Entering the world of firearms can be overwhelming. With countless options catering to various applications, one of the most daunting factors is price.
Firearms can get expensive, fast. This presents a challenge for new enthusiasts trying to find a reliable gun without breaking the bank. But what if we told you that you don’t need to spend a lot to get a quality firearm?
Within the firearms market, there exist products that cater to all budgets without compromising on quality. Follow along as we cover some of the different inexpensive firearms for your arsenal.
Understanding the Market for Low-Cost Guns
Many factors can influence the price of firearms, including the materials used in their construction, manufacturing processes, added technologies, and the brand name. Rifles, shotguns, and pistols can all range from budget friendly options to premium ones that can cost upwards of $2,000+.
However, there are many options that strike a balance between affordability and quality. Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to know what to look for before picking one.
How to Differentiate between Cheap and Quality Firearms
You don’t need to spend a fortune for a good firearm. That said, not every affordable firearm is created equally. Generally, it’s best to look for brands that have a consistent track record of performance and reliability.
Customer reviews are an excellent resource to use, as they give you an idea others feel about the product after they’ve had some experience with it. You’ll want to check for notes about the firearm’s durability, performance, and whether there were any issues with either. While reviews are a good resource to use, it’s best to take this information with a grain of salt, as the accuracy of their information can vary.
In addition to reviews, manufacturer websites are another solid resource, as they’ll have some of the most up-to-date information regarding the specifics of the firearm you’re looking at. On their site, you can make sure that your firearm is constructed out of durable components and has the features you want. Likewise, blog pages like ours will also provide you with a lot of insights into products before you pull the trigger on one. Lastly, if you’re planning on buying online, it’s crucial to make sure you properly inspect your new firearm before transfer.
Affordable AR-15 Options
By far, the most common rifle available today is the AR-15, and like we said, these rifles can vary drastically in price. While premium options can easily cost upwards of $2,000+, there are still some solid choices that cost as little as $500:
Andro Corp Industries: If you’re unfamiliar with them, Andro Corp Industries (ACI) is an excellent producer of budget-friendly AR-15s. Despite being a relatively new manufacturer, they’ve garnered a substantial following.
Their Bravo series rifles are a solid choice for any enthusiast looking for a high-quality, yet budget-friendly rifle. Standard models come outfitted with free-floating M-LOK handguards, mil-spec carbine furniture, and mil-spec trigger groups. Enhanced variants, such as the Bravo Mod1 share many of the same features but are outfitted with MFT furniture and come standard with upgraded muzzle brakes.
Depending on which model you look at, ACI rifles can vary in price, ranging from $700 to upwards of $1,000+, but you can rest assured knowing you’re getting a solid rifle for the price.
Anderson Manufacturing: Anderson Manufacturing is another manufacturer that’s well-known for producing AR-15s that fit all budgets. They’ve been producing quality options for quite some time, and their newer rifles exemplify this standard.
One of the more popular rifles in their lineup is their Utility Pro Rifle. These rifles are great for multiple applications. Each one comes with a free-floating M-LOK handguard that has an upper picatinny section at the front for front iron sights. Coming with mil-spec furniture, they’re a great beginner rifle option, serving as a blank slate that can be accessorized to fit your preferences.
Depending on which rifle you’re looking at, these rifles can range in price. Typically, they’re priced around $500 to $700, making them some of the most budget-friendly AR-15s available.
Radical Firearms: Another manufacturer of affordable AR-15s is Radical Firearms. Much like other manufacturers in this list, they produce a plethora of rifle models that come kitted out with various components.
Their lineup includes multiple rifles that can come equipped with either B5 Systems or MFT (Mission First Tactical) furniture. In addition to upgraded furniture, their rifles can also come with a free-floating handguard, which improves accuracy. Regardless of which you go with, both are solid options with plenty of space for accessories.
These rifles tend to be some of the more affordable options available, commonly found around $500 to $800+.
