Looking for a great value when shopping for something is nothing new. We’ve been clipping coupons for decades to save a few bucks where we can and in 2025, things aren’t getting any cheaper. Material costs are soaring, freight charges are out of this world, and the everyday consumer like you and I absorb most of it via our wallets. Finding a new handgun at a great price isn’t a revolutionary idea, but some folks are better at it than others. The Colt’s, HK’s, Cabot’s and other high-end guns will always be around, but not every buyer is looking to drop thousands on a pistol. Some folks just want a gun that shoots well at a reasonable price.
When you go to work in the yard, you don’t wear your best Jordan’s or an Armani suit. You find some old clothes you don’t care to get dirty and get to work. The same applies with handguns. A friend of mine once told me “I carry this pistol most every day. I do have a Sunday go-to-meeting pistol for special occasions though…” This is exactly what I mean. Buying a lower priced handgun means you don’t have to be quite so careful with it. You have the freedom to throw it in a bag or glove box of a side by side without the fear of scratching the finish or destroying a pistol that cost more than your first car. At the farm, I always have a pistol on my hip, and I didn’t pay more than $400 for it.
When I look for a great value, I’m not just looking for a low price. I want a great price on a handgun that is reliable, runs ammo that I can find at any store, and doesn’t look like a brick with a trigger. No matter how good the price is, if it won’t go BANG, then it’s not a great value. Other factors to consider are features that you might only see on higher priced guns. If you are looking to add a red dot, make sure it will accept it out of the box and doesn’t need any additional gunsmithing. While customizing a pistol is fun, it can be costly.
Shopping for anything I need usually starts with a Google search, like “5 Best Valued Handguns for 2025.” With technology today, it’s a good idea to surf the web and see what’s available. Once I do my research and find I believe to be the perfect handgun, I hit up my favorite online retailers to see what they are offering. Sometimes the price is great, but shipping is high. Other times the shipping is free, and the cost is MSRP, so you must be sure the final price is what you want when you are ready to checkout.
Don’t sleep on your local gun shop! I’m fortunate to live just a few minutes from Bud’s Gun Shop in Lexington, KY. Bud’s is a very well-known online dealer, but for those of us fortunate to live close to darken their doorstep, their deals are also in person. Be sure to drive over to your local shop and support them whenever you can. It doesn’t always work out in your favor, and you must decide what’s best, but I have spent a little more to support the shops in my area.
Palmetto State Armory Dagger 9mm: PSA has been well known for their reasonable prices on items other folks are charging an arm and a leg for. The Dagger is no different. Utilizing Glock-style trigger groups, barrels, magazines, and slides makes the Dagger very desirable and easy to customize. PSA offers it in different sizes, colors, and cuts so there is sure to be one that fits your needs, and if you already have a Glock with mags laying around, you’ll be ahead of the game. SHOP NOW>
Military Armament Company (MAC) DS9 Double Stack 1911: The DS1911 has been making a huge surge in the last couple years thanks to companies like Staccato and Masterpiece Arms. The comfort and style of a 1911 in a double stack 9mm is hard to beat. MAC has also made a triumphant resurgence, and this pistol is one of the reasons. When others are offering these guns at $3,000+, MAC has found a way to satisfy the need without breaking the bank. The MSRP on these is $999.99, but they are available weekly for much less. I personally own the 4.25” model and am using it for 3 gun or any other pistol competitions I find. It is truly a great value that runs EVERYTHING! I’ve even been using the aluminum cased Blazer 9mm just to see what happens and so far, it just goes BANG. SHOP NOW>
RUGER LC9: Ruger has a great reputation for making quality firearms at a reasonable price. The LC9 is no different and provides a great little carry pistol for a great price. Even at MSRP, these guns are just over $400, and I have found them to be very reliable. I carried one for a few years and still do occasionally. The incredibly compact size makes it a great summer carry option with shorts. There aren’t as many frills as you find on other carry pistols, but it does its job well. The magazine holds 7 rounds single stacked making the grip very narrow and comfortable for anyone. My wife enjoys shooting these as well, so much so that she has her own now. No, it’s not pink. SHOP NOW>
TAURUS G3: The Taurus G3 is their flagship model of EDC pistols. Listing 32 models in the category, Taurus has configured these in about every shape imaginable. From a standard iron sight pistol all the way up to their Tactical models, the G3 lineup is a great value. The standard G3 is available all over for under $300. Offered in several calibers, the G3 also boasts an ergonomic grip, accessory rail, and loaded chamber indicator, features not found on many guns priced much higher. SHOP NOW>
SMITH & WESSON SHIELD: The final pistol on this list is the Smith and Wesson Shield. The Shield has been around for several years now and made a significant mark on the EDC world. Best known for their revolvers historically, S&W put the same care and craftsmanship into the Shield. Incorporating features from their M&P lineup of pistols such as rear cocking serrations, two mags included, and the M&P takedown system that doesn’t require a trigger pull to disassemble the pistol, the Shield will feel second nature to M&P owners. The aftermarket has taken a strong liking to the Shield with hundreds of accessories including sights, mag bases, compensators, and more coming out every day. This is one to consider! SHOP NOW>
There are many great handguns out there and this list doesn’t begin to cover them all. The best way to figure out which one is for you is to find a local range with rentals or a friend who has one and get some rounds through it! Reliability, functionality, and compatibility are huge when buying a handgun, but price can be the deciding factor so take a minute to do your research and buy the one that fits you best!
-Nick Collier
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