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

This video provides an in-depth review of the Stoeger STR-9 pistol, highlighting its underrated status. The presenter, demonstrating expert firearm handling, praises its excellent ergonomics, reliable function, solid construction, and good value for money. The review also touches on community feedback, reinforcing the pistol's positive reception.

This YouTube video announces a significant, impending change to the widely popular Glock pistol, suggesting it's the 'end of the Glock pistol as we know it.' The description emphasizes the Glock's global popularity as one of the most purchased handguns. The creator also includes calls to action for channel support, promoting Patreon, prison ministry, and various recommended products and their own merchandise.

The Stoeger STR-9 Combat SX is presented as a budget-friendly 9mm pistol suitable for EDC, home defense, and self-defense. Despite being tested in extreme -11 degree weather, the firearm demonstrated reliability during live fire. Key features include an optics-ready slide, adjustable fiber optic sights, a flat-face trigger, and a Cerakote finish.

The Smith & Wesson SD9 2.0 offers significant improvements over its predecessor, particularly with a much-improved flat-faced trigger and enhanced grip texture. It demonstrates excellent accuracy and reliability during range testing with various ammunition types, performing well straight out of the box. While a budget-friendly option comparable to the Taurus G3 and Stoeger STR-9, a minor magazine rattle when the slide is locked back is noted.

This video compares the Glock 27 Gen 5 and Glock 23 Gen 5 in .40 S&W to determine which exhibits less muzzle flip during rapid fire. The Glock 27, with its shorter barrel and slide, is hypothesized to have more felt recoil but potentially less muzzle flip than the Glock 23. Live fire demonstrations at an outdoor range are used to visually assess this difference.

This review highlights the Nomad Defense Glock 27X as a top budget EDC option. The firearm features a Nomad Defense aftermarket frame paired with a Glock 27 slide and an aftermarket barrel, chambered in .40 S&W. Live fire demonstrates good performance, with the reviewer expressing a strong preference for this setup over a Glock 23.

This review highlights five top 9mm pistols for 2024, focusing on their features and suitability for personal defense and competition. The Walther PDP Match 5-Inch offers a full-sized option with a 5-inch barrel and 18-round capacity. The Shadow Systems XR920 provides a premium Glock-style clone with a compact slide and duty grip. Sig Sauer's P365 XMacro leads in capacity for its size with 17+1 rounds. The Beretta 92X Performance is a competition-ready evolution of the classic 92, featuring an all-steel frame. Finally, the Staccato 2011 C2 offers a high-performance, carry-focused 2011 platform known for accuracy.

This video reviews five handguns that offer compelling alternatives to Glock pistols, focusing on areas where they may excel. The CZ Shadow 2 Compact, Taurus GX4XL TORO, Springfield Echelon, FN 509 CC Edge, and Sig P365 XMacro Comp are presented with their unique features, including improved ergonomics, trigger systems, modularity, and optic-ready slides. Each firearm is compared against Glock models in terms of performance, capacity, and price point.

This video reviews five pistols renowned for their accuracy: the CZ Shadow 2, Walther PPQ Q5 Match, Glock 34, Springfield Armory DS Prodigy, and Sig P210 Carry. It highlights features like match-grade barrels, precise triggers, and ergonomic designs that contribute to superior shooting performance, catering to competitive shooters and those seeking reliable self-defense options.

This video delves into the often-overlooked aspects of .22 LR rifles, revealing surprising truths about their performance. It highlights that optimal barrel length is 16-18 inches, with longer barrels offering diminishing returns. The discussion also covers how barrel twist rate impacts different bullet weights and velocities, the inherent rimfire ignition inconsistencies, and the sensitivity of semi-automatic .22s to ammunition types. Finally, it addresses the significant bullet drop and wind drift issues beyond 100 yards.