How Much Should You Spend On A Handgun?

Published on June 3, 2026
Duration: 19:39

This video from Honest Outlaw provides a comprehensive guide on how much to spend on a handgun, considering various factors like intended use, brand reputation, quality of parts, manufacturing, and materials. The speaker emphasizes that cost is subjective and depends on individual needs, but generally recommends avoiding extremely cheap firearms due to potential reliability and durability issues. For concealed carry, a $400-$600 price range is suggested for reliable options, while home defense handguns might warrant a $500-$700 investment. Competition and specialized firearms can range significantly higher, with diminishing returns often seen beyond a certain price point.

Quick Summary

For a reliable concealed carry handgun, budget between $400 and $600 to ensure quality, durability, and a good warranty from reputable manufacturers. For home defense, $500-$700 is recommended for accurate and dependable options. Always factor in costs for ammunition and essential accessories like weapon lights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Handgun Spending Factors
  2. 00:32What Makes Guns Cost More?
  3. 00:50Brand Recognition & Quality Parts
  4. 01:01Manufacturing Quality & Materials
  5. 01:18Coatings & Durability
  6. 01:29Perils of Cheap Guns
  7. 01:51Budgeting for Beginners vs. Experienced
  8. 01:55Determining Handgun Use Case
  9. 02:49Concealed Carry Handgun Budgets
  10. 02:50CZ P10S: Affordable Option
  11. 03:08Recommended $400-$600 CCW Handguns
  12. 03:25P365, Shield Plus, Glock 26/43X
  13. 03:47Standard M&P Compact for Carry/Home Defense
  14. 04:36.380 ACP Concealed Carry Options
  15. 04:51Premium CCW Handguns ($600+)
  16. 05:11Higher Performance Options (PDP Pro)
  17. 05:34Home Defense Handgun Budgets
  18. 05:51Recommended Home Defense Handguns ($500-$700)
  19. 06:40Diminishing Returns Over $700
  20. 07:20High-End Home Defense (2011s)
  21. 07:39Revolver Budgets & Recommendations
  22. 08:10Ruger & Smith & Wesson Revolvers
  23. 08:56Competition Handgun Budgets
  24. 09:17Common Competition Handguns
  25. 09:28CZ Shadow 2 for Competition
  26. 09:55Budgeting for Ammo & Accessories
  27. 10:29Weapon Lights & Red Dots
  28. 10:51Conclusion: Finding Your Budget

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors determine the cost of a handgun?

The cost of a handgun is influenced by brand recognition, the quality of internal and external parts, manufacturing precision, the type of materials used (like polymer vs. steel frames), and the presence of specialized features or coatings. Higher quality components and manufacturing processes generally lead to a higher price point.

What is a recommended budget for a reliable concealed carry handgun?

For a reliable concealed carry handgun, it's generally recommended to budget between $400 and $600. This price range typically ensures you get a firearm from a reputable manufacturer with good quality control, durability, and a solid warranty, such as models like the Sig Sauer P365 or Smith & Wesson Shield Plus.

Are very cheap handguns worth buying?

No, very cheap handguns, especially those under $300, are generally not recommended. They often suffer from poor long-term durability, unreliable performance, and may experience malfunctions frequently, making them unsuitable for self-defense or serious use.

What is a good price range for a home defense handgun?

For a home defense handgun, a budget of $500 to $700 is often a sweet spot. This range allows for reliable, accurate, and durable firearms like the Glock 17, Walther PDP, or Smith & Wesson M&P full-size, which are well-suited for home defense scenarios.

Should I budget for ammunition and accessories when buying a handgun?

Yes, it's crucial to budget for ammunition and accessories. Plan for at least a couple hundred rounds of ammunition to practice with your new firearm. Additionally, consider essential accessories like a weapon light (around $100-$300) and potentially a red dot sight ($300-$600) for home defense or competition use.

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