8 Under $400 Handguns I’d Pick Before Spending More In 2026

Published on February 27, 2026
Duration: 13:52

This guide details the essential maintenance steps for police trade-in Glock models like the 22 and 23. It emphasizes replacing common wear parts and inspecting critical components to ensure reliability. The information is presented by an experienced instructor, offering practical advice for owners of these budget-friendly firearms.

Quick Summary

Eight reliable handguns under $400 are discussed, including police trade-in Glocks, Stoeger STR-9, Beretta APX, Ruger Security-9, Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0, Canik TP9SF, and PSA Dagger. The focus is on value, reliability, and performance, suggesting these options are viable before investing in more expensive firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Reliability vs. Reputation Overview
  2. 00:17Video Intro & Call to Action
  3. 00:47Police Trade-in Glock 22/23
  4. 01:26Reasons for Glock Trade-ins
  5. 01:43Police Trade-in Maintenance
  6. 01:59Glock Conversion Notes
  7. 02:24Stoeger STR-9 Initial Thoughts
  8. 03:04Stoeger STR-9 Variations
  9. 04:03Beretta APX Overview
  10. 04:31Beretta APX Features
  11. 05:21Beretta APX Performance
  12. 05:44Ruger Security-9 Analysis
  13. 06:21Ruger Security-9 Build and Specs
  14. 07:21Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0 Review
  15. 08:00Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0 Upgrades
  16. 08:53Canik TP9SF Pistol
  17. 09:43Canik TP9SF Specifications
  18. 12:09PSA Dagger Breakdown
  19. 13:13PSA Dagger Performance Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some reliable handguns available for under $400?

The video highlights several reliable handguns under $400, including police trade-in Glock 22/23 models, the Stoeger STR-9 series, Beretta APX, Ruger Security-9, Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0, Canik TP9SF, and the PSA Dagger Compact, emphasizing their value and performance.

What maintenance is recommended for police trade-in Glock pistols?

For police trade-in Glocks like the 22 or 23, it's recommended to perform a full detail clean and replace common wear parts such as the recoil spring assembly, trigger spring, and slide lock spring. Inspecting magazine springs is also crucial for reliability.

Which handguns offer good capacity in the sub-$400 price range?

Several sub-$400 handguns offer substantial capacity. The Stoeger STR-9 has 15+1 rounds, the Beretta APX boasts 17+1, the Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0 offers 16+1, and the Canik TP9SF comes with 18+1 rounds, providing ample firepower for various applications.

Why are police trade-in Glocks often available at a lower price?

Police agencies are transitioning to 9mm duty loads, leading to a surplus of .40 S&W duty pistols like the Glock 22 and 23. This shift, combined with their extensive service history, makes these reliable firearms available on the used market at attractive prices.

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