HI guys,

My name is Robert, I live in San Antonio and ive been browsing this forum for a few weeks now, Im a regular at TFF for awhile now.

Ive just completed my CHL class on May 8 and sending my paperwork off In another week or so.

My dilemma: I qualified for the chl with a Grendell P12, .380 that was given to me by a retired LEO, problem is that when qualifying there were times when a trigger pull did not make the gun go bang, had to pull again to send the round down range, so obviously this weapon cannot be considered reliable.

I really know nothing about guns, and so I ask if you could provide some info to assist me in choosing a good reliable and affordabel gun for concealed carry.

I am on a fixed income and that pretty much forces me to look for a used gun or a super deal on a new one. Here in another 2 weeks to a month from now I should be able to spend approx $200.00 or so for a pistol...

So my question becomes: is it likely I can find a good used pistol for that price range?

Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments and or suggestions.

One other thing, I do computer repair for the last 15+ years so if you have a need give me a shout, I can work remotely as long as you have a internet connection.

Laterz,
dafanman

Laterz,
dafanman

You could save you a little more money, and get you a Bersa 380, for a little over 300, or save your money and get a Glock, around 500-550 range. You might find one on here for 200, but it probably wont be very reliable. Both are easily concealed.

You can easily purchase a Taraus PT series weapon for around $200. They are simple, decent conceal guns. Heck, if you watch academy close enough, you can get the PT111 in a 9mm NEW for $200.

Save some money and get you a nice used glock 19 in the 400 range

Go to the range and rent guns to shoot. You need to find something that fits your hand; what feels good to you.

I have the Bersa Thunder 380 and have never had a malfunction (about 500 rounds of experience with this gun)...it's very reliable, easy to carry, and affordable. Bersa also makes the Thunder in 9mm and 45. I have the 45 as well and a close friend has the 9mm version. Same reliability on all of them so far. Great value in my opinion.

You should also consider that you're going to need to purchase a holster (unless you get one with your pistol deal) and ammunition. You'll need a lot of "range" ammo to develop/maintain your weapon proficiency and a box of "personal defense" ammo to use when you carry. Don't forget the cleaning supplies to keep your gun in good operating condition. Depending on your situation at home, you may also need a safe to store it in when not in use. Just thought I'd mention those things because they tend to add up and you'll want to plan for them in your budget.

It pays to shop around. Some deals you can get the pistol, ammo, and holster all at once...and those are generally good money savers. Search around on the internet and this forum to make sure you are satisfied with the value of the purchase.

Congrats on completing your CHL and welcome to the forum!

dont get a glock! springfield xd imo ^.^
well as for a 200 dollar gun i would get a ummm ew but a hi point. they are ugly imo but i hear from owners of the gun that they are real good and dependable. you can find a used 1 for around 150 or less

s&w sigma under 300 dollars, reliable, stout trigger, no negligent discharges

best advice so far.
if you are new, if you don't know what you want, if your just not sure.
this is what you need to do.
good luck, and happy shooting.

I second S&W Sigma, I have the .40 and 9mm both are good guns and under $300

Don't even bother spending $200 on a gun new or used. It'll be just as bad as the one you took the course with.

The cheapest I'd recommend would be about $450-550 for a Sub-compact XD or Glock 27.

x3 Academy has them on sale right now for $300. You would probably be better off saving up for a little longer and getting something you really liked.

Thanks for the imput guys, I will check out the s&w sigma at academy on tuesday when I go to renew my fishing licensee.

If any other ideas pleas advise.

Laterz,
dafanman

$200 will be tough. The other option that will save you some money and is very reliable is to look at revolvers. You can pick up a used Taurus .38 for a good price, and used guns will often come with holsters that would cost you $50-$150 brand new by themselves.

Dafanman,,

Call Bandera Gun Club at 830-796-4610 and have them hook you up with a Bersa Thunder Conceled carry model 380, or LCP, and some ammo.

Don't let anyone tell you a Bersa thunder is no good. I know of one with over 10K rounds through it without being cleaned. Its only lubed with breakfree and wiped...NEVER MALFUNCTIONED!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you put in a few bucks more it could be right in your price range out the door.

Nobody is going to beat their prices.

The only other option is to cruise the used counter at the Powderhorn EVERYDAY until you get one for $200

If you don't mind the full sized thunder, Model THUN380PDT15 is a Duotone 16 round version if you can find it.

Don't let anyone talk you into crimson trace laser over a glow in the dark tritium sight either.

Why not Crimson Trace and tritium? Lasers are great when it's pitch dark...


A good auto for $200 will be hard to find. You might find a Bersa in that price range and they are great guns.

I would say to look at a revolver. You should be able to find a decent .38 Spl in that range.

X2!!!!!!!
Most BANG for the buck

In that price range I'd look at revolvers too. You should be able to get a used Taurus for close to $200.

You can probably find a used Generation 1 Glock at a gun show for about $300.

Tritium yes, laser no

Well aren't you just a wealth of information...



There is a Kel Tec P11 in the classifieds right now for $200, might be your best bet...

Thanks for everyones replies and suggestions. I will be sending off my paperwork on friday and probably end up waiting till first week of july to be ready to purchase so in the mean time I will continue to appreciate all of your suggestions and comments.

Thanks All,

laterz,
dafanman

CDNN Investments has the CZ-82s right now for under $200. These are shockingly nice guns for the price. It will fit in a Galco Stow n' GO (IWB Holster) designed for the glock 26. The 9x18 ammo is also cheap.

I forgot about those- they are a quality pistol. CZ still makes the gun in .380 but they fetch a much higher price.

cswilder ,

Thank you for that info sir, a quick bit of research shows me that folks that have that gun seem to love it.

Laterz,
dafanman