Ever wondered if you can find a reliable handgun without breaking the bank? Many people dream of owning a firearm for sport, self-defense, or collecting, but the price tags on some models can feel out of reach. It’s tough to know where to start when you’re looking for a great gun that also respects your budget. You worry about getting something that works well and is safe, but also want to make sure you’re not overpaying.
The good news is, you don’t need a fortune to get a quality handgun. There are fantastic options available for under $500 that offer excellent performance and reliability. This post is here to cut through the confusion and show you exactly what to look for. We’ll explore some of the best choices out there, helping you understand what makes them great without costing a lot.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which handguns fit your needs and your wallet. We’ll dive into specific models and what makes them stand out, so you can feel confident in your choice. Let’s start exploring the world of affordable, dependable handguns!
Top Handguns Under $500 Recommendations
- Fits Most Gun Sizes: Our pistol holster was designed to accommodate most size firearm from a sub-compact handgun all the way up to a full-size. Fits perfectly on Glock 17, 19, 23, 38, 25, 32, 26, 27, 29, 30, 39, 28, 33,36 42, 43, 43x. It is also compatible with 1911, Sig Sauer P226&P238&P365, S&W, M&P, Ruger, Springfield, Kimber, Walther, and more 9mm, 380, 45ACP pistols,NOTICE: Gun attachments like laser sight and flashlight are not recommended to use with our holster
- Durable and Safety Material: Made of waterproof and sturdy 1000D nylon. Universal gun holster for men/women features a resistant Zn-Fe plated button TPU elastic cord, combined with special tailoring design, effectively prevents from sliding or moving
- 9mm Gun Holster for Right&Left: Our durable holster can be used on both right and left. Change the place of the clip according to your habit, The Clip uses compact but rugged steel, which can be fastened to a 2 inch wide belt
- Safe to Carry: Elastic thumb break retention belts of the holster prevent your weapon from bouncing out and draw it quickly and effectively
- Most asked: The gun holster doesn't fit my gun, how to solve it? Please don't worry, Our product is suitable for most gun sizes,By cutting the suture of the product, the product can be adapted to a larger size,For specific operation, please refer to the operation picture in the listing, Please contact us if you have any questions
- Zippered Compact Padded Case: Keeps everything neatly organized and holds all the necessary cleaning kits. Case sized: 6.5" x 3.6 ",16 Pieces handgun gun maintenance system in a high performance zippered organized pouch bag.
- Gun Cleaning Supplies Includes: .22Cal., .357Cal./.38Cal./9MM, .40Cal., and .45Cal. phosphor bronze bore brushes and brass jags, large and small bronze slotted tips, gun cleaning patches and double end brushes, nylon brush and metal gun cleaning pick(This gun cleaning kit does not include any solvent or oil, .357 and 9mm are essentially the same size. )
- Quality 10.5" Handgun Cleaning Rod: 2 Piece brass cleaning rods thread together to form a 10.5" rod
- Stainless Steel Cleaning Pick: Stainless steel picks helps to clean stubborn areas on your firearm
- Assurance: The cleaning rod, jag and slotted tips are all made of durable sturdy bronze brass, supported by a reliable assurance. Reach out through official channels for support if you encounter any issues with these components.
- PACKAGE DETAILS: 4 brass brushes needed to clean .22 to.45 cal, 4 brass tips (22 .357/9mm .38 .40 .45 Cal),2 brass jags (.22, .3), a single-ended blue nylon toothbrush, 1 double-ended white nylon brush, 2 brass rods (Φ5mm100mm), 1 double-pointed handle, a 30ml empty oil bottle, 50 non-woven cloths (7.5*7.5cm), 1 stainless steel double-ended hook, and 50 cotton swabs (7cm round double-ended) for comprehensive firearm maintenance.
- UNIVERSAL DESIGN: This gun cleaning kit is designed for handguns and pistols. Everything you need to clean common handgun caliber guns in one case. The 9mm cleaning kit is a great choice for you to make cleaning work easier.
