The best inexpensive gun can be a reliable and effective tool for self-defense, hunting, or sport shooting without breaking the bank. Many people assume that you need to spend a fortune to get a quality firearm, but that’s simply not true. Today’s market offers a wide variety of handguns, rifles, and shotguns that are both affordable and dependable. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top options available, focusing on models that deliver excellent value for their price. We will consider factors like reliability, accuracy, ease of use, and overall build quality when evaluating these budget-friendly firearms, ensuring you have a comprehensive guide to choosing the right one for your needs.
Whether you’re a first-time gun buyer or a seasoned shooter looking to add a cost-effective piece to your collection, finding a firearm that balances quality and affordability is key. The firearms discussed in this article have been selected based on a combination of expert reviews, user feedback, and overall market reputation. The goal is to provide you with a list of options that offer the most bang for your buck, so to speak. We’ll delve into various categories, ensuring there’s something for everyone, regardless of their intended use or experience level. We will dive into reliable brands like Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Taurus and many more.
Best Inexpensive Gun
1 Maverick 88 Slug Cylinder Bore 12 Gauge Shotgun: An Affordable Workhorse
The Maverick 88 Slug Cylinder Bore 12 Gauge Shotgun stands out as a remarkably affordable option for those seeking a reliable firearm for home defense, or hunting. Built with the same design principles as the renowned Mossberg 500, the Maverick 88 offers a compelling blend of practicality and value.
This pump-action shotgun features a 24-inch smooth bore barrel with a cylinder bore choke, making it well-suited for firing rifled slugs. Adjustable rifle sights enhance accuracy, while the 5+1 magazine capacity ensures you have ample firepower on hand. The Maverick 88’s robust construction, featuring dual extractors, twin action bars, and an anti-jam elevator, contributes to its reputation for dependable operation.
Notable Features:
- Affordability: The Maverick 88 is exceptionally budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
- Reliability: Based on the proven Mossberg 500 design, the Maverick 88 offers reliable performance, even in demanding conditions.
- Cylinder Bore Barrel: Optimized for use with rifled slugs, providing effective stopping power for hunting.
- Adjustable Rifle Sights: Enhance accuracy when aiming slugs.
- 5+1 Capacity: Provides a sufficient number of rounds for most defensive and hunting scenarios.
- Durable Construction: Built with quality materials to withstand regular use.
Pros
- Unbeatable Price: One of the most affordable shotguns on the market, making it an excellent entry point for new shooters or those on a tight budget.
- Proven Reliability: Shares the dependable action of the Mossberg 500, known for its robust performance.
- Effective for Slugs: The cylinder bore barrel and rifle sights make it a viable option for using slugs.
- Simple Operation: The pump-action mechanism is straightforward and easy to learn.
- Made in the USA (mostly): While some parts may be sourced internationally, the Maverick 88 is assembled in the United States.
Cons
- Limited Versatility: The fixed cylinder bore choke restricts the use of certain types of shot and chokes, making it less versatile than shotguns with interchangeable chokes.
- Basic Features: Compared to higher-priced shotguns, the Maverick 88 lacks some refinements and features.
- Recoil: As with most 12-gauge shotguns, recoil can be significant, especially with slugs.
The Maverick 88 Slug Cylinder Bore 12 Gauge Shotgun is a solid choice for budget-conscious individuals looking for a reliable firearm. While its fixed choke limits versatility, its affordability, proven design, and effectiveness with slugs make it a worthy contender in the “”Best Inexpensive Gun”” category. The reference content found confirms that many consider it safe to shoot slugs out of this firearm. It’s a workhorse that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
2 Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm: A Budget-Friendly Option for Self-Defense
The Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol is a popular choice for those seeking an affordable and reliable handgun for self-defense. As part of our “”Best Inexpensive Gun”” review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value of this widely recognized firearm.
Notable Features:
- Striker-Fired Mechanism: Simple, reliable, and easy to maintain.
- Polymer Frame: Lightweight and durable.
- Stainless Steel Slide and Barrel: Offers increased durability and corrosion resistance.
- 16+1 Round Capacity: Provides ample ammunition capacity.
- Textured Grip: Ensures a secure hold.
- Picatinny Rail: Allows for mounting accessories.
- Reversible Magazine Release: Accommodates both left and right-handed users.
Pros
- Affordable Price: Provides excellent value for its price point.
- Reliable Performance: Consistently feeds and cycles a variety of ammunition.
- Comfortable Grip: Ergonomic design fits a wide range of hand sizes.
