The Best Handguns Under $500

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Five hundred dollars buys a much better handgun than it did even a decade ago. That price range used to mean obvious compromises in trigger quality, sights, capacity, finish, or long-term durability. Now you can find optics-ready carry guns, full-size duty pistols, high-capacity micro-compacts, metal-framed DA/SA pistols, revolvers, and even respectable 1911s without crossing the $500 mark.

The important thing is separating genuine value from guns that are merely cheap. A pistol can cost $299 and still be a poor purchase if the trigger is miserable, magazines are difficult to find, or reliability is inconsistent. The best guns below give you something more: a proven design, strong shootability, useful features, or enough savings to leave money for ammunition and a holster. These 20 are the handguns I would look at first when the budget stops at $500.

CZ P-10 C Optics Ready

The P-10 C has become one of the easiest answers in the budget handgun market because current street prices can be dramatically lower than what the pistol originally commanded. That puts a proven compact 9mm with a 15-round magazine, excellent ergonomics, metal sights, aggressive grip texture, and a genuinely good striker-fired trigger into the same price territory as much more basic pistols. Current budget-handgun testing has placed examples around the $400 mark or lower, which makes the value difficult to ignore.

The biggest reason I like the P-10 C is that it does not feel like a pistol designed around a low price. The grip locks into the hand, the trigger has a clean enough break for fast shooting, and the gun is large enough to control without becoming difficult to conceal. Add an optics-ready version and you have a pistol that could realistically serve as a carry gun, home-defense pistol, and primary range handgun for years without immediately needing upgrades.

Ruger RXM

The RXM is one of the strongest arguments for spending around $400 instead of automatically stretching the budget toward a Glock. Ruger teamed up with Magpul on a modular 9mm platform with a removable fire-control insert, optics-ready slide, replaceable grip modules, and a 15-round capacity in a compact package. Current 2026 comparisons have placed the RXM around the low-$400 range, comfortably inside this budget.

What makes the RXM appealing is that Ruger did not simply build another inexpensive striker pistol and call it finished. The modularity gives the gun room to grow, while the grip and controls feel familiar enough that anyone coming from a Glock-style platform will understand it quickly. It is still relatively new compared with long-established duty guns, but as a value proposition it is hard to overlook. You are getting modern features without paying premium modular-pistol money.

Canik METE SFT

The METE SFT is one of the most complete full-size pistols you can buy before hitting $500. You get an 18-round capacity, optics-ready slide, useful grip texture, replaceable backstraps, and one of the better factory striker-fired triggers in the price range. Current 2026 pricing places the METE SFT around the mid-$400s, which keeps it comfortably inside the limit.

This is especially good for someone who values shootability over concealment. The longer grip gives you plenty of control, the trigger makes accurate shooting easier than it is with many budget pistols, and the gun settles quickly during faster strings. Canik also tends to include more useful equipment in the box than many competitors. If you want a full-size range, home-defense, or general-purpose 9mm and do not care about shaving every ounce for concealed carry, the METE SFT gives you an awful lot for the money.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield Plus

The Shield Plus remains one of the strongest concealed-carry buys under $500 because it combines a proven basic platform with modern capacity. The standard pistol gives you 10- and 13-round magazine options in a slim package that remains easy to conceal. Current 2026 pricing commonly lands below the $500 ceiling, with some listings considerably lower depending on configuration.

The real strength of the Shield Plus is how mature the design feels. Holsters are everywhere, magazines are easy to find, and the gun has been around long enough that you are not gambling on an unknown platform. It is also more comfortable to shoot than its slim dimensions might suggest. The grip fills the hand better than many tiny carry pistols, and the trigger is a major improvement over early Shields. If I wanted an affordable concealed-carry pistol with very few ownership surprises, the Shield Plus would be near the top.

Glock 43X MOS

The Glock 43X MOS deserves a spot even though it sits close to the upper edge of the budget. Current 2026 street pricing can put the MOS version around the high-$400s, which gets you a slim Glock with a factory optics cut, accessory rail, and the enormous holster and aftermarket support that comes with the Glock name.

The factory 10-round capacity is not class-leading anymore, but capacity is only one part of the equation. The 43X gives you a full-length grip that is easier to control than many micro-compacts while remaining thin enough to conceal comfortably. It is also extremely straightforward to maintain, and virtually every serious holster company supports it. There are cheaper pistols with more rounds in the magazine, but very few under $500 have this much long-term parts, accessory, and service support.

Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP

The Hellcat helped establish the modern high-capacity micro-compact formula, and current street pricing has made it much more attractive than it was when the platform first arrived. Depending on configuration and dealer pricing, standard OSP models can fall under the $500 ceiling while still giving you an optics-ready slide and excellent capacity for the size.

The Hellcat is not the softest-shooting pistol here. Its small dimensions and relatively lively recoil impulse demand good grip technique. What you get in exchange is a pistol that disappears under light clothing while still holding significantly more ammunition than the old single-stack carry guns it replaced. Springfield also has a mature accessory ecosystem around the platform now. If concealment is the priority and you want something smaller than a Shield Plus or 43X, the Hellcat remains one of the more complete options in the price range.

