[sweeper22]

Originally Posted by HOSSFLY

>Trade up

This is something to always consider for the financially strapped, who want to be "strapped".

Get what you can afford to have NOW. But set your sights on progressing to something better down the road. Come to think of it, that applies to various aspects in life.

[Doc3402]

Originally Posted by danf_fl

I look at it this way.
If I thought my life was only worth $150, then I would use a $150 firearm to use in self-defense.

Because I think of myself of being worth more, I want the best dern thing available to use with the best accessories that have a proven track record.

As shown by my earlier post about my Kimber, that isn't always a recipe for success. Because of that I have gone in another direction. I buy a firearm based on it's brand reputation and user experiences. Then I spend a pile of money shooting it to make sure it lives up to it's reputation.

I would have no problem buying a gun for $150 if the user reviews are outstanding. What I won't do is carry it until at least $500 worth of the ammo I plan to carry has gone through it flawlessly. One failure and it's not a carry gun.

One example is my PF9. It's not a $150 wonder, but it's not a pricey gun, either. It is also 100% reliable. From the first round to present day it has never had a failure. That's a carry gun. I hate the caliber, I'm less than impressed with the slide release, and the ergonomics could be better, but the reliability is right up there with my 1911 Sig. When I need a small profile gun for all day carry the PF9 is it.

[sweeper22]

My PF9 served me well for 1yr+. Zero failures. Also zero fun to shoot, but still a decent carry option. It's a reliable and budget friendly micro for sure.

When I added a 9mm Shield and an XDs45, it had to go. I recommend both if your budget and interest allows. The supply on these two is just starting to overcome the market pull, and they seem to be hanging around display cases here for a few days now. The local Fred Meyer (think Target) has the XDs for $569.

[Doc3402]

Originally Posted by sweeper22

My PF9 served me well for 1yr+. Zero failures. Also zero fun to shoot, but still a decent carry option. It's a reliable and budget friendly micro for sure.

When I added a 9mm Shield and an XDs45, it had to go. I recommend both if your budget and interest allows. The supply on these two is just starting to overcome the market pull, and they seem to be hanging around display cases here for a few days now. The local Fred Meyer (think Target) has the XDs for $569.

I've had a couple XD's over the years and you are right, they are very reliable. I had problems with the trigger safety lever chewing up my index finger, so I eventually traded both of them. I was never concerned when I carried them, and I do tell others to give XD's a try. They just weren't fun for me on range trips. I have yet to try the XDS, but I want to.

[John_Deer]

Both of my Kel Tecs run great but it wasn't an easy journey getting them to a reliable state. I would recommend a Hi Point way before a Kel Tec. The average gun owner isn't going to polish everything about a gun until it is reliable or fight a 5 month battle with a gun company.

I have owned several Hi Points. All I had to do was feed them ammo. They were good shooters and far more accurate than a Kel Tec. Say what you like, but the truth is the truth.

[hardluk1]

There is a big difference in low cost and cheap. I never did care much about how a pistol looked if it fit my needs and was reliable. I do get a kick out of some 45acp shooters that try to pass off that they carry a 1000 to 2000 dollar pistol and use FMJ ammo only as it is not reliable enought with HP .

[mountainskytop]

If all I could afford is a $150 handgun believe me I would buy it and the BGs better beware!

[locutus]

A Glock, Beretta or SIG, I will trust completely after 100 rounds. The same for Colt, S&W and Ruger revolvers.

Others, more like 500 or more.

I have an EAA Witness in 10MM. I know that Tanfoglio makes very good weapons, but I still didn't really trust that one until about 2500 rounds. OTOH, that was a good thing because the DA trigger pull sucked out of the box, but now it's as smooth as butter.

I say buy the best you can afford. Even an original SIG bP210 in mint condition is cheaper than a funeral, or even a couple of days in a hospital.

[mountainskytop]

A POS handgun is way better than no gun in my book!

[qwiksdraw]

Originally Posted by danf_fl

I look at it this way.
If I thought my life was only worth $150, then I would use a $150 firearm to use in self-defense.

Because I think of myself of being worth more, I want the best dern thing available to use with the best accessories that have a proven track record.

For the person who doesn't have a lot of money or is burdened by other pressing expenses might think $150 is a lot of money. As for me, I am not going to pass judgement nor make them think the value of their life, or mine, is determined by the price of a handgun.

I have met at the range and know people who have less expensive guns. I even have a couple. What is important is that no matter how much a gun costs, it is important to learn and understand how to use and maintain the gun. That's how a person gets to know the potential and limitation of their handgun.

Let's just share our enthusiasm, experience and knowledge about responsible gun use and enjoy the shooting sport. At the same time we can pray, although prepared to do otherwise, we never have to use in anger or defense.