Purchase

Question
Hi there, I currently have a 12 Gauge shotgun that I use for home defense. I am in the market for something semi automatic that is reliable, powerful, and has fairly cheap ammunition. I have a 500 dollar budget, could you think of anything that fits these specifications? Thank you very much

Answer
James,

I am assuming since you already have a shotgun that is used for home defense, you are looking for a handgun.  If that is what you are looking for, I'd suggest that you consider a Glock 19, 3rd Generation.  You can find these guns in new or gently used condition for between $450 and $525 depending on where you live.  You can also find ammo and accessories virtually anywhere.

Don't fall for the gun forum gurus telling you that a 9mm is not adequate for self defense.  A 9mm +P cartridge in a quality defensive caliber like Hornady Critical Defense or Winchester SXT is extremely effective according to several police officer friends who have seen what they can do.  

Target ammo is available at places like Walmart for $12 for a box of 50 cartridges....which is about as cheap as you are going to find.  You can by case lots for around $200.

The other reason I like the Glock is because of its utter reliability.  You can do anything to it including not clean it for 1000s of rounds and it will still shoot.  It is also simple to operate and maintain...

Check one out and if it fits your hand, you won't go wrong what that choice.

Best regards,

Doug