I'm an old school ex LEO. I carried many different side arms. I started out with, (and still my favorite) a S&W model 66. My personal choice is .357 magnum with Federal 125 grain semi jacketed hollow points. You put six of them into the human body and you have a corpse. But you only need one or two if you shoot straight.
I love the 226. That was my first pistol, and it's so old it says "made in W. Germany". Bigger than crap, but super reliable. I've had thousands of rounds through it.
The 686 6 inch was my first pistol in 1987. I still say I regret selling it but 25 years later I haven't replaced it. You can keep your Sigs but give the Beretta Px4 some love; especially the Langdon guns.
That's the reason I brought up a CZ clone... SAR 2000. A slightly better option is a SAR P8L, but clones are never 100% of the original. CZ has been doing right for a long time!
I don’t care what anybody thinks. I absolutely love, love, LOVE my Ruger GP-100 with 4” barrel in flat black Trustworthy reliability and hits what I shoot at It’s heavy enough (but not too heavy) to make .357 recoil a non issue, and .38 special non existent WARNING!!!!: Wear hearing protection when firing .357 magnum Unbearably loud
I am 24 and have only bought two guns so far in my life. My first was a Canik rival pretty quickly after it came out after watching your impressions as well as others. I used that for training and home defense and put about 2,500 rounds through it. I worked up the experience and confidence to feel like I could edc competently at that point. I then bought a P365 x macro back in may and have been carrying iwb appendix since June. I always really appreciate your input and even though I don’t have the budget to buy all the guns I see on your channel I love seeing them.
I love my Smith 686. Rebuilt it twice now. No joke, 3000/4000 rds of hardcast bullets and one dry patch thru the barrel and it looks like a mirror. Makes me laugh. All the rounds I've put through that good old revolver.
I daily carry a P2000SK or my P30LS and would consider a VP9 of course. Excellent handguns. Definitely a fan of Ruger handguns especially their revolvers, Redhawk and the Blackhawk.
Do you know of any good light bearing kydex holsters for the PX4 Storm? I got one used and it needs some love but I really am held back from putting parts into it because of the lack of support for holsters
@@discoversunshine I don't have personal experience with them, but you can take a look at DME Holsters. I think Craft Holsters might have some as well.
The Berretta M9 by far my favorite. Fell in love with the gun when I first saw it in movies, and love how it shoots. Still on my bucket list for guns to get, and wish the m9a4 they just released came in black. Such a shame it didn't win the military contract, but hey legends never die. Such a beautiful gun!
Dude this is one of your best "best of" lists yet because of the choices, but also because of the price range. Super stoked for the $1,000 version!! (Would also love to see you do a $1,500 version after)! Thanks once again for all your magnificent work, Chris, you truly are the best at what you do. You AND the Mrs.! Proud to be a Patreon member. You literally never disappoint!👍💪
I'd like to see under 1250. Should make it real interesting. So many amazing options. Itd probably make sense to make multiple for different uses at that point, ie home defense, ccw, and maybe range oriented?
I usually see the P226 for 899-999. I have seen used ones from sub 750, but usually they are pretty beat up. Love the P226, but if I get one then I am expecting to pony up more than 750.
These are all great choices. I have the Canik and love it, but nothing here seems a worthy replacement for my CZs. But everyone has to find that one that does it for them and then get really good with it. We are so fortunate to have so many quality choices!
When I turned 21 I bought a 92FS. Replaced all the plastic parts with wilson combat steel parts, Wilson combat mag guide and put some LTT thin grips on then did a G model conversion. Put in an OEM Steel curved checkered trigger and skeletonized hammer. Sometimes I forget how nice this gun is until I shoot something else and I go right back to it
@@thehumanityoflife the US military wanted a more modular gun and SIG provided that. Where as the 2 other main competitors Glock, and Beretta did not. Instead they just provided slightly better versions of what the military already had. Also just because the military uses it or does not use it doesn't really mean much as they will just have a set of features they want on a firearm and any manufacturer that can meet the contract requirements can put their name in the hat. Glock and Beretta can both reliably pass the military testing trials but both failed to provide a modular system that the US government wanted. Lastly, if you read and comprehend my whole comment you'll see the majority of it was explaining the things I've done to mine that really set it apart from other pistols when they are in my hand.
I know you’re a 1911 fan. I would highly recommend checking out the Springfield Armory Garrison 1911 (9mm and 45). Around $850 and amazing looking but just slightly updated without losing the classic looks.
Good call - I have a Garrison and it’s my favorite gun. So well made and beautiful. You can probably find it for $750ish in some places. I own one in .45 and shoot that more accurately than any of my 9s
My sp101 is a tack driver. With the shorter grip creating a lower bore axis, consistently putting sights on target is a breeze.
5 месяцев назад
I purchased my Ruger GP-100 in 1995. I paid $350 for it back then. I recently had some issues with the cylinder not locking correctly. I mailed it to Ruger and they replaced about four different parts in it, and made it operate better than it did when it was brand new. All at no charge. I love Ruger!