Taurus GX4 Carry

The GX4 Carry takes the basic GX4 concept and stretches it into a more shootable format. The longer grip and higher-capacity magazine make it easier to control than the smallest GX4 while retaining a relatively slim profile for concealed carry. Taurus has kept pricing aggressive enough that it typically sits comfortably below the $500 mark.

That matters because the Carry is not trying to win solely by being cheap. The grip texture is useful, the trigger is better than Taurus pistols from years ago, and the overall dimensions make sense for someone who wants a carry gun they can actually enjoy shooting. The longer grip obviously prints more than the smallest micro-compacts, but it also gives you more leverage and makes reloads easier. If you prioritize shootability but still want a slim carry pistol, the GX4 Carry offers a lot of gun for the money.

Canik METE MC9

The METE MC9 puts Canik’s strongest feature—the trigger—into a genuinely compact carry pistol. Current 2026 pricing has the pistol around the low-$400 range, and it typically includes 12- and 15-round magazines, an optics-ready slide, interchangeable backstraps, and more accessories than many competitors provide at the same price.

The MC9 is slightly heavier and thicker than some tiny 9mms, but that can actually help when you start shooting it. The gun fills the hand better, the trigger is crisp for a defensive striker-fired pistol, and the larger magazine creates enough grip length for more confident control. Canik has also built enough market presence that this no longer feels like buying an obscure budget import. For someone who wants a compact pistol with a surprisingly refined trigger without spending $600, the MC9 deserves serious consideration.

Beretta APX A1 Full Size

The APX A1 Full Size is one of those pistols that becomes increasingly attractive as the street price falls. You get a full-size 9mm with a 17-round capacity, optics-ready slide, aggressive serrations, modular grip components, and Beretta’s experience building service pistols. Current budget comparisons have found the APX A1 in the upper-$300 range.

That is remarkable value if you care more about shooting than concealment. The full-size frame gives you excellent control, and the pistol has enough weight to remain settled during rapid strings. The trigger is not as impressive as the Canik’s, but it is entirely serviceable and predictable. The biggest downside is that the APX family does not have the enormous aftermarket of Glock or M&P. If you are content leaving the gun mostly stock, though, you are getting a lot of service-pistol capability for remarkably little money.

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0

The Bodyguard 2.0 completely changed what people should expect from a tiny .380. Instead of feeling like a miniature last-resort pistol, it has a surprisingly usable grip, good sights, modern capacity, and handling that feels more like a scaled-down fighting handgun. Current pricing around the mid-$400s keeps it inside the budget.

Its real strength is concealability without becoming miserable to shoot. At less than ten ounces unloaded, the pistol is extremely easy to carry, yet the grip shape and low bore relationship make it more manageable than you would expect from something so small. Ten- and 12-round magazine options also give it considerably more capability than old pocket .380s. If your priority is deep concealment rather than range performance, the Bodyguard 2.0 is one of the most impressive handguns you can buy under $500.

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Ruger Security-380

The Security-380 is built around a simple idea that deserves more attention: make a defensive pistol easier to operate and easier to shoot. The Lite Rack system reduces the effort required to manipulate the slide, while the .380 ACP chambering keeps recoil mild enough for shooters who struggle with small 9mm pistols.

It is larger than a true pocket .380, and that is exactly why it works so well. The larger grip gives you more control, the longer slide provides useful sight radius, and the gun is much more pleasant during extended practice. Capacity is also respectable for the size. The Security-380 makes a strong case for shooters with limited hand strength, older shooters, or anyone who simply prefers a softer-shooting defensive handgun. Under $500, there are few pistols that fill this particular role as effectively.

Bersa TPR9

The TPR9 is one of the most overlooked handguns in the affordable market. Instead of giving you another polymer striker-fired design, Bersa offers a traditional DA/SA pistol with a metal frame, 17-round magazine, decocker controls, and a full-size grip. Current budget testing has found the TPR9 around the mid-$300 range.

That makes it an interesting choice for shooters who appreciate hammer-fired pistols but do not want to spend Beretta or SIG money. The first double-action pull requires practice, but the following single-action shots are much lighter and easier to run quickly. The metal frame also adds enough weight to keep recoil extremely manageable. It does not have the aftermarket support of a Glock or CZ, but as a complete out-of-the-box pistol it delivers a lot of old-school service-gun character for surprisingly little money.

Tisas 1911 A1 Government

The fact that you can still buy a serviceable full-size .45 ACP 1911 for less than $500 is impressive by itself. Tisas has built a reputation around delivering forged-frame 1911s at prices that would have sounded unrealistic not long ago. Current budget comparisons commonly place basic Government models in the low-$400 range.

