What should I go with?

Geech · 03-19-2003, 06:09 PM

I'm looking into buying a cheap, self-defense handgun and I think I've ruled out a Hi-Point .45 because of all the mixed reviews I'm getting. So, what do you people recommend? I'd like something pretty cheap, preferrably about $200, and it should be fairly reliable. I don't want anything weaker than 9x18, and I'd really like more than that.

PAPA G · 03-19-2003, 07:12 PM

why not Hi-Point??? never seen one but several users here at G&G like them. best thing to do on your case is hit all the pawns and gun shops and pick up a good used revolver. easy and reliable.

oneastrix · 03-19-2003, 07:56 PM

Taurus Model 85 .38SPL?

Geech · 03-19-2003, 08:53 PM

I guess I still haven't completely written Hi-Point off, but even when I see a mostly positive review it seems like people say something along the lines of "I wouldn't trust my life to it." Since that's exactly what I'm looking for, I'm considering other options.

A couple more questions:

1) Is .38 special the same as 9x19?

2) What do you guys think of the CZ52? That's another pistol I'm looking at in my price range.

NRAJOE · 03-19-2003, 09:08 PM

Hi- Point......snicker, snicker, guffaw!

wes · 03-19-2003, 09:49 PM

Question 1. No
Question 2. Not a bad gun. Been thinking of one myself.

NRAJOE · 03-19-2003, 09:55 PM

Got a CZ52 myself....$119 SOG....AWESOME! :right:

Dale · 03-19-2003, 10:27 PM

1. No

2. Dayum good gun......just don't ever expect to carry it concelled....but you can take out car and truck blocks with it, lol.

FEG · 03-19-2003, 10:42 PM

9x18 = 9mm Makarov, for blowback semi-autos.
9x19 = 9mm Parabellum (aka 9mm Luger). This is the "normal" 9mm cartridge for semi-autos. (A few companies have offered revolvers in this cartridge.)
.38 Special = A revolver cartridge. Cartridges of US origin are expressed in calibers (hundredths of an inch), rather than millimeters. Just to add to the confusion, the .38 is actually .357" in diameter.

The CZ 52 is an awesome handgun, but it fires relatively expensive ammo: 7.62x25 Tokarev. If you can't afford an expensive handgun, you sure as heck can't afford one that takes expensive ammunition. You will probably spend more than $200 a year in ammo, no matter what you shoot.

I prefer semi-autos, but the best deals around these days are classic Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolvers. Guns that originally sold for big bucks (in 1950s-1970s terms) are now selling for well under $200. .38 Special is one of the cheapest handgun cartridges. Before 9mm became so popular in the U.S., it was THE cheapest to shoot for many, many decades. In terms of performance, .38 Special is roughly comparable to 9mm Parabellum.

Shane · 03-20-2003, 06:28 AM

You want a gun:
1. For self defense. This makes me think you need something small enough for concealed carry, or "CCW" as it's called.
2. Under $200 but well made.
3. Reliable.
Given the above criteria, you MUST consider the Makarov. Reliable, small, accurate, cheap ammo. The 9x18 the Mak uses, when fired from a Mak, is very similar to a .38 Special when fired from a "Detective Special" type revolver with a 2" barrell.
Empire Arms is currently selling Maks with a spare mag and shoulder holster for $175. You'll have to pay a transfer fee to your FFL holder, meaning your local dealer.
Mak owners have been described as a "rabid cult". There are good reasons people are so enthusiastic about this gun.
Regards,
Shane

Shane · 03-20-2003, 06:38 AM

P. S.-
I don't work for Empire or any one else in the industry.
To learn more, go to:
www.makarov.com. You'll find plenty of history and info as well as parts and accesories at excellant prices. There's even complete instruction on disassembly. I've had my Mak over a year now and have never "detail" stripped it, meaing taken it apart completely. It has fired 1,000 rounds w/o a problem.
www.gunboards.com/forums. Look for the Mak forum and ask any questions you want.
Regards,
Shane

03-19-2003, 06:09 PM	#1
Geech Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 50	What should I go with? I'm looking into buying a cheap, self-defense handgun and I think I've ruled out a Hi-Point .45 because of all the mixed reviews I'm getting. So, what do you people recommend? I'd like something pretty cheap, preferrably about $200, and it should be fairly reliable. I don't want anything weaker than 9x18, and I'd really like more than that.