I wouldn't necessarily add it as another firearms, but if you dig the H&K VP9 but want a hammer, check the P30 line. P30L was the original Wick-Stick... And they're great guns with separate decocker and frame mount safety that allow the safety to be engaged regardless of hammer position
Dude the 686 holds a special place in my heart. I bought a 686 Power Port (6" full lug w/partridge front sight) as my 3rd handgun in '98. Back then I didn't know the porting was why the range would go quiet whenever I shot it 😂. I just thought everyone was like, "damn son, stop and watch that kid shoot that beautiful piece". In reality they were probably thinking, "someone get that jackass some 38 specials, he's blasting away with Corbons, at an indoor range 🖕". Either way it was a hell of a gun that I'm glad to see you showcasing on your channel. Revolvers don't get nearly enough love. They're not "fudds" and hopefully the resurgence of the lever gun and guntubers like you will put revolvers back into the meta
The Springfield Echelon is manufactured by HS Produkt of Croatia along with the XD and Hellcat pistol lines. Extremely high quality and reliable at very a reasonable cost.
Just bought a Ruger GP100 with a 2.5-inch barrel. I replaced the factory grips with hogue grips, and it is a pleasure to shoot. Very little recoil, even with 357 magnum, accurate right out of the box, built like a tank.
the tisas raider was like $600 when i picked it up until garandthumb said they were better than the original m45a1's now they're over $800 but thats been my favorite cheap handgun
I carried a 92f for about 20 years before being made to switch to a striker fired 40 cal. I then carried an XDM for 6 years. Both great, but I liked the Beretta better. Then some crazy outlaw who claimed to be honest, convinced me to get a CZ P-07. I now have a new favorite, I guess his claim is correct.
I’m used to not giving a shit about anything Springfield puts out, but I gave the Echelon a try due to HS Produkt’s involvement since I like the VHS/Hellion. It feels weird leaving my FN 509 at home for a Springfield, but I can’t stop shooting the damn thing.
@@hardcore4476Many of Springfield's guns - the XD series, both Hellcats, the Hellion, now the Echelon - are actually produced by a Croatian company called HS Produkt.
I live in NH ( sig territory), and run a gun shop in Northern NH. I'm factory direct as a dealer with Sig. I haven't sold a new, p226, standard model for 700 dollars in years. Used? Sure. And in great shape. Barely broken in. But New in Box? We have to buy them for over 700. The new SRT triggers they implemented a few years back jump it up a smidge, but I'm going back to 2005 for brand new P226, base model. I love your channel, man. Friggin love it. Just had to flap my gums is all.
I am an S&W fan first and foremost especially their revolvers, the 686 is sleek - but the Ruger GP100 isn't as sleek looking but the grip has the "shelf" that prevents your hand from riding up high on the grip with recoil, the shelf keeps your hand where it needs to be
@@Defender78 I also am S&W fan I do agree with you. I carried an old S&W 38 special over both the Beretta and 1911a1 because of comfort issue with the aviation survival Vest while serving on a air crew. That 38 shot like a dream and so comfortable to carry I now wish I had it. I love the S&W trigger out of the box. I do own several revolvers from S&W and Ruger and they serve so very well in their applications.
Oh yeah, I gotta agree with you on S&W revolvers. I'm a big fan of the classics, the models 60, 66, 67, 27, and 28 in center fire revolvers and all of the classic 22 lr revolvers.
I always appreciate these types of lists that look for best value but also enjoy the best in class videos regardless of cost as it is often better to save for what you really want than to settle for 2 or 3 less expensive firearms that don't speak to you. Regardless, there are some great guns here
This is an excellent video. The only gun I wish that had made this list was the Walther PDP. I also think the Echelon & Macro absolutely belong at the top of this list. They are both amazing!
@@matteos.6200 Wow that’s too expensive, my Walther was made here in United States. I carry it every day and I love it but they are charging too much money.
Yeah...the PDP Pro is awesome, and definitely deserved to be on this list. I love my PDP Pro Compact. Its nearly perfect out of the box...just needs some better sights (thought the plain 3 white dots ain't bad, with the full adjustable rear). Mine was already sighted in perfectly out of the box.
My list would be.... No particular order.. Also have experience with these pistols.. 1. Shadow Systems 920 Foundation Series ( MR , XR or DR).. 2. CZ 75 SP01 / SP01 Tactical( Slighly over 750 for new . Paif 500 for mine used ).. 3. Walther PDP 4" Full Size O.R... 4. Sig P365X MACRO TACOPS O.R... 5. FN FNX-45 ( Non Tactical Model).. 6. Sig P320 X5 LEGION ( Slightly over 750 . Paid 799 for mine).. 7. CZ P01 Omega.. 8. S&W M2.0 4.25" CORE O.R... 9. Canik SFX Rival.. 10. Glock G47 G5 MOS..
Yep, i switched out my shield plus for the xmacro & i haven't looked back since. I'm going to throw on an EPS carry once they come in & she'll be complete !
@@MnP_Ivan Very very good. I am new to the firearm community but from all the pistols I tried from the stock glocks and p320s, it is very great. Wall isn't too strong, just enough to let you know you hit it and the reset allows for quick rapid follow up shots.