- Manageable Recoil: Easier to control, especially for new shooters.
- Simple Design: Easy to learn and operate.
- Stainless Steel Slide and Barrel: Adds to its durability.
- Reversible Magazine Release: Suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters.
Cons
- Heavier Trigger Pull: The SDT trigger can feel heavy for some shooters.
- No Manual Safety: May be a concern for those who prefer a manual safety.
- Basic Sights: Some users might opt for upgraded sights.
- Potential for Occasional Malfunctions: While generally reliable, some users have reported occasional malfunctions.
The Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm offers a compelling blend of affordability, reliability, and ease of use. While it may not match the features of higher-priced handguns, it consistently delivers in terms of performance and value, making it a strong contender for the best inexpensive gun in 2025, especially for those prioritizing budget and reliability in a self-defense firearm. However, potential buyers should carefully consider the heavier trigger pull and the absence of a manual safety before making a purchase.
3 KelTec SU22: A Lightweight and Versatile .22LR Rifle
The KelTec SU22 is a semi-automatic rifle chambered in .22 Long Rifle, designed with simplicity, affordability, and adaptability. Based on KelTec’s SU16 series, it offers a lightweight and compact platform perfect for various shooting activities. As stated on their website “”Chambered for the popular and economical .22lr cartridge, the SU22 series is designed for beginners, target shooting, plinking or small game hunting and accepts most AR-22 magazines.””
Notable Features:
- Lightweight Polymer Construction: Reduces weight and improves portability.
- Folding Stock: Allows for compact storage and transport.
- 16-inch Threaded Barrel: Provides sufficient accuracy and allows for the attachment of suppressors.
- Picatinny Rail: Enables the mounting of various optics.
- Adjustable Iron Sights: Provides a sighting system out of the box.
- Blowback Operation: Simple and reliable mechanism.
- AR-22 Magazine Compatibility: Uses readily available magazines.
Pros
- Exceptional Affordability: Provides outstanding value for its price.
- Lightweight and Compact: Easy to carry and transport, especially with the folding stock.
- Versatile Design: Suitable for various shooting activities, from plinking to small-game hunting.
- Folding Stock: Significantly reduces the rifle’s overall length for easy storage.
- Threaded Barrel: Allows for the addition of suppressors or other muzzle devices.
- Picatinny Rail: Enables easy mounting of optics for enhanced accuracy.
- Wide Magazine Compatibility: Accepts commonly available AR-22 magazines.
Cons
- Heavier Trigger Pull: The trigger pull weight may affect accuracy for some shooters.
- Basic Iron Sights: May not be ideal for precise shooting.
- Polymer Construction: May not be as durable as metal constructions for some users.
- Ammunition Sensitivity: Performance can vary depending on the quality of ammunition used.
The KelTec SU22 is a compelling option within the best inexpensive gun category for 2025. Its unique design, lightweight build, and affordable price point make it an excellent choice for beginners, budget-conscious shooters, or anyone seeking a portable and versatile .22LR rifle. While its trigger and basic sights might not appeal to all, its overall value and performance make it a strong contender for those prioritizing practicality and affordability.
Buying Guide for Inexpensive Guns
Choosing an inexpensive gun doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or reliability. However, it’s important to be a smart shopper and know what to look for. This buying guide will walk you through the key considerations when purchasing a budget-friendly firearm.
1. Determine Your Needs and Intended Use
Before you start browsing, think about why you need a gun and how you plan to use it. This will help you narrow down your choices and select the right type of firearm.
- Self-Defense: If you’re primarily looking for a firearm for home defense or concealed carry, a handgun or a compact shotgun might be your best bet. Consider factors like size, weight, caliber, and ease of use.
- Hunting: For hunting, you’ll need to choose a firearm appropriate for the game you intend to pursue. Rifles are commonly used for larger game, while shotguns are popular for birds and smaller animals. Caliber and action type are crucial considerations here.
- Sport Shooting: If you’re interested in target shooting or competitive shooting, you’ll want a firearm that offers accuracy and reliability. Handguns and rifles are both popular choices, depending on the specific discipline.
- Recreational Shooting: This can include plinking or general target practice. In this case, you might prefer a smaller caliber firearm for its affordability and lower recoil. A .22 LR rifle is an excellent choice for beginners due to its low cost, minimal recoil, and inexpensive ammunition.
2. Consider the Type of Firearm
Once you’ve determined your needs, you can decide on the type of firearm that best suits you.
