Defensive Handguns for $600 or less

["DoubleAction"]

Welcome to the Forum Watson;
This is a very good dollar amount when looking for a high grade defensive pistol. Of all the handguns I've bought, I am more fond of the Sig 239 in .40 S&W/ 357sig for casual carry purposes. I paid $500 dollars for this pistol, which has Trijicon Tritium sights and an interchangable 357sig conversion barrel that I purchased for $100. dollars.
Anyone else with pistols or knowledge of pistols within this price range, please respond.

["DoubleAction"]

Grips for the 239 can be purchased through Hogue, in Rubber or Wood.

["DoubleAction"]

There are many Advantages to purchasing pre-owned pistols. This Nickel 229 in .40 S&W, with factory installed Trijicon Tritiums was never fired; The out the door price was $600. with the tax included.

["DoubleAction"]

This 220 in .45 ACP is also a pre-owned, which was fired only once ( I know, because I was there), it features Trijicon Tritium sights that was installed after the original owner purchased the pistol. I paid a hefty $600. for this one. There are some good deals on these Sigs.

["DoubleAction"]

This 226 in .40 S&W was purchased back in Febuary of this year from a Co-Worker; He fired 50 rds through it, I then lined him up on a purchase for a Sig Sport, and he never shot it again. He finally offered to sell it to me for $500. dollars and I kind of agreed ;D. I installed the Hogue grips and hex head screws. I already had a new factory 357 sig conversion barrel waiting in the wings from another co-worker for $100.

[MLB]

Well let's see... It's under $600, a quality handgun, and I use it defensively so...



You could consider a Walther P99, mine's chambered in .40. Take a look at the critique section for a review.

Take Care,
MLB

Edited to Resize Photo Image.

[BlackDog]

One of the big national chain outdoor stores wants $629, but the privately owned local gun store only wants $519. This thing has got a very smooth DAO trigger. I'm not a huge fan of DAO, as I prefer the traditional DA like the SIG, but this one is VERY nice. Available in 9mm and .40s&w, it certainly qualifies as a " defensive handgun for $600 or less."

[klmhq]

Let's see:

My CZ P-01 cost $429 new with two mags.



This CZ should cost about $400 new or a little less slightly used. It's a little bigger than the P-01, but with a little searching you can find hi-cap mags for it.

[tptplayer]

In your price range, you should consider the Glock. They generally receive a bad rap on this forum but are one of the most widely purchased and used semi-autos for a reason. They are easy to clean, easy to shoot and extremely dependable. I have a G22 (.40) and a G17 (9mm) and love them both. Glocks are the most widely used competitive pistols in stock and production categories. As stated before, there is a reason for this. In competition you need a gun that will fire easily, dependably and accurately every time. Those are not bad recommendations for a self-defense handgun either. My G17 was purchased as a factory rebuilt model and the price was well under $500 with 3 mags. Hi cap mags are easily available and are already coming down in price.

[Mikolev]

I would second the CZ P-01, and add the Springfield XD to the list. I bought my XD for $349, and it's an absolutely stellar gun. Most can be found for around $400 or so.

[Ricochet]

I'll have to add another recommendation for the XD's. The price is under $450 NIB and they are an excellent option in 9 mm, 40 cal, 357 Sig and soon the 45 GAP. Here are my two: the XD-40 and an XD-9 Compact.

[mwatson69]

What do you guys think of this gun with its convertion kit from 9mm to 45 ACP?

www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=20504553

[Mikolev]

I prefer my .45's in the form on a 1911 frame, but it looks like a pretty sweet deal. Shoot 9mm all day at the range, but you can carry .45 ACP for defensive purposes.

The only thing I would say is that if that Witness is anything like mine, it has the ability to shoot in double action mode, but has no decocker, so you would have to pull the trigger, and slowly ease the hammer down, wich I've never felt comfortable doing, so be sure your comfortable with carrying it "cocked and locked" with no palm-squeeze safety.

Other than that, I'de probably consider that deal if I were in the market.

["DoubleAction"]

Watson; If this pistol is going to be your primary carry, you might have an after thought about the ported .45 ACP barrel. For use at very close quarters, it might pose a few problems.

[mwatson69]

no the witness was just going to be a play toy.. for my main carry I am now considering still the 9mm baby eagle.. and also the XD. there is just something about the XD that catches my eye... Or if I can find a good deal on a sig...

["DoubleAction"]

Watson; Choosing a handgun, based on owner recommendations, is very risky, and something I seldom do. One reason; I've found that the Handgun is often seen differently by it's owner, same as other possessions; The handgun seems to be one that is more personnal.
However; Among most of our members we have a high degree of unbiased owners, and the choices I've seen offered up, are excellent. I've never encountered anything but praise for the XD.

[mwatson69]

well thats the one thing about pistol shopping for me.. where Im from I have looked and their are no places where you can rent a pistol or any good shooting ranges.. So with me buying a pistol, I better like it cuz it prolly wont be returnable lol

[klmhq]

Initial Report: My dad just bought the Witness .45 with a .22 conversion kit. He said that the .45 is reasonably accurate, but shoots a little to the left. The .22 is very accurate. Almost as good as his Buckmark.

I should be shooting it soon. I'll come back with a better report.

Kevin

["DoubleAction"]

The CZ is one to seriously consider in the 9mm, but like all the others, the choices are pretty good. I wish I had a 9mm conversion upper for one of my 1911s.

[oldman]

One or two of my firearms I used at work maybe at or around $600 while a couple are definately less. However, all are 100% reliable

HK P7M8
Walther P5
Sig 239 in 40SW or 357Sig Barrel
Kahr K40
Smith and Wesson 4513 TSW
Colt and Springfield Armory 1911's