Best handgun for $300

jamesw · 12-16-2007, 06:21 PM

Whats the best gun for around 300 bucks?

Im looking at the smith and wesson sigma in .40 cal.

They are $290 brand new, and with the 50 dollar mail in rebate, also 2 free clips.

Does that sound like a good deal?

I dont want a revolver.
Also, dont want a 9mm.

Either 40 or 45.

Bravo · 12-16-2007, 06:28 PM

The Sigma has proven to be a really good shooter. It's backed by a lifetime warranty and is actually quite accurate. The only con to the gun is the trigger, and by that I mean that they tend to have a heavy pull that is unlike other double action autoloaders. If you can get used to the trigger, then it is a heck of a deal.

two-70 · 12-16-2007, 06:33 PM

Bravo is correct, get used to the trigger otherwise great gun

BloodRedStratus · 12-20-2007, 01:26 PM

I have the 9mm Sigma and it is a great gun. Never had a single problem with it. Like the other 2 said, the heavy trigger pull is the only down side of the gun. It seems like people either hate it and get rid of them or they get use to it.

But since you seem to be looking for a cheap handgun, like I am sure you have seen in the multiple posts about them, check out Hi-Point as well.

rondog · 12-20-2007, 02:05 PM

Rock Island Armory "Standard" GI .45. Damn good guns on the Colt M1911A1 platform, I have three of them. You can order one here for $329, and have it shipped to your local FFL. I bought a Compact from them for $340, had it in 2 days. Rock Island 45

The Standard GI model is a very good gun, but the stock hammer/grip safety combo can bite your hand. The Tactical has more bells and whistles and is an excellent value considering the cost vs. the upgrades on it, the hammer and beavertail alone are worth it, but it also has better sights and an ambidextrous thumb safety. The Compact is a perfect carry gun, that's what I carry. Same thing as a Colt Officer's Model. Give the RIA's a try, you WILL be pleased!

And FWIW, 1911's have what many regard as the best trigger out there. There's no slop or mushiness to it, it's likened to "breaking a glass rod". In other words, you press on the trigger and it doesn't move until you reach the "breaking point", where it snaps like a glass rod. You want a .45? Get a REAL .45, a 1911! And RIA's are an excellent place to start.

Let me know if you want any photos of mine.

eddiedeverell · 12-21-2007, 01:26 PM

If you can go 350.00 you can find some used glocks...

sniper1958 · 12-21-2007, 02:50 PM

I've got a full-sized RIA (.45) and love it! It eats everything. 2000+ rounds with ZERO FTF, FTE. I did a few things to modify my pistol. I installed a heavier recoil spring, used a dremmel and some polishing compound to buff the ramp (I shoot a lot of JHP and wanted to eliminate/minimize the chance of a problem) and put on Hogue wrap-around grips. I shoot this better than my .40 Witness with 3-dot sights. I love the Witness but it's so heavy - too heavy to carry. I just wish I could sell the Witness fast enough to buy the Compact RIA .45!

jamesw · 12-21-2007, 03:28 PM

Quote:

If you can go 350.00 you can find some used glocks...

My dad has a whole bunch of glocks, and i grew up shooting them, but i just wanted something different for myself.

Thanks for all the responses guys!

ouch · 12-21-2007, 03:44 PM

Best semi auto 45 or 40sw under 300 dollars?
How much ammo are you going to run through it?
Is your ammo cost included in the price of the weapon? Plan on spending about 25 cents a round to feed it.

The best on is the one that you can purchase used for the money.

If budgetary considerations are primary, consider a Hi point. You can get a new weapon and 1000 rounds for about 300 dollars.

For maximum reliability at that price range I would not rule out a 38 special.

utahvarminter · 12-21-2007, 04:40 PM

find a used Sig, Beretta, or Glock.

knightRider · 12-22-2007, 09:45 AM

i say 1911 rock island

12-16-2007, 06:21 PM	#1
jamesw Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 80	Best handgun for $300 Whats the best gun for around 300 bucks? Im looking at the smith and wesson sigma in .40 cal. They are $290 brand new, and with the 50 dollar mail in rebate, also 2 free clips. Does that sound like a good deal? I dont want a revolver. Also, dont want a 9mm. Either 40 or 45.