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIAL: Solid brass CNC precision machined jags and tips. The brass material can effectively prevent secondary pollution on the cleaning material. The brush and stainless steel pick can remove deposits well, making the cleaning process quicker and more efficient.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: All components are neatly organized in a durable, compact fabric case(7.5" x 5"). Small enough to fit perfectly in your bag or pocket, this kit allows you to carry your gun cleaning essentials anywhere without the bulk.
- ACCESSORY SUPPORT: Some of the accessories are consumable, so we prepare multiple accessories in our California warehouse. If you have any problems while using the pistol cleaning kit 9mm, we'll be glad to help you.
- Targeted designs: This 9mm gun case is designed for 9mm hand gun and gun accessories. The gun cases for handguns is suitable for a variety of handgun brands, for Glock, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, Colt, and more
- Double protection: The handgun case lockable features a sliding latch and a TSA-approved combination lock, which prevents the locking gun case from being opened due to bumping and provides double security for the pistol case
- Drop resistant: The pistol case hard shell is made of highly abrasion-resistant material for durability, drop resistance and crush resistance. Whether the hard pistol case is accidentally dropped or stepped on, the inside of the gun cases remains intact
- Cushioning sponge: The hand gun case for pistols is padded with soft foam to provide excellent cushioning against external shock and impact, ensuring that pistols stored in the pistol cases are protected from damage
- Applicable scenarios: The gun carrying case measures 10.3 x 8.8 x 3 inches. The hand gun case for pistols has a compact design and can be carried by hand or in a bag, making it suitable for taking to the training ground
- Durable & High-Performance Material: Made from durable, tear-resistant polycotton fabric that is flexible yet strong. This non-elastic tape provides a secure, enhanced grip and is built for long-lasting use, resisting fraying and wear.Pack of 2 rolls, enough to meet any winding needs and replacement requirements. Black Color
- 2 Rolls Tactical Grip with Matte Finish: Designed for a superior hold, our grip tape features a matte, non-reflective finish that eliminates glare. It protects your gear's surface while providing a reliable, slip-resistant grip in all conditions.
- No Residue & Water-Resistant: Features a reliable adhesive that holds strong on various surfaces (plastic, metal, rubber, glass) but removes cleanly without leaving sticky residue. The tape is water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and wicks moisture, making it ideal for wet environments.
- Strong Hold, Clean Release: Engineered to stay locked in place during intense activity, workouts, or heavy use. It removes without fraying or leaving a messy, sticky buildup on your equipment, tools, or gear.
- All-Purpose Application: The ultimate multi-purpose tape for tactical gear (firearms, magazines), sports equipment (bats, rackets, bars, baseball, hockey stick, tennis racket, bike handlebar), and tools (hammers, shears, handrails, axes). Perfect for gym, field, shop, or home use to reinforce grips, bundle items, or wrap handles.
- Premium Quality: These high quality rubber coated gun magnets firmly hold firearms without scratching them. Install almost any gun type and model for quickdraw access. The magnetic gun mount for vehicle is a must-have for gun accessories
- Lowkey Design: The sleek and compact quick draw design of our tactical magnet provides a concealed gun magnet mount for safety and protection. Includes 4 black self-tapping screws and installation guidelines. Dimensions: 3.75"L x 1.4"W x 0.30"H
- Strong Magnets: Each car holster magnet is 35 lbs rated and coated in anti-scratch rubber. These are powerful gun holders to use under desk, in cars or trucks, and your home. They will hold most any firearm without scuffing
- Compatible With Most Brands: The ultra-strong gun magnet for vehicle is also compatible with Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Springfield, Sig Sauer, Glock, Colt, Kel Tec, Heckler & Koch, Browning, and Walther. Easy to set up in car, truck, vault, desk, table, or safe
- Compatibles With Most Guns: The gun magnets for home are suitable for storing a variety of firearms and is able to mount handguns, rifles, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, and magazines. The holder can also be installed on a wall or in a doorway
- Durable construction; Reliable snapping latches; Large, comfortable handle
- Made of rugged polypropylene with a handsome textured finish
- Thick foam padding and double padlock tabs provide the utmost in protective security-thick enough for a trigger lock when traveling
- Approved for law enforcement travel; For semi-autos and revolvers with barrels 4 inches or less
- Outside Dimensions: 10.1" x 8" x 3.2"; Inside Dimensions: 9.75" x 5.75" x 3.0"; Made in USA
Your First Handgun: Finding a Great Deal Under $500
Buying your first handgun can feel like a big step. You want something reliable and safe without breaking the bank. Luckily, there are some fantastic handguns available for under $500 that are perfect for new gun owners, target practice, or even self-defense. This guide will help you find the right one.
