The Best Budget Handguns for Protecting Yourself and Your Family
As 2020 came to a close, many Americans felt fearful about the future of the country.
We saw riots and civil unrest through much of 2020 and in the first few months of 2021 as well.
It’s no wonder that gun sales began to soar last year. With Americans worrying about the breakdown and lack of respect for the rule of law, the only other option is to protect yourself.
I recommend you shop around from my choices of budget handguns. These are affordable choices that you can depend on for protecting yourself and your family:
M&P 9 Shield M2.0 9mm — Smith & Wesson
Among budget 9mm handguns, the M&P 9 Shield is my favorite. You can find it for just above $600.
It’s a great option if you’ve got a bit of experience with shooting handguns. It’s a great option for self-defense and works well for concealed carry if your state allows it.
In fact, this is the option often used by law enforcement. If you’re worried about the breakdown of the police force, you can depend on this for policing your own community.
The Shield refers to the enclosure in front of the trigger. This serves as an alternative place to keep your finger when not firing. It also prevents the risk of accidental fire.
Here are its best features:
- 3.1-inch barrel; overall length is 6.1 inches
- Fixed front and rear sights
- Lightweight pistol at approximately 1.4 lbs
- Crimson Trace Laser for accurate targeting
642 Handgun 38 Special — Smith & Wesson
If you’re looking for a pocket revolver, you’ll love this one! The 642 Handgun 38 special is one of my favorite low-budget handguns for experienced shooters. You can find this revolver in the $400-$450 range.
Revolvers are a great option if you need to depend on fast-firing and fast loading. It’s a lightweight handgun (0.94 lbs) making it a perfect option for women shooters as well.
It has a heavy trigger pull which enhances safety and prevents accidental fire.
Here are its best features:
- 1.875-inch barrel; overall length is 6.31 inches
- Alloy frame and stainless steel barrel
- Double Action Only
Remington R1 1911
I’m a big fan of 1911s and this is hands-down the best budget 1911 handgun I’ve come across.
The Colt 1911 was the standard pistol used by the U.S. military and is now a favorite among gun enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned shooter, I recommend owning the Remington R1 1911.
You can find the handgun for around $550. It’s a single-shot and semiautomatic gun.
Here are its best features:
- 5-inch barrel; 8.5-inch overall length
- Lightweight at 38.5 oz
- Holds 7 rounds in the magazine
- Adjustable front and rear sights
Ruger LCR
This is another one of my favorite revolvers which you can find between $450-$530. Ruger is one of the best sellers of handguns, and there’s no shortage of handguns on a budget in their arsenal.
The Ruger LCR is a great option for concealed carry or open-carry. The LCR has a polymer frame which is what contributes to its lightweight (13.5 oz).
It’s a 5-shot revolver with a metal barrel and cylinder. It’s a Double Action Only revolver and great for experienced shooters.
Here are its best features:
- 2-inch barrel; 6.5-inches overall length
- Comes in a variety of calibers: 38 Special, 22 Magnum, 357 Magnum, 9mm, and 22 LR
Glock 19X 9mm Pistol
Let’s return to budget 9mm handguns and move onto Glock. This has long been the preferred handgun manufacturer for the Austrian police.
I believe that every American should own at least one Glock pistol. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer, you should own the Glock 19x 9mm. You can find it for just under $600.
It’s an efficient pistol that’s durable and efficient. It’s one that you can use for continuous use should you need to protect yourself.
It’s coated with nPVD which prevents corrosion and is resistant to chemicals. The magazine comes with 17 rounds and you might get two extended magazines with your purchase.
Here are its best features:
- Accurate shooting
- Durable and reliable
- Lanyard loop for improving retention
Hi-Point C9 Yeet Cannon G1 9mm Handgun
This is the most affordable handgun on the list (under $200) and is a great choice for many beginners.
It’s a double-action 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a polymer frame and grip. It can hold 8 rounds and weighs 29 oz. If you’re new to shooting, this is a great handgun to practice with.
In the event of a home invasion, this is a great pistol to grab and ward off your intruders.
Here are its best features:
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
- Perfect for beginners
- 3.5-inch barrel; 6.75-inch overall length
- Adjustable rear sight
Beretta 92
This is another great pistol favored by the police force. You should be able to find it for around $700.
It holds up to 15 rounds and weighs 2.98 lbs. It’s a great choice for experienced shooters.
For newcomers, you might also appreciate the efficiency of this pistol. You can take it to the range to practice before you need to use it for protection.
Here are its best features:
- 4.9-inch length; 8.7-inch overall length
- Removable magazine
- Adjustable front sight
Taurus – PT-92
This is a popular 9mm handgun made of stainless steel. I recommend it for new and experienced shooters as it’s on the lighter side (2.13 lbs). You can find this handgun for around $200.
It’s a semi-automatic pistol with a short recoil. It’s a durable handgun that has a 3-position frame-mounted safety, making it easier to prevent accidental fire.
You can choose between a Single-Action or Double-Action decocking level with the pistol.
Here are its best features:
- 17 round capacity; it comes with 2 magazines
- 5-inch barrel; 8.5-inch overall length
- Fixed front sight; fixed and adjustable rear sight
- Can get used with many aftermarket accessories
Protect Yourself With These Budget Handguns
These are my recommendations for budget handguns that are perfect for protecting yourself and your family.
As I said in the introduction, I want you to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. If you’re an experienced shooter, add a few of these budget handguns to your arsenal.
If you’re a newcomer, find the right handgun to learn how to shoot. Encourage your family to learn how to shoot guns and the rules of gun safety.
If you need more help with choosing guns, don’t hesitate to shoot me a message!