Ah, the age-old question — “What can I get for my money?”
Everyone always hopes the new gun they pick up is quality; they want it to scratch that itch and feel like they made a good purchase. But not everyone wants to shell out the big bucks to do so…
Fortunately, it is a buyer’s market right now, and there are some stellar handguns out there that will put a smile on your face while keeping your bank account happy.
We are going to take a look at a few of the best budget handguns on the market. And when I say budget, I mean budget.
Everything on this list is right at $400 or less, and there is a little something in there for everyone.
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best SubcompactThis gun has a great trigger, good accuracy, and is optics ready.
-
-
-
Editor’s PickFull-sized metal frame, DA/SA, excellent fit and finish with a great trigger.
Table of Contents
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Best Budget Handguns
1. CZ P-10C
I don’t exactly know what CZ is doing, but prices for the P-10C have been slashed across the board.
As of July 2023, the P-10C is arguably the best value buy in the handgun world.
These pistols are excellent striker-fired pistols that fill that duty, home defense, concealed carry, or “anything else a Glock 19-sized gun can do” role.
You get amazing ergonomics with extremely aggressive grip texturing, aggressive slide serrations, a better-than-Glock trigger that is pretty good in its own right, and 15+1 rounds of 9mm on tap.
Both the magazines and the sights are metal, and the accuracy and reliability are outstanding. These guns shoot flat and fast.
While the aftermarket isn’t as robust as Glock’s, I truly believe the CZ P-10C is a much better shooting and feeling gun out of the box.
I bought mine at full price when they were around $500, and I don’t regret it.
But with the base model prices at a jaw-dropping $300-350 and optics-ready and nights sight models coming in under $400, it is impossible to deny the P-10C a spot.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Not sold? Well, our resident big man Sean Curtis was, and he bought one immediately after shooting mine.
Still unsure? We got you covered with a full review!
2. Canik TP9 Elite SC
You will be hard-pressed to find a list of best budget handguns without seeing Canik pop up.
I had shot the TP9 Elite SC (~$399) prior to including it on this list. I knew I had to slot it in the list, so I requested one directly from Canik.
It was exactly what I’d experienced before. This is a true subcompact gun, not a micro compact. So think Glock 26-sized, not P365. Yeah, it is a little chunkier, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
On top of being able to accept the full-sized magazines of the larger TP9 models, The extra girth just makes the gun a bit easier to hold on to and feels a little more substantial in the hand (insert joke here).
Micro compacts are awesome to carry, but that paper-thin profile doesn’t always feel great when shooting.
Even at 1.45 inches wide, the TP9 Elite SC is still concealable with its manageable 3.6-inch barrel. You get a standard capacity of 12 rounds, with an optional 15-round extended magazine included.
It comes optics-ready, utilizing the Shield RMSc micro footprint, has two interchangeable backstraps, and even includes a reversible OWB/IWB holster.
The slide release is long and ambidextrous, and the magazine release is reversible.
Oh, and the best part? You get a best-in-class trigger. It breaks crisply around 3.5 pounds with a short and tactile reset.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
I found the TP9 Elite SC to be very accurate and reliable, and the trigger makes it fun to shoot for such a small gun.
I enjoyed my second go-around with this gun so much that I spent my own hard-earned coin to buy it and keep it.
What do you think of the Canik? Rate it below!
3. Tisas 1911 A1
Gone are the days of having to shell out $800-1000 for a 1911 that won’t choke every two rounds.
Companies like Rock Island Armory, Tisas, Girsan, and American Classic are producing quality 1911s at affordable prices.
Currently leading the pack for my money is the Tisas 1911 A1.
This is your standard WW2 GI-style 1911, and there is nothing wrong with that. For many people, the 1911 isn’t their go-to defensive pistol; they just want a cool, fun, aesthetically pleasing gun.
You get an excellent call-back to a bygone era. A grey Cerakote mimics the classic 1911 parkerized finish. GI-style sights, walnut grips, a lanyard loop, and the classic GI hammer and trigger complete the look.
