[9mmgun]

Here's the deal,

You have no more than $399 to spend on a handgun. The handgun MUST BE NIB. It will be the only handgun that you are allowed to own, so choose wisely.

It can be any caliber, revolver or semi auto that's current in today's market, but remember it's the only one you get.

So what is your pick for the most reliable, best designed, best built $399 (retail not MSRP) or less handgun. Remember it's the only handgun you will have to protect yourself & your family, to shoot at the range etc etc.

[powg]

1 handgun ......my choice would be a taurus .357/.38 6 shot revolver with a 2.5-3 inch barrel ,with rubber grips, blue or blackened stainless with fixed sight rear ,glow dot front. It would be loaded with .357 cor-bons for defense ....good ol .38s for plinkin

[sweeper22]

I'd choose a 9mm.

I got my CZ 75b brand new two summers ago for $409 out the door. Subtract the $10 BGC, and you're at $399. You won't do better than that. But that's also a rare find at that price. Realistically, I'd look at Ruger P95 and Bersa Thunders. But I'd probably lean toward one of three guns:

S&W SD9
Ruger SR-9
Arcus 98 DAC (BHP clone)

The first two you might have to wait for the right moment to land under $400. The Arcus typically runs under $350.

[NGIB]

Right now, Bud's LE section has S&W M&P 9mm full size guns for $399 delivered. I think it would be hard to find a better gun at this price point - presuming you qualify for the pricing (LE, military, etc.)...

[danf_fl]

For the tasks listed, I would go with the .357 revolver, too.

I have seen Sigmas for less than that price in 40S&W. That would be the second choice.

[NCSU08MS3]

Ruger SR9C. Good carry gun, has extended mag for HD and range time. 9mm is cheap(er) to shoot regularly and I'd trust it all day for an SD/HD round.

Phillip

[Poink88]

If I can get a CZ for $399 like Sweeper...I think that is the best value and what I will go after. But judging from what I can find now regularly w/ $399 cap, I will say a Sig SP2022. It is one heck of a gun for the price.

[Colossal Urprising]

38SPL/.357 revolver here, too. Probably a S&W Airweight.

[9mmgun]

Some good suggestions so far, but the average gun shopper will be very hard pressed to find a CZ75B NIB for $400. I would buy a half dozen if I could get them for that price.

The Ruger SR9 would be a good deal at $399, but in my neck of the woods, they go for around $429 +.

My choice would be the Stoeger/Beretta Cougar 8000, either the full sized or the new soon to be released Cougar Compact. They sell NIB at my LGS (Tanners) for $369. I think you would be hard pressed to find a better designed/built handgun for under $400.

If fact, after doing the research my next purchase will be the Compact. (hopefully to be released with the next couple of months)

http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/stoeger_cougar.php

[spittinfire]

Hands down a 357. If you shopped long enough you could probably find an SP101 for that price.