What to Look for in an Inexpensive Pistol
You can, of course, go out and buy the first concealed carry pistol under $400 that you find. But, chances are you would regret your choice. You don't want to buy just for the price. You need to purchase a weapon that will serve your self-defense and EDC needs. Here are the features we think are most important to make sure that your affordable pistol is one you will actually want to use for years to come.
Reliability
If you ever need to use your weapon in a crisis situation, you need it to hit its target every single time, because you may only get one chance to stop a bad actor. Make sure the weapon you buy for less than $400 has a proven track recofimrd of reliability and durability.
Concealability
The reason you purchase a pistol for EDC is because you can easily conceal it under your clothes as you go about your day-to-day life. If you can, always choose a subcompact pistol that will settle invisibly under your shirt.
Caliber
The higher the caliber, the more the recoil. That is why you do not want to automatically embrace the highest-caliber weapon you can find for under $400. Instead, get the highest caliber you can while still being able to manage the recoil. Common calibers from which to choose are the 9mm, .380 ACP, and .38 Special.
Safety
The only thing worse than a weapon that won't work is a weapon that malfunctions. Protect yourself by purchasing a concealed carry pistol under $400 that includes safety features such as trigger safeties, manual safeties, or striker safeties.
Ergonomics
Even a few ounces difference or a slightly different shape can create discomfort when you carry a weapon all day, every day. Try the pistol before you purchase it to ensure that it has a comfortable grip and ease of operation.
The Leaders - 5 Low-Priced Pistols to Consider
To save you the legwork of comparing pistols yourself, we have compiled a list of the top 5 pistols that retail for under $400. These are all reliable, concealable, safe, and comfortable so you can buy with confidence.
Taurus 605 Standard
Taurus 605 Standard
Barrel: 2 in.
Overall Length: 6.2 in.
Overall Height: 4.4 in.
Width: .95 in.
Weight (Empty): 24 oz.
The Taurus 605 is a snub-nosed revolver with an exceptional trigger and hair-raising accuracy. Coming in around $400, this 5-round, .38-caliber gem possesses a self-assured, if aggressive, look with a rubber grip that feels very comfortable even in larger hands. Don't be deceived, however, this tidy little weapon can accurately hit up to 40 yards or more, with just a mild recoil. The shining feature of this weapon is its trigger, which delivers a crisp, smooth action with every pull. In fact, the trigger is this gun's secret to its incredible accuracy compared to other revolvers its size.
Bersa Thunder 9
Bersa Thunder 9
Barrel: 3.25 in.
Overall Length: 6.5 in.
Overall Height: 4.75 in.
Width: 1.45 in.
Weight (Empty): 23 oz.
The Bersa Thunder 9 is not the most well-known of concealed carry pistols, but if you want quality under the $400 mark, you cannot go wrong with the little powerhouse. Its range is about average, but its safety is exceptionally designed and completely ambidextrous. Finger grooves create a comfortable, confidence grip, and this weapon can comfortably shoot off 10,000+ rounds with complete accuracy.
SMITH & WESSON SD9/40
Smith & Wesson SD9/40
Barrel: 3.25 in.
Overall Length: 6.5 in.
Overall Height: 4.75 in.
Width: 1.45 in.
Weight (Empty): 23 oz.
The Smith & Wesson SD9/40 is the proud evolution of the failed S&W Sigma. Despite the latter's inability to sell (or perform), the SD9/40 offers the perfect shape, size and performance for beginners. Even better? It comes in under $300 while boasting reliability that will make it a sturdy sidekick for years to come. Thanks to its double-action only design, the trigger takes slightly longer to pull, but never fear - This weapon boasts accuracy and a smooth action that makes it easy to use.
Taurus GX4
Taurus GX4
Barrel: 3.06 in.
Overall Length: 6.05 in.
Overall Height: 4.4 in.
Width: 1.08 in.
Weight (Empty): 18.5 oz.
The Taurus GX4 has a lot of grip without taking a lot out of your wallet. Coming under 20 ounces, it is one of the lighter weapons on the market, making it an appealing choice if weight or manageability is a concern for your EDC journey. Even in larger hands (or smaller ones), the gun is shaped to be comfortable to hold and easy to shoot. Add in a smooth trigger, and abundant capacity (10 rounds), and you have an under $400 concealed carry weapon you can be proud of.
Ruger LCP Max .380 ACP
Ruger LCP Max .380 ACP
Barrel: 2.8 in.
Overall Length: 5.17 in.
Overall Height: 4.12 in.
Width: .81 in.
Weight (Empty): 10.6 oz.
As one of the most easily concealed carry pistols under $400, the Ruger LCP Max .380 ACP has a long history of reliability and easy handling. While too large to easily pocket carry, its light weight and compact size make it perfect for IWB carry. (And, in bigger pockets, you may even be able to hide it too). With a 10-round capacity, it outdoes many other compact pistols, and is shaped well enough to fit snugly in the hand. Ideal for medium-sized hands, this weapon offers accuracy, reliability, and style that you can easily add to your EDC routine.
Do you have any under-$400 gems to recommend? We would love to hear about them, or let us know what your experience has been with any of the pistols on this list.
Leave a comment