Tisas wisely avoided large ugly branding, instead choosing a superb minimal slide marking that simply reads “Model 1911 A1 U.S. Army.” They also include an additional set of plastic grips in the box for whatever reason.
The trigger is surprisingly good, breaking cleanly around 3 pounds with a short reset you’d expect from a good 1911.
We ran our last test gun out of the box with no additional lube other than what the factory provided, and it was flawless with both of the two provided 7-round magazines.
I’ve shot three different samples of this gun, and all have run 100%, which was shocking to me considering the Cerakote finish and the price.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
With solid accuracy, seemingly great reliability, and a killer price of around $350, the Tisas 1911 A1 is an excellent pickup for someone wanting a budget 1911 or a gun that isn’t plastic.
4. Taurus GX4
Micro compacts are the hotness right now. It seems like everyone and their dog has a P365, Hellcat, Shield Plus, or something similar.
But hey, it makes sense. High capacity in a tiny, easy-to-carry package — who doesn’t want that?
Luckily, if you are eyeballing a new concealed carry gun but don’t quite have $500 to spend, Taurus has you covered with the GX4.
With a 3-inch barrel, a width of about an inch, a weight of 18.5 ounces, and a capacity of 11 rounds, the GX4 is right on par with its competition.
The difference? It does it for about $300.
They didn’t skimp out on design features, either. You get front slide serrations, adjustable backstraps, great stippling, and even grip cuts to help with magazine extraction.
Two 11-round magazines are included, but slightly extended 13-round magazines are also available.
I was shocked at how good this gun felt in my hand. Personally, I have it just behind the P365 and ahead of the Hellcat and Shield Plus in terms of comfort (your mileage may vary).
The trigger is a bit heavier than I would like, breaking around 5.5 pounds, but it hits a well-defined wall and breaks cleanly. I will take a heavier but consistent, tactile trigger over a lighter but mushy and unpredictable one any day.
Do I still prefer my P365? Yes. Does the GX4 fill the same role for less money? Yes, and it does so admirably.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Check out our complete review!
5. Bersa TPR9
Unknown, unheralded, a true dark horse — the Bersa TRP9 is a slayer.
Hold up, Bersa? The ones that make those cheap .380 PPK clones? Yeah, that Bersa. They also make one of my favorite budget handguns.
The TPR9 is a true full-sized, all-metal, hammer-fired handgun. Good guns like that are a rare find under the $400 mark.
These guns are internally similar to the older Walther P88, and copying Walther is always a good foundation.
Featuring an aluminum frame, DA/SA trigger, 17+1 capacity, and a manual safety/decocker, it sounds more like an offering from Sig.
But the devil is in the details. Full-length slide rails, front serrations, finger rest serrations on the frame, front strap serrations, a Picatinny rail, ambidextrous controls — it’s crazy what is on this thing.
Fit and finish are excellent both internally and externally, the takedown only requires a simple flick of a lever (no trigger pull needed), and the trigger is phenomenal for the price.
In single-action, the trigger breaks cleanly at 3.5-4 pounds with almost no overtravel. Double-action is a very smooth affair at around 7.5-8 pounds with no discernable stacking. And the piece-de-resistance, the reset is tactile and only about 1mm long, shorter than my CZ Shadow 2!
My only complaints are that the grip texture is a bit smooth (easily fixed with Talon tape) and that the mags are a bit spendy. Outside of those minor nitpicks, this gun is nearly perfect for the asking price.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Oh, they also make compact and threaded barrel versions around the same price!
Final Thoughts
Ammo prices are still too damn high, but some things in the gun world have gotten cheap over the past few years.
Budget pistols are flourishing right now, and there are a ton of great options out there to cover just about any base.
As always, narrowing down the list to five was tough, so let us know what you liked and what we missed in the comments below! Interested in more budget picks? Check out our article on the 8 Best Budget Guns (Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun)!
The post Best Affordable Handguns of 2023 [Hands-On Video] appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.
Ah, the age-old question — “What can I get for my money?”
