You don’t always need a high-end pistol to get solid performance. Some budget handguns show up, do the work, and keep running way longer than you’d expect. They may not look flashy or come with the latest features, but they shoot straight, stay reliable, and earn their keep when it matters.
I’ve spent enough time running different pistols in the dirt, cold, and heat to know which ones can hang—even when the price tag says otherwise. These are the cheap handguns that actually impressed me out in the field.
Taurus G3C
This one caught me off guard. The G3C runs reliably, handles well, and didn’t choke through any of the mixed ammo I ran through it. The trigger is surprisingly usable, and the grip texture gives solid control without tearing up your hands.
It’s compact enough for carry but still gives you enough real estate to shoot comfortably. For the price, it offers features you’d expect on something much higher up the ladder—like steel sights and a respectable finish.
Canik TP9SF
The TP9SF feels like it should cost twice what it does. The trigger alone puts it ahead of most pistols in the budget category. It breaks clean, resets fast, and helps you stay accurate without much effort.
I’ve run this thing through multiple sessions without a hiccup. It handles recoil well, fits great in the hand, and the slide finish holds up surprisingly well. It’s a no-excuse range gun that’s proven itself more than once.
SCCY CPX-2
I didn’t expect much out of the CPX-2, but it held zero issues through a few hundred rounds. The long trigger pull takes some getting used to, but it’s consistent and safe for carry. It cycled everything I fed it without drama.
The grip fits better than you’d think for a small pistol, and it’s easy to keep on target with some practice. It’s not refined, but for the price, it’s a lot of gun for someone who needs basic self-defense reliability.
Ruger Security-9
The Security-9 isn’t flashy, but it works. The hammer-fired action runs smooth, and I’ve yet to see it hiccup in normal use. The sights are basic but usable, and the controls are all placed where they should be.
It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and balances well for a full-size frame. It’s the kind of pistol you can throw in a pack or glovebox without worrying if it’ll run when you need it.
KelTec P17
The P17 is fun, cheap, and way more accurate than it should be. It runs reliably with high-velocity .22LR, holds 16+1, and comes with three mags out of the box. It’s a great trainer that can also double as a lightweight utility gun.
The trigger’s crisp, the controls are easy to use, and it’s surprisingly well thought out for the price. It’s not built like a tank, but it performs better than a lot of more expensive rimfires I’ve handled.
Rock Island M200
This .38 Special revolver is one of the better values out there if you like old-school simplicity. It’s heavy and a little clunky, but it shoots straight and stays consistent through box after box of ammo.
The trigger smooths out with use, and the fixed sights stay dialed once you’ve figured your range. It’s not refined, but for a budget wheelgun, it absolutely gets the job done without complaint.
Hi-Point C9
Say what you want, but the C9 doesn’t give up. It’s ugly, heavy, and awkward to carry—but it runs. I’ve beat on one for a while now, and it keeps feeding and firing whatever I throw at it.
The trigger’s gritty, and the controls feel dated, but it still hits what you aim at. If you need a backup or a stash gun and don’t want to break the bank, it’s better than most give it credit for.
Palmetto State Armory Dagger
The Dagger takes the Glock platform and makes it affordable. I’ve had zero issues with function, and the trigger feels better than most entry-level polymer guns. It accepts Glock mags and parts, which makes upgrades easy.
The grip angle feels natural, and the finish holds up well. For a carry or range gun, it’s hard to find something that performs better at the price. It’s been one of the biggest surprises in recent years.
EAA Girsan MC28SA
This Turkish-made pistol doesn’t get much attention, but it’s built solid and performs well. It handles like an M&P clone and runs reliably with quality ammo. The trigger is workable, and the controls are easy to manage.
You get decent sights, good capacity, and reliable function out of the box. It’s a solid value for someone who wants a duty-sized pistol without spending over $400.
Bersa Thunder 380
The Thunder 380 feels like an old-school carry pistol—and it performs like one, too. The DA/SA trigger is smooth, and the controls are easy to manipulate under stress. It’s accurate, reliable, and surprisingly fun to shoot.
It’s not a high-capacity gun, but it makes up for it in balance and shootability. If you want something small that doesn’t beat you up and still gets hits on target, this one’s worth keeping around.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
