There are many guns are available these days, but only a few of them that are the best and budget-friendly. If you are a first-time buyer and looking for the best, compact and durable guns that are priced under 250 USD, here are some of the best options.
Taurus 709 SLIM
Price: $209
This sleek and compact gun is designed for easy concealed carry. It has cool design without any noticeable lumps, which makes it easy to carry discreetly than other larger guns. It’s reliable and built to be trusted companion for a long time to come.
Ruger LCP
Price: $214
This is Ruger’s first super-light, compact pistol that weighs only 9.4 oz, which is made for police backup and civilian concealed carry. It has a durable nylon frame, a small two-finger grip, and a strong steel slide. It is similar to the Kel-Tec P-3AT. It includes a Glock-style extractor and an external slide stop.
P64
Price: $200
This compact gun was designed in 1950s by the Polish military to replace Tokarev as the primary sidearm. It can hold 6 rounds of 9mm Makarov in the magazine. It uses a blowback action, that is known for its reliability and has a traditional double action trigger mechanism.
The North American Arms Mini Revolvers
Price: $200
These are the most popular mini-revolvers ever made. Both 1 & 1/8″ and 1 & 5/8″ barrel options are available. One of the standout features is the Holster Grip, which makes it easy to carry and use. They are ideal choice for concealed carry, defense and recreational shooting.
DoubleTap Firearms
Price: $200
DoubleTap Firearms has designed the world’s smallest and lightest .45 ACP pistol designed specifically for concealed carry. It can hold 2 extra rounds in the grip with a speed loader for fast reloading. It has aluminum frame with a MIL-STD finish that prevent corrosion and 17-4 PH stainless steel barrels have an M16-style push-pin which helps in easy barrel change. An optional ported barrel is also available which helps reduce muzzle flip and recoil. Since it is small, slim and has hammerless design, it is easy to carry in pocket. It has ambidextrous thumb latch for quick and easy ejection of spent rounds.
Hi-Point Model C-9
Price: $160
This is a polymer-framed, semi-automatic pistol that uses blowback action. It is designed to use 9×19mm Parabellum ammunition and built to handle +P ammunition.
SCCY Firearms CPX 2
Price $195
This firearm has a double action trigger that’s designed for both accuracy and comfort for shooter, which in turn offers a smooth consistent 9-pound pull that feels effortless.
Rock Island Armory M200
Price: $204
This gun comes with a 4-inch semi-shrouded barrel, which enhances accuracy and makes it easier to handle. It also has a fixed front sight and a smooth channel frame-cut rear sight that contribute to its durability and well-suited for constant holster use. Chambered in .38 Special, it can be fired in either single or double action.
Cobra FS380
Price: $130
This versatile semiautomatic compact pistol is affordable and has a sleek and lightweight design. It weighs 33 ounces and uses .380 ACP ammo. It has synthetic grips and fixed sights. Be it personal protection or concealed carry or target shooting, this gun is easy to carry and fun to shoot.
M88A
Price: $200
This is upgraded version of the M88 mode and is a compact 9mm TT-style pistol that comes with an external safety and a hammer-forged barrel and slide. It has polymer grip covers and a magazine base for easier magazine removal. It comes with two 8-round magazines and a cleaning brush.
Chiappa M9-22
Price: $190
This is a replica of the U.S. military’s sidearm. It is chambered in .22 rimfire and comes in two versions- The standard model with fixed sight and adjustable rare sight, and the Tactical model with Novak-style fiber optic sights. While the Standard model has either black plastic or wooden grips, the tactical model has black plastic grips.
Kel-Tec P-11
Price: $240
Chambered in 9mm Luger, this is a compact, semi-automatic, short-recoil operated pistol, making it a reliable and ideal choice for concealed carry. Its lightweight design and durable construction make it easy to use and affordable. It comes with 3.1-inch barrel and holds a 10-round magazine. It has a double-action trigger system.
Kel-Tec P-32
Price: $220.
This sub-compact semi-automatic pistol is chambered in .32 ACP and operates on a short-recoil system. It is made for concealed carry for both civilians and law enforcement officers as a backup gun. All the edges are rounded and smooth, with no parts protruding from the gun to get stuck on clothing.
Century Zastava M88
Price: $350
This semi-automatic pistol has a Browning-style slide, which can hold eight rounds in a spring-loaded magazine. Designed in 1987, it was used by Serbian and Yugoslavian military and police forces at the end of the Cold War, before being replaced by CZ 99 pistols. It comes in two version- one with no external safety and another which has an external safety on the slide. Chambered in 9mm, it is comes in .40 S&W as well.
Walther Creed 9mm
Price: $249.99
This is a budget-friendly version of Walther’s higher-end PPQ model. Just as PPQ, this gun also has same size frame and shape, but does not have interchangeable backstraps. The slide and trigger are very similar as well. It includes a snag-free bobbed hammer.
Smith & Wesson 9mm Shield
Price: $249
Many users find the grip of this pistol comfortable than a Glock. Also, the customer support is good. This striker-fired pistol has a polymer frame and a 3.125″ barrel. It comes with a thumb safety, and comes with two magazines.
Ruger EC9 9mm
Price: $209.99
This striker-fired pistol comes with a 3.12″ barrel and uses a single-stack magazine. Its overall length is 6.0″ and weighs 1.07 lbs, which makes it a slim firearm ideal for easy concealment. It is easy to shoot and has a wide range of accessories.
Taurus G2c 9mm
Price: $184.99
This compact and affordable pistol holds a 12-round magazine, which is quite impressive for its size. It has a manual safety on the left side, making it easier to control than some compact pistols like Glock. It has lower recoil compared to other 9mm pistols of similar size.
Taurus GX4
Price: $220
This compact, striker-fired gun with a double-stack magazine, holds 11+1 rounds of 9mm. Its steel alloy slide and stainless steel frame enhance the gun’s durability and reliability. Despite being an affordable option, it offers good accuracy and users reported no malfunction even after firing several hundred rounds.
Taurus Millennium G2
Price: $215.99
This compact and affordable 9mm gun comes with a 3.2-inch barrel. It has a polymer frame with a steel slide for enhanced durability. It has several safety features like manual thumb safety, the Taurus Security System (TSS) and an internal firing pin block.
Diamondback DB9
Price: $180
Chambered in 9mm, this compact pistol handles 380 ACP rounds and holds 6+1 rounds. It measures 5.26 inches long and when empty, it weighs 8.8 ounces. It comes with a 2.8-inch barrel, black frame and a stainless steel slide.
ATI GSG Firefly
Price: $190
This 22LR features wear-resistant alloy frame with an accessory rail. It has a fixed barrel, an comfortable grip. Also, the slide comes with adjustable sights. The gun uses a blowback system and it has an internal lock and an ambidextrous safety on the slide.
Bersa Thunder .380
Price: $244
Chambered in .380 ACP, this gun features a double/single action trigger system. It is compact semi-automatic pistol, which has similar design as that of the Walther PPK. It is a concealed carry gun because of its small size and rounded trigger guard, and is also easy to maintain.
