[Carl_Spackler]

i'm thinking of buying a handgun to be primarily used for home defense/self-protection. my budget would be $500 or less, used is preferable but not essential and i'd like a semi-automatic. quality and reliability are important, so I don't want some no-name brand piece of junk that may jam on me. I haven't given much thought to conceal/carry as i'd just like to keep it at home in case some poor sap tries breaking into my house. got any recommendations?

 

[zb338]

If there are little kids involved, the best bet would be to pick
up a used .45 ACP because you could leave a magazine in it
and a little tyke couldn't pull the slide back to load it. If you
have a safe place to stow the gun where you could still get at
it quick bit not the kids, then a Glock 9MM should be O.K.

Zeke

 

[kludge]

Under $500 my first recommendations would be Sprinfield XD9/40/45, Ruger SR9/40, S&W M&P9/40/45, Glock 19, 23.

Whichever one fits your hand the best and points instinctively.

I chose the XD-40. It's been utterly trouble free. I have shot the others. SR9 and M&P40 are a bit more accurate in my hands, but the difference doesn't mean squat.

 

[Carl_Spackler]

If there are little kids involved, the best bet would be to pick
up a used .45 ACP because you could leave a magazine in it
and a little tyke couldn't pull the slide back to load it. If you
have a safe place to stow the gun where you could still get at
it quick bit not the kids, then a Glock 9MM should be O.K.

so who makes a decent .45 ACP and what can I expect to pay for a used one?

 

[jmortimer]

You should look at the Ruger P90 - as reliable as any gun and built like a tank. The Ruger SR9 is also relaible as a gun can get. The Ruger P95 is below your budget new and again, is as reliable as a gun can get.

 

[bldsmith]

I love my Ruger SR9C. The SR9 is also very nice. I carry the 9C frequently. I also carry an HK 45c. THe HK is $900+. I have a Ruger p90DC and it is a good gun however a little clunky. As stated above it is built like a tank but it looks and feels like one in the hand. It is all going to depend on what you find most comfortable and you can shoot well. I recommend trying to find a range that rents guns, in Ca it might be a little hard. Or a friend who has one you might be interested. Barring this, go to a gunstore and wee what feels good in the hand. If you have little experience with Handguns I would recommend starting with the 9mm. Just my .02 i am sure some will disagree.

 

[2Bits]

Carl I doubt there is a pistol out there that has been put through the tests as much as a GLOCK over the past 20 plus years. I swore by the Colts and Smith & Wesson revolvers for years but I carry 2 of those Glock pistols when I go out in society, that being a .45acp caliber and the 10mm caliber. It is just very hard to find a more dependable pistol period, whish has passed all the tests given with flying colors.

 

[JPaulF]

Go with the Rugers. They are probably your best buy at $500 or under.

 

[rushtofer]

If your looking for a used gun at a good price, check out summitgunbroker.com. He has a good selection of quality used sidearms. Of course you will have to order it and shipped to a local FFL. I have made a purchase in the past, it was painless. Good luck.

 

[GerstnerUSA.com]

If there are little kids involved, the best bet would be to pick
up a used .45 ACP because you could leave a magazine in it
and a little tyke couldn't pull the slide back to load it. If you
have a safe place to stow the gun where you could still get at
it quick bit not the kids, then a Glock 9MM should be O.K.

Zeke

I prefer a lock box myself.. I would never consider functionality as a acceptable form of child safety.. Stick with 9mm as it is both effective and inexpensive to shoot. Cost of shooting is important as you should be doing a lot of it to be proficient. Tarus makes some good autos that you might consider. PT111 Pro is a good one in 9mm.

 

[Sandman1]

Go with the Rugers. They are probably your best buy at $500 or under.

Add a +1 to that.

 

[TMan]

so who makes a decent .45 ACP and what can I expect to pay for a used one?

I've had a couple .45's over the years, and the one I've held onto is a Springfield Compact. It was reasonably priced when I bought it, and it's an excellent shooter.

The current assortment comes in several sizes.

 

[MPN]

As already mentioned, the .45acp is great for a defense weapon that might get used inside the house.

Go for a compact in this case as they are harder for someone else to grab and take away.

 

[Gil Martin]

It depends what you prefer

I would look at used guns and see what is available. I have pick up used Springfield 1911A1s for less than $500.00. A few months ago I found a used mint Colt Mark IV Series 80 .45 ACP for $500.00. So it depends. All the best...
Gil

 

[curiousgb]

Lots of good choices. For simplicity, capacity, and reliability the G19 is hard to beat. You can easily add a light which is a great addition for a home defense weapon.

 

[MMichaelAK]

Go with the Ruger. No one else really compares for reliability at your price. My wife has had her KP89 since the late 80's and its still good as new.

 

[mattsbox99]

I have a few M&Ps that I really like, but they are above your $500 limit. Given your budget, you can not beat the Rugers, whether its a P90, P89, P94 is up to you. I personally don't like mag safeties, so the P345 and SR9/40 is out for me, but they are also very reliable and accurate guns.

 

[ilaboo]

forget about a pistol--get a automatic shotgun buck shot teflon powder enclosed shot--you dont want to shoot someone in he house and get blood all over--a shot gun will blow him through th door so he /she dies in the streets i dont think anyone has survived buck shot but people have survived multiple 357 magnums--i know nothing about other calibers but i do know someone who survived 7 hollow point 22 Lr in the abdomen at 15 feet

 

[mattsbox99]

Are you serious? A shotgun won't blow anyone through anything. It might knock them over, but its not going to magically place them outside your house so they don't get a drop of blood on your brand new white shag carpet.