Everyone always hopes the new gun they pick up is quality; they want it to scratch that itch and feel like they made a good purchase. But not everyone wants to shell out the big bucks to do so…
Fortunately, it is a buyer’s market right now, and there are some stellar handguns out there that will put a smile on your face while keeping your bank account happy.
We are going to take a look at a few of the best budget handguns on the market. And when I say budget, I mean budget.
Everything on this list is right at $400 or less, and there is a little something in there for everyone.
Summary of Our Top Picks
-
-
Best Subcompact
This gun has a great trigger, good accuracy, and is optics ready.
-
-
-
Editor’s Pick
Full-sized metal frame, DA/SA, excellent fit and finish with a great trigger.
Table of Contents
Loading…
Best Budget Handguns
1. CZ P-10C
I don’t exactly know what CZ is doing, but prices for the P-10C have been slashed across the board.
As of July 2023, the P-10C is arguably the best value buy in the handgun world.
These pistols are excellent striker-fired pistols that fill that duty, home defense, concealed carry, or “anything else a Glock 19-sized gun can do” role.
You get amazing ergonomics with extremely aggressive grip texturing, aggressive slide serrations, a better-than-Glock trigger that is pretty good in its own right, and 15+1 rounds of 9mm on tap.
Both the magazines and the sights are metal, and the accuracy and reliability are outstanding. These guns shoot flat and fast.
While the aftermarket isn’t as robust as Glock’s, I truly believe the CZ P-10C is a much better shooting and feeling gun out of the box.
I bought mine at full price when they were around $500, and I don’t regret it.
But with the base model prices at a jaw-dropping $300-350 and optics-ready and nights sight models coming in under $400, it is impossible to deny the P-10C a spot.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Not sold? Well, our resident big man Sean Curtis was, and he bought one immediately after shooting mine.
Still unsure? We got you covered with a full review!
2. Canik TP9 Elite SC
You will be hard-pressed to find a list of best budget handguns without seeing Canik pop up.
I had shot the TP9 Elite SC (~$399) prior to including it on this list. I knew I had to slot it in the list, so I requested one directly from Canik.
It was exactly what I’d experienced before. This is a true subcompact gun, not a micro compact. So think Glock 26-sized, not P365. Yeah, it is a little chunkier, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
On top of being able to accept the full-sized magazines of the larger TP9 models, The extra girth just makes the gun a bit easier to hold on to and feels a little more substantial in the hand (insert joke here).
Micro compacts are awesome to carry, but that paper-thin profile doesn’t always feel great when shooting.
Even at 1.45 inches wide, the TP9 Elite SC is still concealable with its manageable 3.6-inch barrel. You get a standard capacity of 12 rounds, with an optional 15-round extended magazine included.
It comes optics-ready, utilizing the Shield RMSc micro footprint, has two interchangeable backstraps, and even includes a reversible OWB/IWB holster.
The slide release is long and ambidextrous, and the magazine release is reversible.
Oh, and the best part? You get a best-in-class trigger. It breaks crisply around 3.5 pounds with a short and tactile reset.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
I found the TP9 Elite SC to be very accurate and reliable, and the trigger makes it fun to shoot for such a small gun.
I enjoyed my second go-around with this gun so much that I spent my own hard-earned coin to buy it and keep it.
What do you think of the Canik? Rate it below!
3. Tisas 1911 A1
Gone are the days of having to shell out $800-1000 for a 1911 that won’t choke every two rounds.
Companies like Rock Island Armory, Tisas, Girsan, and American Classic are producing quality 1911s at affordable prices.
Currently leading the pack for my money is the Tisas 1911 A1.
This is your standard WW2 GI-style 1911, and there is nothing wrong with that. For many people, the 1911 isn’t their go-to defensive pistol; they just want a cool, fun, aesthetically pleasing gun.
You get an excellent call-back to a bygone era. A grey Cerakote mimics the classic 1911 parkerized finish. GI-style sights, walnut grips, a lanyard loop, and the classic GI hammer and trigger complete the look.
