Coworker is wanting to pick up a smaller/lighter handgun to carry.

Budget is $300, can maybe stretch to $350, with a hard stop there.

His current is a Stoeger Cougar in 40SW

Right now, he's eyeing the Ruger EC9S

I pushed for a P365, but out of budget, even from a retailer I'd seen mentioned where they're $430 + tfr fees.

So, any recommendations on a compact CCW in that budget.
Glock 19 & similar aren't far off in size to his Cougar, but definitely lighter. So, something slightly smaller than that would be preferable.

The Ruger EC9S certainly seems to be a better option than the other compact lightweight offerings at that sub-$300 price point (Taurus, SCCY, Diamondback, Keltec, Bersa, etc.)

Looks like he could get a S&W Shield online for $325ish, although it might end up being a bit over $350 after shipping/transfer.

Are used firearms a consideration?

Ruger LCP 380 Max, right at his budget, 10+1 rounds, fits in any pocket, lightweight, proven...

They were on sale over the holidays at $340 ish locally.
Link

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Ruger LCP 380 Max, right at his budget, 10+1 rounds, fits in any pocket, lightweight, proven...

They were on sale over the holidays at $340 ish locally.
Link

Bass Pro/Cabela's had the LCP Max on sale for New Year's for $329.99. After tax, that puts it at $357.23. It was close but over budget.

Beretta APX Centurion or Compact

Plenty of used g43’s and reg. Shields for about that much in stores right now. Or tell him to sell the gun he has now and go get whatever he wants with his 350 and that combined

Been carrying the lc9/lc9s/lc9s pro for almost 11 years. It's a nice package imo. The 7 round mags are also easy to carry. I still think it's a relevant design along with the more affordable ec9s. It's a little snappy and the Hogue Beavertail HandALL grip sleeve helps. I still prefer it over the Max-9. Hopefully you can find one with room left for a holster an a few mags.

quote:

Originally posted by SigSentry:
Been carrying the lc9/lc9s/lc9s pro for almost 11 years. It's a nice package imo. The 7 round mags are also easy to carry. I still think it's a relevant design along with the more affordable ec9s. It's a little snappy and the Hogue Beavertail HandALL grip sleeve helps. I still prefer it over the Max-9. Hopefully you can find one with room left for a holster an a few mags.

I have the LC9s Pro I caught on sale some years back for $230. Had the slide treated with Ion Bond, fiber optic sights, Galloway trigger, and Magguts +1 magazine upgrade.

Also have the LCP Max I purchased for $350,some upgrades on that too. I like both of these Rugers, I think you friend could find one of these guns in their price limits.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Right now, he's eyeing the Ruger EC9S.

He could do a lot worse. In that price range, I think it's the best option.

Any of the Ruger options in that range are reliable, no-frills guns. Better one of those than a SCCY, SD9VE, Hi-Point, etc.

https://palmettostatearmory.co...stol-blk-sar9bl.html

I've met a few people with this SAR9, and they like it.

It's basically a Turkish made Glock/HK VP9 knockoff (parts are NOT interchangeable).

That one there is $249, which is a good price for them I've seen them hovering around $300.

Here's a review of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YvGxUpL2MQ

Also I feel like I've seen Shield EZ's for around $300 as well.

The LC9 is a excellent gun except for the fact that the sights are milled into the gun …..that means no night sights. If he’s ok with that then the LC9 is excellent for the money.

Actually this applies to the EC9 not the LC9

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Stroonz,

Granted, the prices have changed in 3 years but there's still deals to be found, especially when they return it for something else because it's somewhat snappy. Just gotta get used to it.

quote:

Originally posted by SigSentry:
Granted, the prices have changed in 3 years but there's still deals to be found, especially when they return it for something else because it's somewhat snappy. Just gotta get used to it.

[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0aFOBxWk52w" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

I bought a LC9SPro last spring (impulse) and have to say the more I carry/shoot it the more I like it.
If he can find one within his buget.

I can't believe I'm recommending a Taurus but the G3C is a good buy for under $300.

Beretta APX is out there for +/- $370 and is roughly the size of a P365

Besides the Ruger, I wouldn't discount a Springfield XD subcompact either.
Near the top end of his price range, but a Glock 26 size pistol with 13+1 capacity that will take higher cap mags for reloads.

A S&W SD9VE wouldn't be a bad choice either, as long as it has the Apex Tactical Spring Kit in it.

I was thinking Taurus G2c/G3c was a decent sub$300 gun. Ruger Ec9s is fine too, but half the capacity of a G2c and I don’t really have any problems with the Taurus at their price point I think they are a good gun.

XD’s are nice too as stated above but even the defender model would have to be some crazy sale somewhere to come in under $350…

Frankly, I cannot understand what is so very wrong with your friend’s EC9s, especially if his budget is that limited. I just ran some comparisons, at the Handgun hero dot com site. The EC9s seems awfully small, as it is. Some few weapons are smaller, but, a weapon can be so small, as to be past the point of diminishing returns.

Personally, the smallest nine, that I take seriously seriously enough to keep around, anymore, is the Glock G26. The blocky rear part of the slide, and the width, of course, mean that a G26 is a larger lump, to conceal, than an EC9s, even if the G26 is technically a bit shorter, in height. So, I am not recommending a G26 to your friend.