Guns are not cheap. When asked what gun someone should carry, my go-to quick response was often the following: “Find what works for you, from an established brand. Make sure it has been widely in service for at least a few years and generally is somewhere over $500 in cost.” I still generally believe this is good advice, as it contains several valuable ideas in a concise couple of sentences. However, not all budgets can afford the high price of some handguns. So, I compiled this list of 5 defensive handguns that any budget can get behind.
5 Budget Defensive Handguns
The reality is that not everyone needing a defensive firearm will have the budget to buy a Glock 19, Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0, or Walther PPD, to name a few firearms that fit the above requirements. In this case, law enforcement or military adoption and cost are being used as indicators of reliability and durability. Following these guidelines will often result in a proven, reliable firearm that will withstand everyday use, carry, and frequent practice.
It is easy to forget where our roots are. Today, spending over $500 on a handgun isn’t much of a burden for me (later in a successful career). However, if I think back to when I was in my early 20s, even adjusting for inflation, any handgun would have been a significant, if not total, use of one of my bi-weekly paychecks. Money that at the time was more needed for housing and food.
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My first handgun was a used 1911, followed later by a used Walther PPKS. It was the result of squirreling away funds for almost half a year.
Changing Views
Three factors have resulted in my beginning to question my own quick advice.
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First, the quality of lower-cost firearms has significantly increased over the past decade. Many companies are focusing on moderate-quality, lower-cost handguns.
Second, the realization that most owners are unlikely to train with thousands of rounds or carry daily. They are looking for a home defense gun that they may shoot a few hundred rounds through in a few short classes or practice.
Third, I was part of a team of instructors working on a multi-day class for a private security firm. One of the students had a Hi-Point (notorious as the cheapest firearm available), and it ran flawlessly for the class.
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My criteria for evaluation include long-term use, reliability, and durability, based on everyday carry, taking numerous classes, and being able to afford regular live-fire practice. For many, the gun itself is a major investment, and additional training/use will be limited by those same finances.
Five Cheaper Handguns That Meet a New Bar
The student’s criteria who came to training with a Hi-Point can be best summed up as follows: “Get a firearm that works for you, from a company that provides support if needed, that fits in your budget (generally $400 or less new), recognizing potential long-term reliability issues.”
Below are my personal picks for five discount handguns for someone needing self-defense on a budget.
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CZ P-10 C
This first model is likely a little bit of a cheat, as it is technically a little over $400 new. However, I have seen them for sale at just under the $400 level on numerous occasions. This striker-fired, polymer-framed handgun is chambered in 9mm Luger and is a very competitive gun. It rivals much more expensive options from other manufacturers.
With a 15-round capacity, this is a great option for concealed carry or home defense for those on a budget. The CZ P-10 C is manufactured by CZ in the Czech Republic in Eastern Europe. It is built on eight or more decades of producing firearms.
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CZ P10C Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 15 |
| Weight | 26 ounces |
| Length | 7.3 inches |
| Height | 5.2 inches |
| Barrel | 4.02 inches |
| MSRP | $449 |
Hi-Point YC9 YEET CANNON
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On the other end of the price spectrum is the American-made Hi-Point YC9. I specifically chose their higher-end semi-automatic, costing slightly more than $200. This striker-fired, polymer-framed semi-automatic is chambered in 9mm. Although it is perhaps too large for everyday carry, it is an acceptable choice for home defense.
The capacity is lower at 10 rounds, and the trigger leaves much to be desired. However, it is hard to match the price, and I have seen these guns perform reliably when needed. Hi-Point has been making cheap but serviceable firearms for over three decades.
Hi-Point YC9 Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 10 |
| Weight | 34.2 ounces |
| Length | 7.6 inches |
| Height | 5.76 inches |
| Barrel | 4.12 inches |
| MSRP | $236 |
Taurus GX4
The Taurus GX4 is just under $400. Taurus has been providing reliable, cheaper firearms for over seven decades. The company is based in Brazil and has a wide range of offerings. The GX4 is a newer released striker-fired, polymer-framed handgun with a capacity of 11 rounds of 9mm.
This gun is comparable to many more expensive handguns on the market, and it is a solid choice for carry or home defense.
Taurus GX4 Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 11 |
| Weight | 18.5 ounces |
| Length | 6.05 inches |
| Height | 4.4 inches |
| Barrel | 3.06 inches |
| MSRP | $394 |
Bersa Thunder Combat
This smaller carry gun is a striker-fired, steel-framed handgun chambered in .380 Auto. Designed around the familiar Walther PPK look, the Bersa Thunder Combat is easily concealed for everyday carry.
With a price well under the $400 mark, this is another firearm on the cheaper side. However, it is still more than a Hi-Point. Capacity is 10 rounds, and Bersa has been making firearms in Argentina since the late 1950s.
Bersa Thunder Combat Specs
| Caliber | .380 Auto |
| Capacity | 8 |
| Weight | 20 ounces |
| Length | 6.5 inches |
| Height | 4.9 inches |
| Barrel | 3.5 inches |
| MSRP | $346 |
Ruger Security 9
The Ruger Security 9 comes in several models but has options that come in under the $400 mark. This striker-fired, polymer-framed semi-automatic is chambered in 9mm and comes with a 15-round capacity. Another solid option for carry or home defense, Ruger is an American company with seven decades of experience creating handguns.
Ruger Security 9 Specs
| Caliber | 9mm |
| Capacity | 15 |
| Weight | 23.8 oz |
| Length | 7.24 inches |
| Height | 5 inches |
| Barrel | 4 inches |
| MSRP | $369 |
Buy Within Your Budget But Train Like You Mean It
Cheaper firearms have come a long way from cheap Saturday Night Specials available during the 1970s and 1980s. There are multiple reliable and functional options available from companies with proven track records and capable customer support.
There is nothing wrong with including cost in the equation when deciding on a defensive weapon. I personally prefer someone who spends less on the gun but invests in training and practice, compared to someone who buys above their means and has nothing left to invest in training.
If price is not a large determinant, I still personally prefer the reliability and track record that often comes with more expensive guns. However, I would rather someone purchase a less expensive gun if budget demands, but then train like they mean it. Their lives may depend on it.
