What is a good, cheap handgun for a first time buyer?

Question

Now,when I say cheap, I mean value priced, not a cheap gun. I'm looking for something rather inexpensive (around $300 preferably, but I'll consider more expensive, $500 being the absolute max) because: 
1) Obviously I'm a first time buyer 
2) I have limited experience in handguns. Most of my experience is disassembling and reassembling my friends G19 and 1911. 
3) I don't have a good enough income to just go out and blow 1 grand on a gun.

I'm looking more for a target shooting gun than a self-defense gun. I do not intend to carry, so size and concealment doesn't matter. I'd prefer a semi-auto, but that doesn't mean I won't consider a revolver. So far I've been told to get a glock, sig, 1911, s&w, or a hi-point. Looks don't really matter, but I'd prefer it's not as ugly as sin. 

Also, I am 6'2" and I have long fingers, so small compact guns are very awkward in my hands. I know enough about shooting that the gun should feel comfortable in your hands, and small guns definitely do not. The most comfortable gun I've used was a G17.

I'm looking for any advice from all types of people. New shooters, veteran shooters, even if your opinion is biased, I still want it. Thank you all very much in advance. I appreciate all of the advice!

Also, if there is any more information you want/need from me, just ask and I'll put it in. Thank you!

august · Accepted Answer

For $500 or less, you're wide open. Out of your budget, though, are: most 1911s, most S&W revolvers, brand-new Sigs, and almost anything with a Colt logo.

You're in the sweet spot for S&W M&Ps, Glocks, Springfield xDs, and almost any used gun you can imagine, barring rare ones and a few random high-end guns that stay pricey even used.

I would strongly recommend that you consider a revolver for your first pistol purchase. Even though you have maintained semis before, a revolver is an easier gun to maintain and is good for perfecting your handgun skills. Also, a revolver is generally more accurate; I shot a .357 Magnum revolver yesterday, and at about 30 yards my group was probably a foot or so. I've heard of people who can get better groups. For semi-autos, that's going to be much more difficult to achieve due to the mechanics of how the guns operate, usually. If you're planning on target shooting, accuracy is a good thing.

While I don't believe most of the negative press about Hi-Point pistols, I would recommend you avoid them. They're ugly, and they aren't really as high-quality as more expensive guns. Then again, if you found a nice .357 revolver for around $350, you could almost buy a Hi-Point and still be under your $500 maximum... Just a thought. They also have great warranties. A Hi-Point should still be your last option.

In a semi-auto, I would recommend you get pretty much whatever fits your hand best. Go to gun stores and ask to hold Springfield xDs, S&W M&Ps, and Rugers. Heck, if they have a Cz 75, czech that one out... Haha, see what I did there? And don't be afraid to check out guns the people at the shop suggest; often they know more than you realize, since they pretty much do it for a living.

Really, with most semi-autos, the biggest thing is how it fits your hand. A semi-auto will never be as reliable as a revolver, but they do come pretty close. In the end, only you can be the judge of what's best for you, but if you have a smartphone, make sure you look up the going sale prices on the guns you're considering while you're at the gun shop.

EDIT: http://www.heritagemfg.com/site/index.cfm?CFID=25709026&CFTOKEN=a5cdb74346fbc162-99164E8C-A4EF-E2D5-4DCECF3A4B62EEAC

Now, dang, please show me where, on the HERITAGE ARMS WEBSITE, there is any mention of the BFR? The BFR is a Magnum Research product, not a Heritage.

www.heritage-firearms.com is an independent online firearm retailer that SELLS the Magnum Research BFR.

This is why you are so disliked, dang. You talk out of an orifice that likely smells far worse than your mouth.

Anonymous · Answer

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is a good, cheap handgun for a first time buyer?
Now,when I say cheap, I mean value priced, not a cheap gun. I&#39;m looking for something rather inexpensive (around $300 preferably, but I&#39;ll consider more expensive, $500 being the absolute max) because: 
1) Obviously I&#39;m a first time buyer 
2) I have limited experience in handguns....

wichern · Answer

Cheap Handguns

Higgy Baby · Answer

For about $400 you can get a 9mm:
Sig Pro 2022 
CZ P-07
Stoeger Cougar

All very good for the money.

If you just want a cheap gun- look at a S&W Sigma. They go on sale all the time for $199. They are not worth any more than that.

♘ Vader · Answer

The Taurus brand handguns seem to be the most reasonably priced: Taurus 92FS = $400.

I was looking for a Beretta-style Taurus ... but I saw a Beretta 92FS for $380 at a gun show and bought it instead.  I'd been very happy with it since then.

Matt · Answer

I would recommend a 1911. They start around 300 and go up from there. Also, you can get .22 conversion kits and make it that much easier and cheaper to shoot. Also, even though you aren't currently looking for a self defense/carry piece right now, if you later change your mind, it'll be perfect for that too.

Steel Rain · Answer

Ruger P 95 or Ruger SR 9.

Peace, By Superior Opposition · Answer

MY first choice would be Rock Island Arms 1911.  I have two and they are awesome at about $350.  Just take it out of the box and fire it, don't change anything and you won't have to change anything.

cmcvpr · Answer

New? Taurus. If you live in a state where Academy Sports has a store watch their sale flyer. Might hit the pawnshops.

Threat Level Red · Answer

people will flame me when i say AK pistol. under 400 usd. the ammo is cheap and magazines are cheap too. but its not the best for self defense or home defense

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What is a good, cheap handgun for a first time buyer?

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