Gun Tests not only evaluates firearms for function and performance, we also consider value, that is, the bang for the buck, in every firearm we shoot. When a firearm offers a lot for the money, we call it a Best Buy, which is our highest accolade. Here are some solid, budget-friendly, reliable pistol options depending on what you need:
Ruger EC9s 9mm Luger
Usually priced at ~$250-$280, this compact 9mm was very reliable in our tests, and because of its small form factor, it’s great for concealed carry. It is one of the best values on the market, but it’s not perfect. When we tested the gun, it cost $231. We found the EC9s was the most accurate handgun in the test, which says a lot for the handgun, despite its light weight. We question saving $40 and giving up superior sights, but some of us are on a tight budget. We like the manual safety. We feel that some shooters will be discouraged from cleaning the piece because the takedown isn’t as simple as other handguns. We gave it a B- grade.
Taurus G2S 1-G2S931 9mm Luger
In the same issue, we also tested this Taurus pistol, which was completely reliable and controllable in rapid fire at the combat range. We believe the six-section stippled grip surface with smooth sections in between was among the pistol’s best design features. The combination of a safety lever set into the trigger face and a positive manual safety was attractive. The sights are adequate, and the rear sight is adjustable. The trigger action proved light and controllable. The finish isn’t very rugged and will suffer in long-term use, but then this is an inexpensive pistol. We did not like the takedown as much as some of the other pistols, but Glock owners will be familiar with the set up. We thought this was a Best Buy at $204 and a Grade A gun, and we preferred it over the EC9s.
Taurus G3/G3C 9mm Luger
Usually selling for ~$250–$300, modern Taurus pistols have dramatically improved in quality. The G3C is a popular budget carry gun. We tested a Taurus G3X 1-G3XSR9031 9mm Luger, $310 at the time of the test, and thought it does a good job at what it is designed to do, serve as a reliable personal-defense pistol. The Taurus G3X compares favorably against similar Glock models. The raters liked the pistol initially, and they liked it even more the more they fired it. During the accuracy test, the pistol exhibited the tightest groups of the test, including one at 1.9 inches at 15 yards with the Black Hills EXP. We would buy this pistol if we were on a tight budget, or as a backup, truck gun, or house gun. We gave it a Grade A rating and called it a Best Buy.
SCCY CPX-2 9mm Luger
Often found for ~$200–$250, this ultra-budget 9mm has a lifetime warranty and decent reliability for the price. The Gen 2 we tested cost $299 and got a B- grade. For CHL holders on a budget, the “11+1” the CPX-2 shows real potential — but it has a few kinks to sort out. But a small, lightweight package that retails for less than $300 sounds good to us.
Canik TP9SA HG3277-N 9mm Luger
Selling for ~$300–$350, this Turkish-made full-size 9mm often has an excellent trigger an is compared to guns at twice the price. The full-size gun we tested was imported by Century Arms and sold for $346. It was reliable, and the trigger action was the better of the two guns tested. We would have liked better accuracy. Eye appeal and hand fit will sway the potential customer at the counter, and at the range, our test pistol was reliable. Also, the trigger allowed good control. The slide-lock position is ideal for a combat gun, and we liked the takedown manual of arms. The decocker is questionable, but it hurts nothing. The sights are adequate. Our worry about the magazine release’s exposure resolved itself when a rater wore the pistol extensively in a Falco IWB, and it stayed put. This pistol is yet another entry in the crowded polymer-frame 9mm field, and we think it offers a lot for the money. We gave it an A- grade.
Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0 13931 9mm Luger
Tested at $300, the S&W SD9 update is a nice addition to this affordable family of striker handguns. There are things the pistol lacks, including grip inserts and slide panel inserts. However, the SD9 is reliable, useful, and accurate enough for personal defense. The SD9 2.0 is a new development of an older handgun. The slide is redesigned with a different angle in the cocking serrations. The pistol features three-dot sights, with the front sight nicely dovetailed in place, in contrast to the usual screwed-on sight so common today. The pistol features a groove down most of the length of the slide, a touch reminiscent of the Smith & Wesson 5906. The cocking serrations are well designed and offered plenty of leverage. The grip is nicely pebbled and offers a good balance of abrasion and adhesion. Overall Length, 7.2 in. Overall Height, 5.5 in. Weight Loaded, 29.6 oz. Slide Retraction Effort, 16.4 lbs. Barrel Length, 4.0 in. Magazines, (1) 16 round. We gave it a B grade.
Savage Arms Stance 67001 9mm Luger
We realize that this is a concealment pistol and, as such, its groups are acceptable for $408. We would still like to see them tighter. The B grade reflects its average accuracy. Overall Length, 6.2 in. Overall Height, 4.4 in. Maximum Width, 1.01 in. Barrel, 3.2 in. Magazines, (1) 7, (1) 8.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield 180021 9mm Luger
This was a Grade A gun that’s at the top of the price list here at $394 but was still a Best Buy. The Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm featured a happy combination of desirable design elements, including well designed and executed grip checkering, good sights, a decent trigger action, and good reliability. The double action only Shield wasn’t the most accurate handgun tested, but it was more accurate, overall, than the Glock 43, which was our baseline for performance. The manual safety is a plus in the minds of several raters. Overall Length, 6.1 in. Overall Height, 4.6 to 5.0 in. Weight Loaded, 25.5 oz. Barrel Length, 3.1 in. Magazine, (1) 7 or 6 round.
Mossberg MC2c 89031 9mm Luger
This is modern 9mm semi-auto with a 14-round magazine, which is a great compromise for most small or big hands. It is very similar in size to a Glock 48. There are many very good reasons why different firearms are shaped differently, primarily because people are as well. About the only assumption that can be made on the potential user of a new firearm is that five out of six will be right-handed. For example, one member of this group of testers has long, slim fingers. The rest of us tend to have bigger hands and shorter digits. That means that pistols of a size that work well for him don’t necessarily work for us at all. The Mossberg MC2c handgun seeks to strike a balance that most users will like. It was a B+ gun and a Best Buy at $380.
Key tips for any budget handgun purchase
- 9mm Luger is the best budget caliber. Ammo is cheap, common, and effective.
- Buy used from a reputable dealer — you can get a $500 gun for $300 if you’re patient.
- Stick to major brands — most makers have budget lines worth trusting, and their warranties will help if the firearm you pick doesn’t work well.
- Research the specific model — even good brands have occasional duds; check this site and owner forums to see what issues a firearm you’re interested in may be having.