Smith & Wesson: One of the most well-known manufacturers in the firearms industry, Smith & Wesson produces a multitude of firearms. Out of their lineup, their AR-15s are among their more popular options, with the M&P15 being their main offering.
The M&P15 Sport III is a 5.56 AR-15 that’s a solid pick. This rifle comes standard with a collapsible mil-spec carbine stock as well as a mil-spec grip, and unlike the previous Sport II iteration, each model features a free-floating M-LOK handguard with a continuous upper picatinny rail. Just like S&W’s other products, these ARs are constructed from high-quality parts and they’re backed by their lifetime service guarantee.
Out of all the affordable models mentioned, these ARs don’t have the widest variety and they’re the most expensive, retailing for $800. Regardless, they’re a high-quality option that’s perfect for multiple applications.
Which Should You Go With?
The makes and models mentioned above are only a brief glimpse into the world of AR-15s, and it’s impossible to declare one as the best choice. At the end of the day, there are a lot of high-quality options to choose from.
If you’re on the fence about what to do, our guide on affordable AR-15 rifles under $700 has a lot of great insights.
Affordable Shotgun Options
Shotguns are known for being some of the most versatile long-guns around, being used for multiple applications like hunting, home-defense, and even duty/competitions. Being one of the most popular options around, there are a lot of affordable and reliable shotguns available.
Mossberg: Mossberg is by far one of the most popular shotgun manufacturers around. They produce an assortment of different shotgun options, and each one caters to different applications.
As far as affordable pump-action home defense shotguns are concerned, The Mossberg Maverick is one of the best options available. The Maverick is currently the most inexpensive shotgun family offered by Mossberg. It’s available in multiple configurations to better fit different scenarios, with some of the most notable models being the Maverick 88 Security 12, a great possibility for home defense, and the Maverick 88 Field, which is better suited for hunting. These shotguns range anywhere from $200 to $300 depending on the model you look at.
If you’re looking for a step up in quality/durability, the Mossberg 500 and 590 are where it’s at. These are arguably two of the most popular shotgun options around. Like the Maverick 88, the Mossberg 500 and 590 are available in multiple configurations. The core difference between the 500 and 590 is their construction. While the Mossberg 500 is a solid pick, the 590 features a more robust construction, making it more durable. Either way, both shotguns are still quite affordable, with the 500 and 590 costing around $400 to $650, and $400 to $900, respectively.
Remington: One of the most well-known shotgun manufacturers around, Remington has been a highly regarded manufacturer of firearms for over 200 years. And as far as shotguns go, the Remington 870 is considered by many to be an ideal choice for multiple applications.
The Remington 870 is similar in design to the Mossberg 500 and 590, however, instead of using an aluminum receiver, the 870 is constructed from steel. Regardless, these shotguns are renowned for their practicality and affordability. Depending on your purpose, the Remington 870 is available in home-defense configurations like the 870 Tactical, to hunting styles like the 870 Upland.
No matter which one you end up going with, you can rest assured knowing that you’re getting a high-quality shotgun for a fair price. Generally, these shotguns can range anywhere from $430 to upwards of $1,000. Just keep in mind that the price will vary depending on the shotgun, and the accessories it may come with.
Affordable Pistol Options
Handguns are an incredibly versatile tool, commonly used for personal protection, duty, competition, and recreation. For the most part, many handgun manufacturers effectively blend performance and affordability, making them some of the best handguns for beginners.
GLOCK: GLOCK is one of the most popular pistol manufacturers in the industry. They have a large lineup of handguns, with models like the GLOCK 19, 17, and 19x/45 being among the most notable.
The GLOCK 19 is a common concealed carry handgun with a compact 4.02-inch barrel and 15-round capacity. In contrast, the GLOCK 17 is a step up in size coming with a 4.5-inch barrel and 17-round capacity. For looking for the capacity of the 17 paired with the shorter barrel of the 19, the GLOCK 19x/45 is the move. This pistol features the same frame size and magazine capacity as the GLOCK 17, while using the GLOCK 19’s slide and barrel.
