Concealed Carry on a Budget.

[jonesey0930]

I am new to the concealed carry world and looking for a cheap but dependable firearm. I am on a budget for about $200-$300. I was thinking of going with the Taurus TCP or the Keltec P3AT just because or the size and it being easy to conceal. Does anybody else have any suggestions of something I could carry on a budget?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[buckeye .45]

A Bersa Thunder .380
High Noon Bare Asset Holster
The best belt you can afford.

The Bersa isn't hard to conceal, especially with a good belt. But the longer grip and heavier weight make it much more comfortable to shoot than the TCP of P3AT

[Haystacker]

I have owned a P3AT. Great size for pocket carry. Only knock against the 380 is the price of the ammo. If you like the kel techs, check out the PF9. A little too big for my pocket but really hides nice in a belt holster. 9mm ammo is a better price than 380. More ammo should equal more practice. Best luck to you.

[SIXTO]

I agree with the above posts 100%. If you have a little mechanical ability and a tinkerers heart, I also like KelTecs P11 and PF9.

[shooterready]

You'll be getting replies with a common theme around here. Don't buy something cheap just to have it, save up the money and get a good, solid firearm that will last for years.

[Richard58]

Look for a used J frame smith that would also be a good decision.

[Armydad]

I carry a PF 9 almost every day. It is not a range gun by any means (snappy) but for its intended purpose it is perfect.

[buckeye .45]

Other options in your range:

CZ 82
Walther PK380 can be found for a bit over $300
Keep an eye out for Police Trade in pistols, 3rd Gen S&W Autos can be found for around $300

Keep in mind that you also need a holster, belt (if you are going to carry on your waist), ammo, extra magazines if you carry a semi-auto. Its a better idea to save up and get something you actually like, than settle and have to buy twice.

[ericb327]

Ruger SR9

[Rollo]

Kel tec PF9 would be my first choice. A bit more ballistic muscle than than a .380 (plus cheaper to shot).

[ericb327]

Kel Tec hurt my hands to shoot.

[lowercase]

1.) Bulgarian Makarov

2.) Used J-Frame Smith and Wesson

3.) CZ-82

* I WISH my first gun and CCW carry piece had been a Makarov. Would have saved me lots of headaches with POS guns. Cheap to buy, accurate as hell, cheap ammo, ridiculously reliable and simple.

[retsupt99]

Of ALL the things in life that you can cut corners on, I would not go for the 'cheapest' of the ONE tool that might just have to save your life.
Wait a little longer and save for something dependable...
As for the KelTec P-3AT...I have had the first gen for 8-9 years now and I still like the little guy. It wouldn't be a bad way to start. (Not a fun gun for the range.)

[Bigdawgderek]

I understand the budget issue, as with the above posters, Kel Tec pf9 is the way to go imo. I have one and would (do) trust my life with it.

[C hawk Glock]

Do yourself a favor and save just a little more dough and get a S&W M&P Shield or a Glock 26. Do the world a favor and don't buy the bull.....