Key Features to Look For
1. Reliability
This is the most important thing. Your handgun needs to work every single time you pull the trigger. Look for brands known for making dependable firearms. Good brands often have fewer jams or misfires.
2. Ease of Use
As a beginner, you want a handgun that’s easy to handle. This means it should feel comfortable in your hand. The controls, like the safety switch and magazine release, should be simple to understand and operate.
3. Caliber
Caliber tells you the size of the bullet. For beginners, 9mm is a very popular choice. It’s powerful enough for defense but has less recoil (kick) than larger calibers. Other common options include .380 ACP and .22 LR. .22 LR has very little recoil, making it great for learning.
4. Sights
Sights help you aim. Simple iron sights are common and work well. Some handguns have adjustable sights, which let you fine-tune your aim. For self-defense, night sights that glow in the dark can be helpful.
Important Materials
Most handguns in this price range use good materials. You’ll often see:
- Steel: Strong and durable, steel is used for slides and barrels.
- Polymer: This is a strong plastic. Many modern handguns have polymer frames. They make the gun lighter and can absorb some recoil.
- Alloy: These are metal mixes that can offer a good balance of strength and weight.
Factors That Affect Quality
What Makes a Handgun Better?
- Reputation: Brands with a long history of making good guns usually offer better quality.
- Fit and Finish: How well the parts of the gun are put together matters. Smooth edges and tight tolerances (small gaps) mean better quality.
- Customer Reviews: Reading what other people say about a gun can tell you a lot.
What Can Reduce Quality?
- Cheap Materials: Some very low-cost guns might use lower-quality metals or plastics.
- Poor Manufacturing: Machines that aren’t maintained well can lead to rough parts or less reliable guns.
- Lack of Testing: Companies that don’t test their firearms thoroughly might miss problems before they reach customers.
User Experience and Use Cases
Handguns under $500 are great for many things.
- Target Shooting: Many people buy these for fun at the shooting range. They help you learn how to shoot accurately.
- Home Defense: A reliable handgun can offer peace of mind for protecting your home.
- Learning: For new shooters, a less expensive but still reliable gun is a smart way to start. You can practice without worrying too much about wear and tear.
When you hold a handgun, it should feel right in your hand. If it feels too big, too small, or the grip is slippery, it might not be the best choice for you. The recoil should be manageable, especially if you plan to shoot often.
Frequently Asked Questions: Handguns Under $500
Q: What is the best caliber for a beginner under $500?
A: 9mm is a very popular and good choice for beginners. It has manageable recoil and ammunition is widely available and not too expensive.
Q: Are handguns under $500 reliable?
A: Yes, many handguns under $500 are very reliable. Brands like Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Ruger offer excellent options in this price range.
Q: What are some popular handgun models under $500?
A: Some popular models include the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Glock G19 (sometimes found on sale), and the Ruger Security-9.
Q: Can I use a handgun under $500 for self-defense?
A: Absolutely. Many handguns in this price range are perfectly suitable for self-defense if they are reliable and you are well-trained.
Q: What does “recoil” mean?
A: Recoil is the backward push you feel when you fire a gun. Lower recoil makes it easier to shoot and control the handgun.
Q: Should I buy a new or used handgun?
A: Both can be good. A new handgun comes with a warranty. A used handgun might save you money, but it’s important to have it checked by a gunsmith to ensure it’s in good working order.
Q: How important is the material of the handgun?
A: Material is important for durability and weight. Polymer frames are light and strong. Steel offers great durability.
Q: Where can I legally buy a handgun?
A: You can buy handguns from licensed gun dealers. You will need to pass a background check and meet all local and federal laws.
Q: What should I do after buying a handgun?
A: Take a firearm safety course and practice regularly at a shooting range. Proper training is essential.
Q: What is “ammo”?
A: Ammo is short for ammunition. It includes the bullet, the casing, and the gunpowder that makes the bullet fire.