Although these are some of their more popular pistols available, GLOCK offers many pistols that come in multiple sizes and calibers. Depending on the model you look at, GLOCK pistols can run anywhere from $400 to over $1,000+ for optic-included models, but there are ways to get their costs down.
Through their Blue Label Program, you can buy pistols at a discounted price, however this only applies to Military and Law Enforcement Officers, as well as members of other branches of service, but their site goes more in-depth on individual eligibility. If you’re a member of the GLOCK Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF), you can receive similar discounts. As a member, you’d be eligible to purchase one pistol a year at a discounted price. Like the Blue Label program, you can find more info on the GSSF site.
Walther: Developing high-quality handguns for over century, Walther is always an excellent manufacturer to go with. With many pistols to their name, it’s hard to declare one as the best, however, the PDP is certainly a suitable place to start.
A striker fired pistol, it’s available in multiple sizes, including both a full-size and compact version, and they come standard with optic ready slides and performance triggers. Although they most commonly feature a polymer frame, they can come with a steel frame, however the steel frame variants are considerably more expensive. The PDP can have either a 15- or 17-round capacity, making them a suitable choice for recreational or defensive applications.
Usually, these pistols vary in price, hovering around $600, assuming you opt for the polymer frame model. Keep in mind that like every firearm mentioned so far, the price can vary depending on what it comes with.
Ruger: Few manufacturers are as notable as Ruger. They’ve been developing solid pistols and rifles for almost 100 years, and today, they continue to develop a multitude of great pistol choices, many of which are budget friendly.
Easily one the most notable models they offer is the Ruger Security 9. It’s a polymer frame, striker-fire pistol that was designed for everyday carry and personal defense. It’s available in either a compact or sub-compact size, which have a 10- and 15-round capacity, respectively. In addition to the Security 9, the Ruger American 9mm is a solid pick as well. The American 9mm is quite like the Security 9, however it’s a bit more premium and available in more sizes. Currently, it’s offered in either a 9mm, or .45ACP, which come with a 7-, 10-, 15-, or 17-round capacity.
Both pistols are great for a myriad of different applications, but even better, they’re relatively budget friendly too. The Security 9 ranges anywhere from as little as $300 to as much as $500+, while the American 9mm can range anywhere $400 to $700.
Canik: If you aren’t already familiar with them, Canik is a handgun manufacturer based in Turkey. Their pistols have become immensely popular, as they effectively blend reliability with low cost.
Their lineup consists of multiple affordable pistol models, but by far, the most sought after are the METE and TP9 series. The METE is available in a few distinct configurations such as the MC9, SF, SFT, and SFX, with the MC9 being the most compact and SFX being the largest. Each model comes standard with an optic ready slide, enhanced trigger, and can come with either a 12-, 15-, 18-, or 20-round capacity.
Canik’s TP9 pistol series is largely like the METE. It’s available in the same sizes and offers similar round capacities. Of the two, the METE features a more updated design, but both pistols are an excellent choice to go with. Cost-wise, the METE can range anywhere from $400 to $700, while the TP9 can cost $400 to around $800.
Conclusion
No matter whether you’re looking for a new rifle, shotgun, or pistol, there are plenty of manufacturers offering reliable firearms that cater to a diverse assortment of needs. So, although it can be daunting to shop on a budget, it’s more than possible to find a quality option that doesn’t break the bank.
Before you make any final decisions, it’s important to be certain that the choice you’re looking at is the best one for you. The list above is only a small look at what’s available, so it’s crucial to check out each option before picking one. At the end of the day, if you’ve found one that’s from a reputable brand with, has positive reviews, and fits your budget, it’s most likely the one.
If you’re wanting to stretch your budget a little further, check out our guide on AR-15 brands in the $2,000 and under range. It’ll give you an idea of what a higher budget can get you, plus, it goes over some key considerations before building or buying.
