Not every good gun has to break the bank. While prices have crept up over the years, there are still a handful of reliable firearms you can grab for under $400 if you know where to look. Some are new, others are used, but all of them are known for working when you need them to—without draining your wallet.
If you’re looking for a dependable tool instead of something flashy, this list is for you.
Taurus G3
The Taurus G3 punches well above its price tag. It’s a full-size 9mm with decent capacity, solid accuracy, and surprisingly good ergonomics. You can often find it new for under $300.
While Taurus had a rough past, the G3 helped clean up their reputation. It’s not fancy, but it runs. If you’re after a budget-friendly handgun for the range or home defense, this one belongs on your shortlist.
Ruger EC9s
The EC9s is about as no-frills as it gets. It’s compact, reliable, and easy to carry. The trigger is decent, and the safety features are simple enough to figure out without digging through a manual.
You won’t find night sights or optic cuts here, but you will get a trustworthy 9mm that goes bang when you need it to. That’s more than enough for most folks.
Maverick 88
Made by Mossberg, the Maverick 88 is essentially a more affordable Model 500. It uses many of the same parts and works with the same accessories, but it costs quite a bit less.
Whether you’re guarding the house or clearing varmints off the property, the 88 cycles shells without drama. It’s a reliable workhorse for anyone who needs a 12-gauge on a budget.
S&W SD9 VE
The SD9 VE isn’t going to win any beauty contests, but it will get the job done. It’s a full-size 9mm with a decent magazine capacity and a reputation for running just fine out of the box.
The trigger’s not great, but plenty of people swap it out with Apex parts and keep on trucking. If you’re looking for a solid, affordable home defense pistol, this one checks the box.
Hi-Point C9
Yeah, people love to joke about Hi-Points—but here’s the thing: they work. The C9 is chunky, ugly, and heavy, but it’ll feed just about anything you stick in the mag and keep on chugging.
If all you need is a cheap gun that shoots straight and doesn’t fall apart, the C9 delivers. It’s not for showing off, but it’s hard to beat for under $200.
Heritage Rough Rider
The Heritage Rough Rider is a fun little .22LR revolver that’s built surprisingly well for the price. It’s great for plinking, teaching new shooters, or carrying around the property.
The safety and loading process feel a bit old-school, but the thing just works. If you want a simple rimfire revolver that doesn’t require babying, this one’s worth a look.
Rock Island M200
This .38 Special revolver flies under the radar, but it’s tough and dependable. The trigger’s a little stiff, but the cylinder locks up tight and the sights are serviceable.
You’re not going to carry it in a Gucci holster, but for range time or nightstand duty, it does the job. Rock Island keeps it simple, and that works in its favor here.
PSA Dagger
Palmetto State Armory’s Dagger is essentially a Glock 19 clone with some upgraded features—and it usually sells for under $400 brand new. It uses Glock mags and parts, too.
You get a polymer frame, striker-fired reliability, and options for optics-ready models. PSA really stepped up with this one, and for the price, it’s hard to ignore.
Kel-Tec P17
The Kel-Tec P17 is a lightweight .22LR pistol with a surprisingly smooth trigger and solid capacity. It’s a great little training pistol or backyard plinker that won’t cost you much.
It’s not the prettiest build, but it runs well and eats most types of ammo. For around $200, it’s a good addition to any collection—especially if you want something cheap to shoot.
Stoeger STR-9
The STR-9 is another solid 9mm that flies under the radar. It’s striker-fired, feels good in the hand, and comes with options like adjustable backstraps and different sight setups.
It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and that’s a good thing. It just runs. You can often snag it on sale for under $300, which makes it a solid pick in the budget handgun space.
SCCY CPX-2
SCCY’s CPX-2 isn’t perfect, but it gets the basics right. It’s a double-stack 9mm that’s easy to carry, simple to use, and priced well under $300 most days.
The trigger’s long, but once you get used to it, the gun is reliable enough for basic carry. If you’re tight on funds but still want something you can trust, it’s worth considering.
Zastava M70 (Tokarev Clone)
The Zastava M70 is a classic surplus-style pistol. They’re still out there for around $300 and bring that old-world reliability to the table.
You’re getting a rugged steel gun with military roots. It’s got some quirks, sure, but it’s built like a tank and tends to function flawlessly if maintained properly.
Rossi RS22
The Rossi RS22 is a semi-auto .22LR rifle that’s great for plinking, small game, or training new shooters. It’s accurate, light, and runs just fine with bulk ammo.
For around $150, you get a rifle that’ll last years with minimal upkeep. Add a scope and a sling, and you’ve got a weekend-ready setup without spending a fortune.
Taurus 856
The Taurus 856 is a solid six-shot .38 Special revolver that balances price and reliability pretty well. It’s not flashy, but it’s built tough enough for regular use.
This one’s ideal for someone who prefers revolvers over semis but doesn’t want to pay premium prices. It’s available in a few finish options too, if that matters to you.
Norinco SKS (Used)
If you can track one down under $400, the Norinco SKS is still a fantastic semi-auto rifle option. Built tough and easy to clean, it’s been a go-to for decades.
They’ve crept up in price, but deals are still out there if you’re patient. It runs 7.62×39 and feeds from a fixed mag, so it’s range-ready out of the gate. Rugged and reliable—just how folks like it.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