12-16-2007, 06:33 PM	#3
two-70 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: ponca city, oklahoma Posts: 1,778	Bravo is correct, get used to the trigger otherwise great gun __________________ What Would Jesus Do ????? Just Ask Him.

12-20-2007, 02:05 PM	#5
rondog Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 1,321	Rock Island Armory "Standard" GI .45. Damn good guns on the Colt M1911A1 platform, I have three of them. You can order one here for $329, and have it shipped to your local FFL. I bought a Compact from them for $340, had it in 2 days. Rock Island 45 The Standard GI model is a very good gun, but the stock hammer/grip safety combo can bite your hand. The Tactical has more bells and whistles and is an excellent value considering the cost vs. the upgrades on it, the hammer and beavertail alone are worth it, but it also has better sights and an ambidextrous thumb safety. The Compact is a perfect carry gun, that's what I carry. Same thing as a Colt Officer's Model. Give the RIA's a try, you WILL be pleased! And FWIW, 1911's have what many regard as the best trigger out there. There's no slop or mushiness to it, it's likened to "breaking a glass rod". In other words, you press on the trigger and it doesn't move until you reach the "breaking point", where it snaps like a glass rod. You want a .45? Get a REAL .45, a 1911! And RIA's are an excellent place to start. Let me know if you want any photos of mine. Last edited by rondog; 12-20-2007 at 02:10 PM.

12-21-2007, 04:40 PM	#10
utahvarminter Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Utah Posts: 487	find a used Sig, Beretta, or Glock. __________________ My Photo Album

12-22-2007, 09:45 AM	#11
knightRider Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: you know where Posts: 2,680 Images: 19 Blog Entries: 11	i say 1911 rock island __________________ I'm part kalishnakov, part heckler and Koch.

12-16-2007, 06:28 PM	#2
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,877	The Sigma has proven to be a really good shooter. It's backed by a lifetime warranty and is actually quite accurate. The only con to the gun is the trigger, and by that I mean that they tend to have a heavy pull that is unlike other double action autoloaders. If you can get used to the trigger, then it is a heck of a deal.

12-20-2007, 01:26 PM	#4
BloodRedStratus Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Westerville, Ohio Posts: 226	I have the 9mm Sigma and it is a great gun. Never had a single problem with it. Like the other 2 said, the heavy trigger pull is the only down side of the gun. It seems like people either hate it and get rid of them or they get use to it. But since you seem to be looking for a cheap handgun, like I am sure you have seen in the multiple posts about them, check out Hi-Point as well.

12-21-2007, 01:26 PM	#6
eddiedeverell Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Aurora, CO. Posts: 241	If you can go 350.00 you can find some used glocks...

12-21-2007, 02:50 PM	#7
sniper1958 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 122	I've got a full-sized RIA (.45) and love it! It eats everything. 2000+ rounds with ZERO FTF, FTE. I did a few things to modify my pistol. I installed a heavier recoil spring, used a dremmel and some polishing compound to buff the ramp (I shoot a lot of JHP and wanted to eliminate/minimize the chance of a problem) and put on Hogue wrap-around grips. I shoot this better than my .40 Witness with 3-dot sights. I love the Witness but it's so heavy - too heavy to carry. I just wish I could sell the Witness fast enough to buy the Compact RIA .45!

12-21-2007, 03:44 PM	#9
ouch Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ridgerun, Mo Posts: 184	Best semi auto 45 or 40sw under 300 dollars? How much ammo are you going to run through it? Is your ammo cost included in the price of the weapon? Plan on spending about 25 cents a round to feed it. The best on is the one that you can purchase used for the money. If budgetary considerations are primary, consider a Hi point. You can get a new weapon and 1000 rounds for about 300 dollars. For maximum reliability at that price range I would not rule out a 38 special.