- Handguns: Handguns are compact, easy to conceal, and suitable for self-defense and some sport shooting disciplines. They come in two main types:
- Revolvers: Known for their simplicity and reliability, revolvers typically hold 5-6 rounds and are less prone to jamming.
- Semi-Automatic Pistols: These handguns offer higher capacity magazines and faster reloading. They are popular for both self-defense and competitive shooting.
- Rifles: Rifles are known for their accuracy and range, making them ideal for hunting and long-range shooting. Common types include:
- Bolt-Action Rifles: These rifles are manually operated and highly accurate, making them popular for hunting and precision shooting.
- Semi-Automatic Rifles: These rifles automatically reload after each shot, allowing for faster follow-up shots. They are versatile and used in various applications, including hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense.
- Shotguns: Shotguns are versatile firearms that fire multiple projectiles (shot) or a single large projectile (slug). They are effective for close-range defense, hunting, and some shooting sports. Common types include:
- Pump-Action Shotguns: These shotguns are manually operated by a sliding forend and are known for their reliability and affordability.
- Semi-Automatic Shotguns: These shotguns automatically cycle the next round after each shot, offering faster follow-up shots.
3. Choose the Right Caliber
Caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet or shot fired by a firearm. Choosing the right caliber is crucial as it impacts recoil, stopping power, and ammunition cost.
- Common Handgun Calibers: 9mm, .38 Special, .40 S&W, .45 ACP. 9mm is popular for its manageable recoil, affordability, and effectiveness.
- Common Rifle Calibers: .22 LR, .223 Remington/5.56 NATO, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield. .22 LR is great for beginners and recreational shooting, while larger calibers are suitable for hunting and long-range shooting.
- Common Shotgun Gauges: 12 gauge, 20 gauge. 12 gauge is the most common and versatile, while 20 gauge offers less recoil and is suitable for smaller shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
4. Research Brands and Models
When looking for an inexpensive gun, it’s essential to research reputable brands known for producing quality firearms at affordable prices. Some brands to consider include:
- Ruger: Known for their durable and reliable firearms, Ruger offers a range of affordable handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
- Smith & Wesson: A well-respected brand with a long history, Smith & Wesson produces quality firearms, including budget-friendly options like the SD9VE.
- Taurus: Taurus offers a wide selection of affordable handguns and has improved its quality control in recent years.
- Mossberg: Known for their shotguns, Mossberg offers the Maverick 88, a budget-friendly pump-action shotgun.
- KelTec: KelTec is known for innovative and compact designs, offering affordable options like the SU22 rifle.
5. Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations
Before making a purchase, read reviews from both experts and users. Pay attention to comments about reliability, accuracy, ease of use, and any reported issues. You can also seek recommendations from experienced shooters, gun shop employees, or online forums.
6. Consider Used Firearms
Buying a used firearm can be a great way to save money, but it requires careful inspection. Ensure the gun is in good condition, check for signs of wear and tear, and, if possible, have it inspected by a qualified gunsmith.
7. Factor in Additional Costs
Remember that the purchase price of the firearm is not the only expense. You’ll also need to budget for:
- Ammunition: Costs can vary widely depending on caliber and availability.
- Accessories: This may include holsters, magazines, cleaning kits, and sights.
- Safety Equipment: Eye and ear protection are essential for shooting.
- Storage: A gun safe or lockbox is crucial for secure storage.
- Training: Consider taking a firearms safety course or getting professional instruction.
8. Handle the Firearm Before Purchasing
If possible, visit a gun store and handle the firearms you’re interested in. Check the grip, weight, balance, and overall feel. If you can, rent the firearm at a shooting range and try it out before making a final decision. Ensure you understand the manual of arms for the firearm, including how to safely load, unload, and operate it.
Conclusion
Choosing an inexpensive gun doesn’t mean compromising on quality or performance. The firearms highlighted in this article prove that it’s possible to find a reliable, accurate, and well-built option without emptying your wallet. Whether you prioritize a shotgun’s stopping power, a pistol’s concealability, or a rifle’s versatility, there’s a budget-friendly choice that meets your requirements.
For those new to gun ownership or seeking a solid all-around option, the Maverick 88 Slug Cylinder Bore 12 Gauge Shotgun is highly recommended as a starting point. Its simplicity, durability, and affordability make it an excellent choice for home defense and recreational shooting. Its ability to handle various loads adds to its versatility, making it a practical investment for any gun owner. Ultimately, the best inexpensive gun for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, by considering the options presented here, you can confidently select a firearm that offers exceptional value and performance.
