Top Five Guns Under $200

I get it, times are tough. We’ve got inflation running rampant and making ends meet has never been harder. But if you’re like me, you still have that itch to look for a new firearm. Or maybe you’re new to guns and want to get started without breaking the bank. After all, in this time of uncertainty it’s never a bad idea. That’s why I wanted to put together a quick list of my top five firearms under $200. Let’s take a look.

S&W Shield 1.0

I won’t try to hide the fact that I’m an unashamed Smith and Wesson fanboy and part of that comes from my love of the S&W Shield. They’re ergonomic, comfortable, reliable, and are esthetically pleasing to look at. With the newer Shield 2.0 and Shield Plus models in production, many are selling their Shield 1.0 pistols for the upgraded versions. This in turn makes for some great deals on the secondary market.

Maverick 88

Is that a shotgun in your pants or are you just happy to see me? Ok, a pump action 12 gauge might not be ideal for CCW, but they’re the starting point for most people when it comes to home defense. Enter the Maverick 88. Consider it Mossberg’s budget option of the venerable 500, so much so that most parts are interchangeable between the two (not including the fire control group and forearm assembly). The 500 has seen military use with both the US Army and Marines, lending a significant amount of reliability and confidence to its cheaper cousin. Sure, there are shotguns out there with more features, but for under $200 you’ll find the Maverick 88 is a great starting point. 

Ruger LCP380

The Ruger LCP 380 stacks up essentially as a lighter version of the Shield. The Lightweight Compact Pistol (LCP), like the Shield 1.0, has been eclipsed by newer models from Ruger, making deals on the secondary market fairly common. Sure, the 380 ACP is an anemic round, but it may be perfect for smaller statured individuals. And to naysayers of the 380, I’ll simply say it’s better to have a 380 when you need it than nothing at all. As a reliable and affordable entry-level pistol, it may be right for you. 

SD9VE

Back to Smith and Wesson again with what is essentially a paired down M&P, the SD9VE. What you get is a full-size 9mm or 40cal pistol with comfortable ergos and the reliability S&W is known for. The trigger is honestly not great and the grips aren’t interchangeable, but to make it in the sub-$200 category sacrifices had to be made. Similar to the other pistols mentioned, as gun owners look to upgrade the SD9VE has become available on the secondary market. As a high quality, value based full-size pistol, the SD9VE is hard to beat. 

Milsurps

Last but not least (though probably most unbelievable), we have military surplus firearms. I personally love the historical aspect of these guns. But they are also useful in being able to successfully take most of the large game native to the continental US. Back in 2011, I was fortunate enough to pick up three M91/30 Mosin Nagant rifles for $85 apiece. While those prices on Mosin’s are long gone, it isn’t necessarily impossible to find milsurps on the market today for under $200. While not ideal, this M91/24 Carcano is a decent example. Going further, I occasionally like to make a day of it and hit up my local gun stores in search of a deal. Pick a rifle with dust on it and strike up a conversation with one of the salesmen, you might be surprised at the outcome.

One of the benefits of lower cost firearms is that you have more money left over (ideally) for ammunition and training. And though the barrier to entry may be reduced, the responsibility inherent with gun ownership is still extremely high. Particularly if you’re going to be carrying a firearm for duty or personal defense, you owe it to yourself and those around you to be proficient with it. Get training, and shoot responsibly. 

Full Disclosure: I have no affiliation with any of the manufacturers mentioned in this article.