Best semi-auto around $350?

**Jeep274** · August 27th, 2013, 05:31 PM

Looking for some suggestions here. My father-in-law is interested in buying his first semi-auto but has a limited budget. I am wondering what your opinions are on best bang for your buck when it comes to a handgun primarily for target but also home defense. I'm thinking 9mm for economic reasons. I expect used guns will be the main option, so if the average used price is in that range he'd be interested. Thanks for your suggestions.

**MARINE DIVISION TWO** · August 27th, 2013, 05:48 PM

Also can pick up used Glocks 19,17,or 40sw glock 27,22 for $400,thats what most used ones sell for.

**eyecanshoot** · August 27th, 2013, 06:03 PM

You can probably get a new Bersa for around that price. I carry one daily chambered in 40 S&W.

**Xringshooter** · August 27th, 2013, 06:08 PM

He can also look at the Ruger P series semi-autos.

**Mity2** · August 27th, 2013, 06:18 PM

S&W SD9.

**Tull66** · August 27th, 2013, 06:36 PM

I just listed a lightly used Taurus .40 in the classifieds a few minutes ago for $325.

**DucatiRon** · August 27th, 2013, 06:39 PM

The best one is the one that fits your hand and feels comfortable.

That being said you also can go a bit old school if you like solid steel gun (no polymer) and look into used 59xx series 3rd gen S&W pistols. I have 3 all be it not one in 9mm. Nice pistol and carried by many PD's back in the day. They average 350 in the used market.

Like this one

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=361357875

Btw I'm not affiliated with this auction at all. Just used the first one that came up as an example.

**philadelphia patriot** · August 27th, 2013, 06:41 PM

A lot of the EAA pistols appear to be good quality. Here's a list of all of them
List

Here's a few select models that he might find appealing.
Model 1 (5 out of 5 reviewers give it 5 stars out of 5)
Model 2
Model 3
Model 4

**Twoboxer** · August 27th, 2013, 06:44 PM

9mm is a good economic choice.

Since pistol is not for carry, a full size pistol will likely shoot best for him.

IMO Glock has stock sights that are easiest on "older" eyes. Many folks don't like the feel and ergonomics, but if he can get past that - and if the sights are in fact clearer to him - encourage him to go that way.

Other than that, pick from any brand name that has the best feeling trigger, ie, easiest to pull cleanly.

With a tight budget, trigger + sights + condition are probably more the issue than S&W vs Ruger vs Glock vs etc.

(FYI I own an M&P9 and a CZ75 in 9mm. If you can find a used or new CZ, they shoot VERY well.)