This is not a Wilson Combat, and buyers should not expect hand-fitted custom-gun refinement. What you do get is the classic steel-frame 1911 experience: a thin grip, single-action trigger, soft recoil impulse, and one of the most established handgun ecosystems ever created. It is a great entry point for someone who wants to learn the platform without spending four figures. For pure shooting enjoyment, very few sub-$500 handguns offer this much mechanical personality.

Rock Island Armory M1911-A1 FS

Rock Island has been selling affordable 1911s for years, and the basic full-size .45 remains one of the safest ways to get into the platform without spending a fortune. The guns are straightforward, heavy, and generally built around conventional 1911 architecture, which means magazines, holsters, and replacement parts are easy to source.

The finish and machining are not going to impress someone used to premium 1911s, but that is not why this pistol exists. It gives you a working Government-size .45 that you can shoot, learn, and modify later if you choose. The steel frame soaks up recoil, and even a basic 1911 trigger can feel excellent compared with many inexpensive striker-fired guns. If you care more about the shooting experience than cosmetics, the Rock Island still earns its place under $500.

Springfield Armory XD Mod.3

The XD Mod.3 is one of Springfield’s more aggressive value plays. Instead of trying to compete directly with premium pistols, Springfield took the proven XD foundation and repackaged it at a price that puts it squarely against budget 9mms.

The platform gives you a full grip, useful capacity, familiar grip safety, and a design with years of real-world history behind it. It is not as fashionable as the Echelon, and that is partly why it can be bought so cheaply. For someone who simply wants a dependable full-size or compact defensive pistol without caring about internet popularity, that can be an advantage. You are buying a mature design after the development costs have already been absorbed rather than paying extra for the newest thing on the shelf.

PSA Dagger Compact

The Dagger Compact is one of the hardest pistols to ignore if pure value is the priority. Palmetto State Armory built it around familiar Glock-pattern dimensions and magazine compatibility, then sold it at a price that often lands hundreds of dollars below the handgun that inspired the basic layout. Current budget comparisons have shown complete Dagger Compact pistols around the $300 range.

That leaves a lot of money in the budget for ammunition, magazines, a holster, or an optic. The trigger is not exceptional, and quality perception is not the same as a premium duty pistol, but the Dagger’s ecosystem is enormous because so many Glock-compatible components exist. For a range gun, backup pistol, or inexpensive entry into striker-fired handguns, it offers remarkable capability per dollar. Few pistols make the $500 ceiling feel this generous.

Ruger LCP MAX

The LCP MAX remains one of the better choices for people who truly mean pocket carry when they say concealed carry. It is tiny, lightweight, and significantly more capable than the original LCP thanks to a 10-round standard magazine and available extended magazines. Current pricing remains comfortably below $500.

There is a tradeoff. Tiny .380s are harder to shoot well than larger guns, and the short grip and light weight make recoil feel sharper than the caliber suggests. That does not ruin the LCP MAX because its job is not to win range competitions. Its job is to be small enough that you actually carry it when a larger pistol would stay at home. As a deep-concealment tool, it remains difficult to beat without spending much more money.

Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0

The SD9 2.0 represents one of the most practical ways to get a mainstream American 9mm without spending anywhere near $500. Smith & Wesson improved the trigger and ergonomics over the earlier SD-series pistols while keeping the price firmly in budget territory.

The gun is basic, but that can be a strength. There is no complicated modular chassis, no premium trigger system, and no expensive collection of factory extras. You get a straightforward striker-fired 9mm with useful capacity and the backing of a major manufacturer. That makes it particularly appealing as a first handgun or inexpensive home-defense pistol. If you have money left over after buying it, I would rather see that cash go toward ammunition and practice than cosmetic upgrades.

Taurus 856 TORO

The 856 TORO is proof that the under-$500 category does not have to be dominated by polymer 9mms. Taurus took its six-shot .38 Special revolver and added an optics-ready system, giving shooters a compact defensive revolver that can accept a red dot without expensive custom work.

That may sound strange until you consider how difficult small revolvers can be to shoot accurately with tiny iron sights. A dot makes precise aiming much easier, especially for shooters whose eyesight no longer works well with short sight radiuses. The six-round cylinder also gives the 856 one more round than many traditional compact revolvers. It is not the smallest or lightest carry gun here, but as an affordable modernized revolver, it brings something genuinely different to this list.

CZ P-09 C Nocturne

The P-09 C Nocturne gives buyers something increasingly rare below $500: a modern compact DA/SA pistol with an optics-ready slide. Instead of another striker system, you get a hammer-fired action with a traditional first-shot double-action pull and lighter single-action follow-up shots.

That makes the pistol particularly appealing to shooters who prefer the added control and feedback of a hammer-fired system. The polymer frame keeps weight reasonable, while the compact dimensions make concealed carry realistic without shrinking the grip into micro-compact territory. It also gives you CZ’s familiar ergonomics and enough capacity for serious defensive use. There are cheaper pistols here and some with larger aftermarket ecosystems, but if you specifically want a modern hammer-fired compact without spending premium money, the P-09 C Nocturne stands out.