By the time you add up all the costs involved with responsible daily carry, taking into account safety certification, live fire training, licensing, frequent range time, ammo, a good holster and of course a reliable, appropriate firearm, the price can get steep. The costs involved can even be prohibitive for some people. With the following affordable surplus gun suggestions, I hope to provide a little relief at least for the firearm part of this equation.
Most of us already know many of the brand new, beautiful well-thought out CC pistols currently being offered by the big companies and high dollar boutique makers. Here’s 5 super cool guns currently available that do NOT cost $700 to $1500 that you might not have considered.
1. The Bulgarian Makarov
3.68 inch barrel, 8-round magazine chambered in the awesome 9×18 Makarov round which is very affordable to shoot in classic Russian steel case ammo. Designed in 1948 and is extremely reliable. Great Cold War-era looks. Available from $249-$275.
2. Beretta 85F
3.82 inch barrel, 8-round magazine in .380 ACP. The baby brother of the classic 92 with renowned Italian fit, finish and reliability. Available for $399.99
3. Radom P-64
3.3 inch barrel, 6-round magazine in 9×18 Makarov. Very thin, diminutive gun like a PPK only chambered in a slightly bigger, faster round. With a Wolff springs upgrade to make the trigger much better, this is a super cool little gun. Available from $249.
4. Star B.M. 9mm
4 inch barrel, 8-round magazine in 9mm. This well made Spanish 1911 is a great choice and a heck of a bargain at $229.00
5. Radom P-83
3.5 inch barrel, 8 round magazine in 9×18 Makarov. The replacement for the P-64 is slightly bigger with 8-round capacity instead of 6. Better ergonomics and a rubber grip make this a fantastic, utilitarian gun for only $219.00.
None of these choices are flawless. They are all steel so a little heavier than modern polymer guns and all have their own particular eccentricities just like any gun. With practice and familiarity I would have no issue with carrying any of these cool old pistols. You definitely have affordable options if you’re willing to do the foot work.
