

 

[SmolderOutdoors]

I own two cz p-07’s paid 400 for one and 450 for the other. Both lightly used. So if buying used they can be found in this budget. No a single hiccup from either one at the range. Tons of aftermarket support for “later upgrades” if desired. The p-09, p10, and p10c would also be options from cz to give striker vs hammer fire and full size vs compact options.

 

[SmolderOutdoors]

One additional note- just saw a cz p-09 in the classifieds for 350 with 5 mags. They’re out there folks!

 

[DadSmith]

KYGUNCO

KY Gun Co is your one-stop online shop with the lowest prices for firearms, ammunition, accessories, parts, and outdoor essentials. We ship fast and easy around the country from our home locations in Kentucky, and are always ready to help.

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GLOCK G17 G5 9mm 4.49" 17rd Pistol w/ Night Sights | POLICE TRADE-IN

$397

 

[Hookeye]

A lot of people have to try the latest and greatest.
Many dump what they got last month for what Youtube this month says is the best thing ever.
Can find hardly used stuff for good price.

I dunno whats good for 400 bucks and under.
Think I paid 500 for my P365 new. No complaints either.

 

[BigMoose]

Beretta.
(this is from a 1987 FBI test)

Glock failures were 95% failure to lock back, likely due to shooter riding the controls for the slide release.

 

[Hookeye]

Surprised there weren't more failures LOL

 

[Mij]

I just wonder what a Smith mod 66 or Ruger GP is selling for.

 

[Born2vette]

I just wonder what a Smith mod 66 or Ruger GP is selling for.

Decent gp100 $600-700+

 

[Born2vette]

I just wonder what a Smith mod 66 or Ruger GP is selling for.

I picked up a nearly new 3” SP101 for $500. Rock solid pistol, built like a tank, decent trigger and laughs at 38 spl + p and very manageable with full magnum loads.

 

[Mij]

I picked up a nearly new 3” SP101 for $500. Rock solid pistol, built like a tank, decent trigger and laughs at 38 spl + p and very manageable with full magnum loads.

Ya, was just wondering about the current price structure, noted none of the listed FBI testing data was for a revolver. I do know they also have their issues, but don’t see any testing data.

Guess wheel guns have gone the way of the dinosaurs.

 

[DadSmith]

Ya, was just wondering about the current price structure, noted none of the listed FBI testing data was for a revolver. I do know they also have their issues, but don’t see any testing data.

Guess wheel guns have gone the way of the dinosaurs.

My mother bought my father a new Super Blackhawk 44mag for $200 in 1987.
Gunshop has them for $860 nowadays.