Need a Self-Defense pistol with low budget: $250

[M1911]

For $250, find a used revolver.

 

[O/U]

For $250, find a used revolver.

+1. A used Ruger Securty Six with a 4" barrel would be my first choice. .38's make for cheap practice, and you have the flexibility of going to full house .357.

 

[M1911]

+1. A used Ruger Securty Six with a 4" barrel would be my first choice. .38's make for cheap practice, and you have the flexibility of going to full house .357.

I prefer a S&W Model 19 or 66, but a Security Six is an excellent gun.

For concealed carry, a used steel J-frame or Ruger SP101.

 

[O/U]

I prefer a S&W Model 19 or 66, but a Security Six is an excellent gun.

For concealed carry, a used steel J-frame or Ruger SP101.

I agree that SW makes a better double action revolver, and I'd take a Model 19 over a Security Six any day of the week. $250 is a serious constraint and my bet is that you could find used Security Six faster at that price than a Smith. That's just my guess though.

I found a blued model 19 a year ago for 350. It was in exquisite shape and the action was incredibly smooth. I'm still kicking myself for not picking it up.

 

[M1911]

I agree that SW makes a better double action revolver, and I'd take a Model 19 over a Security Six any day of the week. $250 is a serious constraint and my bet is that you could find used Security Six faster at that price than a Smith. That's just my guess though.

I haven't compared the prices, but you may well be correct that a used Security Six would be cheaper than a used 19/66.

 

[dwarven1]

Thanks for the suggestions, and if I can't afford the 1911, I think the Ruger p95 will be mine unless something better comes along, as I really like the way it's built and the SA/DA trigger.

Glad to hear that you've got a 1911 for now. A suggestion for an inexpensive .45 autoloader would be a Ruger P90 - it's a SA/DA alloy-framed full-size .45. Trigger won't be great, but the gun itself is a very reliable gun and I found it to point very naturally. I'd think that you could find one for about $300 or so.

I agree that SW makes a better double action revolver, and I'd take a Model 19 over a Security Six any day of the week. $250 is a serious constraint and my bet is that you could find used Security Six faster at that price than a Smith. That's just my guess though.

I found a blued model 19 a year ago for 350. It was in exquisite shape and the action was incredibly smooth. I'm still kicking myself for not picking it up.

I found a 2.5" nickled M19 lase year for $450. Worth every penny.

 

[Kenny474]

you practice with that paper weight yet? or is it just a security blanket at this point?

did you call the number I gave you?

I did make the call, waiting to hear back. And yes, I put 420 rounds through it the day I got it, 400 FMJ's and the rest Hydra-Shok's, which are what reside in it. I would NEVER carry anything I had never shot before. And yes it's heavy, but tolerable. It shoots rather well, as I can hold about a 5" group off hand at 25 yards, and I am no great pistol shot. (obviously) I would like to get a compact 1911, but even another full size would do.

I have also been considering another Millennium, as I had one and sold it like an idiot. I never had a problem with it, and it didn't weigh nearly as much as a 1911. I know most think little of Taurus, but it was a great little gun and I had planned to replace it anyway. And having a 10+1 capacity of 45 acp was a nice feature as well, considering it's size.