Tisas wisely avoided large ugly branding, instead choosing a superb minimal slide marking that simply reads “Model 1911 A1 U.S. Army.” They also include an additional set of plastic grips in the box for whatever reason.
The trigger is surprisingly good, breaking cleanly around 3 pounds with a short reset you’d expect from a good 1911.
We ran our last test gun out of the box with no additional lube other than what the factory provided, and it was flawless with both of the two provided 7-round magazines.
I’ve shot three different samples of this gun, and all have run 100%, which was shocking to me considering the Cerakote finish and the price.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
With solid accuracy, seemingly great reliability, and a killer price of around $350, the Tisas 1911 A1 is an excellent pickup for someone wanting a budget 1911 or a gun that isn’t plastic.
4. Taurus GX4
Micro compacts are the hotness right now. It seems like everyone and their dog has a P365, Hellcat, Shield Plus, or something similar.
But hey, it makes sense. High capacity in a tiny, easy-to-carry package — who doesn’t want that?
Luckily, if you are eyeballing a new concealed carry gun but don’t quite have $500 to spend, Taurus has you covered with the GX4.
With a 3-inch barrel, a width of about an inch, a weight of 18.5 ounces, and a capacity of 11 rounds, the GX4 is right on par with its competition.
The difference? It does it for about $300.
They didn’t skimp out on design features, either. You get front slide serrations, adjustable backstraps, great stippling, and even grip cuts to help with magazine extraction.
Two 11-round magazines are included, but slightly extended 13-round magazines are also available.
I was shocked at how good this gun felt in my hand. Personally, I have it just behind the P365 and ahead of the Hellcat and Shield Plus in terms of comfort (your mileage may vary).
The trigger is a bit heavier than I would like, breaking around 5.5 pounds, but it hits a well-defined wall and breaks cleanly. I will take a heavier but consistent, tactile trigger over a lighter but mushy and unpredictable one any day.
Do I still prefer my P365? Yes. Does the GX4 fill the same role for less money? Yes, and it does so admirably.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Check out our complete review!
5. Bersa TPR9
Unknown, unheralded, a true dark horse — the Bersa TRP9 is a slayer.
Hold up, Bersa? The ones that make those cheap .380 PPK clones? Yeah, that Bersa. They also make one of my favorite budget handguns.
The TPR9 is a true full-sized, all-metal, hammer-fired handgun. Good guns like that are a rare find under the $400 mark.
These guns are internally similar to the older Walther P88, and copying Walther is always a good foundation.
Featuring an aluminum frame, DA/SA trigger, 17+1 capacity, and a manual safety/decocker, it sounds more like an offering from Sig.
But the devil is in the details. Full-length slide rails, front serrations, finger rest serrations on the frame, front strap serrations, a Picatinny rail, ambidextrous controls — it’s crazy what is on this thing.
Fit and finish are excellent both internally and externally, the takedown only requires a simple flick of a lever (no trigger pull needed), and the trigger is phenomenal for the price.
In single-action, the trigger breaks cleanly at 3.5-4 pounds with almost no overtravel. Double-action is a very smooth affair at around 7.5-8 pounds with no discernable stacking. And the piece-de-resistance, the reset is tactile and only about 1mm long, shorter than my CZ Shadow 2!
My only complaints are that the grip texture is a bit smooth (easily fixed with Talon tape) and that the mags are a bit spendy. Outside of those minor nitpicks, this gun is nearly perfect for the asking price.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
Oh, they also make compact and threaded barrel versions around the same price!
Final Thoughts
Ammo prices are still too damn high, but some things in the gun world have gotten cheap over the past few years.
Budget pistols are flourishing right now, and there are a ton of great options out there to cover just about any base.
As always, narrowing down the list to five was tough, so let us know what you liked and what we missed in the comments below! Interested in more budget picks? Check out our article on the 8 Best Budget Guns (Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun)!
The post Best Affordable Handguns of 2023 [Hands-On Video] appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.