03-19-2003, 07:12 PM	#2
PAPA G Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: somerset, kentucky Posts: 12	HELLOOO DHERE!!!(using his best Marty Allen voice) why not Hi-Point??? never seen one but several users here at G&G like them. best thing to do on your case is hit all the pawns and gun shops and pick up a good used revolver. easy and reliable.

03-19-2003, 07:56 PM	#3
oneastrix Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 5,213	Taurus Model 85 .38SPL? __________________ There's no one more thankful to sit at the table, than the one who best remembers hunger's pain.

03-19-2003, 09:08 PM	#5
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 18,662 Images: 5	Hi- Point......snicker, snicker, guffaw! __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

03-19-2003, 09:55 PM	#7
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 18,662 Images: 5	Got a CZ52 myself....$119 SOG....AWESOME! :right: __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

03-19-2003, 08:53 PM	#4
Geech Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 50	I guess I still haven't completely written Hi-Point off, but even when I see a mostly positive review it seems like people say something along the lines of "I wouldn't trust my life to it." Since that's exactly what I'm looking for, I'm considering other options. A couple more questions: 1) Is .38 special the same as 9x19? 2) What do you guys think of the CZ52? That's another pistol I'm looking at in my price range.

03-19-2003, 09:49 PM	#6
wes Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Loveland Co Posts: 1,906	Question 1. No Question 2. Not a bad gun. Been thinking of one myself.

03-19-2003, 10:27 PM	#8
Dale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Too Dang Hot, Arizona Posts: 4,284	1. No 2. Dayum good gun......just don't ever expect to carry it concelled....but you can take out car and truck blocks with it, lol. __________________ "It confuses me how some people can vigorously go against the 2nd. Amendment and still call themselves patriotic"-me

03-19-2003, 10:42 PM	#9
FEG Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Behind the Iron Curtain Posts: 517	9x18 = 9mm Makarov, for blowback semi-autos. 9x19 = 9mm Parabellum (aka 9mm Luger). This is the "normal" 9mm cartridge for semi-autos. (A few companies have offered revolvers in this cartridge.) .38 Special = A revolver cartridge. Cartridges of US origin are expressed in calibers (hundredths of an inch), rather than millimeters. Just to add to the confusion, the .38 is actually .357" in diameter. The CZ 52 is an awesome handgun, but it fires relatively expensive ammo: 7.62x25 Tokarev. If you can't afford an expensive handgun, you sure as heck can't afford one that takes expensive ammunition. You will probably spend more than $200 a year in ammo, no matter what you shoot. I prefer semi-autos, but the best deals around these days are classic Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolvers. Guns that originally sold for big bucks (in 1950s-1970s terms) are now selling for well under $200. .38 Special is one of the cheapest handgun cartridges. Before 9mm became so popular in the U.S., it was THE cheapest to shoot for many, many decades. In terms of performance, .38 Special is roughly comparable to 9mm Parabellum. __________________ WARNING: CZs MAY BE HABIT-FORMING (Consult a doctor if nursing or pregnant).

03-20-2003, 06:28 AM	#10
Shane Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 45	You want a gun: 1. For self defense. This makes me think you need something small enough for concealed carry, or "CCW" as it's called. 2. Under $200 but well made. 3. Reliable. Given the above criteria, you MUST consider the Makarov. Reliable, small, accurate, cheap ammo. The 9x18 the Mak uses, when fired from a Mak, is very similar to a .38 Special when fired from a "Detective Special" type revolver with a 2" barrell. Empire Arms is currently selling Maks with a spare mag and shoulder holster for $175. You'll have to pay a transfer fee to your FFL holder, meaning your local dealer. Mak owners have been described as a "rabid cult". There are good reasons people are so enthusiastic about this gun. Regards, Shane

03-20-2003, 06:38 AM	#11
Shane Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 45	Not Affiliated P. S.- I don't work for Empire or any one else in the industry. To learn more, go to: www.makarov.com. You'll find plenty of history and info as well as parts and accesories at excellant prices. There's even complete instruction on disassembly. I've had my Mak over a year now and have never "detail" stripped it, meaing taken it apart completely. It has fired 1,000 rounds w/o a problem. www.gunboards.com/forums. Look for the Mak forum and ask any questions you want. Regards, Shane

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