I was hesitant to even get a glock because I was a hammer fired for ever I did get a glock and I like it but this blew me away I know do trust the striker fired ones now !
I was gonna go with an M9 until I saw your Girsan Regard. I must have got lucky, retail now is over $850.00. Street can be had for around $600.00. i got mine after watching your review for $425.00.
Full size VP9 is my EDC going on 3 years, had it milled by primary machine (i bought mine before optics ready version was made) I love it, will also pick up the SFP9CC or VP9CC as its more likely to be called state side.
I don’t know where you’re getting a P226 for under $750 average price for those is about 1100 but I do say for using it it is one of the best shooting pistols out there coming out of the ocean or in the desert or even in the mountains no failures great great great
@@kenrod7you had an xl and bought the xmacro taccops? You could have just bought the grip module for $70 and some mags and you would have a taccops by just changing the grip.
I have to admit that my current favorite is my cheap little Sig SP2022 . I’m around the 4,500 round mark , give or take 50 or so. Absolutely awesome and if I’m being honest I’ve only ever shot cheap ammo out of it other than when I run some of the Sig V crown hollow points and a couple of hundred rounds of silver tip hollow points , other than that I’m shooting my own hand loads of 147 grn FMJ and I can’t remember ever having a single malfunction. I love the thing
I got one in .40, idk how many rounds are through it but the blueing is coming off the barrel. Only had 1 malfunction with 180gr Federal TMJ ammo. Solid little worker for sure.
Completely under-rated pistol (by myself included until I put some rounds through it). I agree, it is one of my absolute favorite pistols, regardless of price.
*You nailed with this video presentation, Chris. Those are quality affordable handguns for middle-class working Americans. My personal favorites are the Canik SFx Rival, Sig Sauer P226, and the P365 XMacro TACOPS 3.7" Appreciated.*
@@rinardobecton I’ll be honest with you life’s been busy and I’ve only gotten to shoot the echelon one time since I got it. I enjoyed it when I did. I carry the macro though so I’m more familiar with it. Just depends what you need it for.
My First Love Was The: 6-Round, Four Inch, S&W Model; #686, 357 Magnum, In Stainless Steel With A Hogue Rubber Grip! Oh Baby, Did It Love Them Winchester Hollow Point Silver Tipped Splitters, Lol! 😎
M&P Metal is going to lose to the Canik. Not to mention that the M&P Metal seems to be a love it or hate it gun, I see some who absolutely love it, but plenty who say it's worse than the polymer version.
Beretta is trying to sell the 92fs for about 1400 usd here in Germany. I now own 4 cz Pistols, great company which isn't trying to screw us over. Even at even price I'd rather take the cz75.
Good list, but I have to ask; where are you finding brand new P226’s for Sub-$750? I’ve seen police trade-in’s and some used examples sell for that price, but brand new P226’s would be a better fit for the “Best for under $1000” or even the “Best for under $1250” category.
My very first carry handgun was a Smith & Wesson 586 .357 Magnum in nickel and four-inch barrel configuration. Really liked it but would rather have had a blued model. Was an excellent shooter. Saw several guns on your list that I liked. Always like watching your reviews. Compliments To Mrs. Outlaw too!
I was coming in to say a blued 586 with 4 inch barrel. To me, its aesthetically the best looking revolver out there. the OG Colt Pythons are probably the real #1 to me, but damn, the 586 is near perfect to me
Ive owned taurus glock sig springfield smith and wesson and a h&k but i bought a walther pps M2 a few weeks ago and evn though its inly a single stack its the best firearm inown absolutely love it
@@robwilson3749 believe me, if i saw one of these new, especially the plus, for 650 or under, id be filling out the paperwork before the guy can even get the pen out. Theyre more like in the 900-950 range here in TX.
Love your “best guns…” videos. I’ve purchased about 75% of my guns based on your reviews / recommendations! Keep those excellent videos coming Honest Outlaw!
@@teamstucker624 I think he means brand new from a local gun store. I know a lot of people (myself included) don’t really do online gun purchases due to either the hoops to jump through or in my case, state restrictions and the fear and having a third party have my money and not being able to actually obtain my gun easily or expediently.
Im looking for my next 9mm handgun and my top 3 are on this list. 1st Springfield Armory Echelon, 2nd Canik SFX Rival and 3rd Sig P365 XL. I'm really leaning toward the Echelon for around $650 or less with all the features it seems to be the best choice for me. Really love all of you content and it has really influenced my choices in my previous selections M&P Shield plus for my EDC, Taurus G3 T.O.R.O for home defense and occasional EDC and my wife chose the Taurus G3C T.O.R.O for her personal defense pistol. The Echelon would be my EDC here in Wisconsin in the winter months. All of these pistols have no failures and we are approaching 750 rounds through all of them. Thanks again for all of your great content.
Go to a gun store and handle them. Ive planned to buy guns then didnt like how they felt or shot even tho on paper the gun is the best option. Hand feel is big for handguns
Hah! So familiar! I was considering the exact same three, along with a S&W Performance Center. I went with the Echelon and am SO glad I did! I shoot this thing better than any guy I own, including my 1911 race gun.
