Top 10 Budget Handguns For Under $400 [2023 Edition]

Most people, when asked, said that budget was a factor in determining their handgun purchases. The handgun market is diverse, and many options exist for people with limited funds. Many of these handguns are great performers and have served shooting enthusiasts and new gun owners for years! Here is our 2023 Edition of Top 10 Budget Handguns for under $400. You can read the 2018 Edition of Budget Handguns here.

Taurus G3 Handgun

The Taurus G3 handgun delivers an extraordinary new take on the traditional striker-fired pistol. It packs more innovation, more features, and more punch into a range-friendly, full-size polymer frame. The Taurus G3 (1-G3B949) semi-automatic pistol is chambered in 9mm Luger with a 17+1 capacity and a 4″ barrel. This pistol features a white dot front sight with a serrated notch rear sight, a two-tone finish (matte stainless slide and black frame), front and rear slide serrations, a trigger safety, a thumb safety, and a dust cover accessory rail.

Taurus G3 9mm Luger Specifications (1-G3B949):

• Manufacturer: Taurus 
• Model: G3
• SKU: 1-G3B949
• UPC: 725327625704
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Color/Finish: Two-Tone, Matte Stainless Slide & Black Frame
• Trigger/Action: Semi-Auto
• Barrel: 4″
• Frame: Polymer
• Safety: Trigger Safety, Thumb Safety
• Sights: White Dot Front w/ Serrated Notch Rear
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.28″x1.2″x5.2″
• Weight: 24.83 oz
• Capacity: 17+1
• Other Features: Restrike Capability

Smith & Wesson SD9 VE – Budget Handgun

The Smith & Wesson SD VE features an SDT (Self Defense Trigger) for the optimal, consistent pull from the first round to the last. The polymer grip frame has a slim ergonomic, textured grip, textured finger locator, aggressive front and backstrap texturing, and Picatinny-style front rail. The stainless steel slide features front and rear serrations and is fitted with 3-dot white sights. This two-tone model has a black frame with a satin finish stainless steel slide and includes a 10-round magazine.

Smith & Wesson SD9 VE Specifications:

• Frame Finish: Black
• Case Type: Hard
• Sight Style: Contrast
• Slide Description: Stainless Steel
• Sight Configuration: 3 Dot White
• Weight Range: 16 oz to 31.99 oz
• Barrel Length Range: 4″ to 4.99″
• Length: 4″
• Frame Material: Polymer
• Grips: Black Polymer
• Material: Polymer
• Color: Black, Silver
• Finish: Satin
• Barrel Type: Stainless Steel
• Accessories: 2 Mags
• Weight: 22.40 oz
• Safety: No Manual
• Sights: Fixed Sights
• Capacity: 10Rd
• Caliber: 9MM
• Barrel Length: 4″
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Type: Striker Fired
• Size: Full Size
• Size: Full
• Model: SD9VE
• Frame/Material: Polymer
• Finish/Color: Black, Silver

ATI GSG Firefly ODG .22LR Handgun

The ATI GSG FireFly features a wear-resistant alloy frame outfitted with an integrated accessory rail. The slide has an adjustable rear sight and along with the rugged blowback system, fixed barrel and superior ergonomic grip. Features an internal locking device and slide-mounted ambidextrous safety.

ATI GSG Firefly 22LR PISTOL Specifications:

• Type: Pistol
• Action: SA/DA
• Barrel Length: 4″
• Caliber: 22 LR
• Capacity: 10+1
• Safety: Ambidextrous
• Weight: 24.6 oz
• Frame Finish: Green
• Grips: Black Polymer
• Frame Material: Zinc Alloy
• Barrel Length Range: 4.00″ to 4.99″
• Weight Range: 16.00 oz to 31.99 oz
• Sight Configuration: Adjustable Rear
• Slide Description: Green Zinc Alloy
• Sight Style: Adjustable

Mossberg MC2C – A Great Budget Handgun

Sporting double-stack magazines and a host of ergonomic and performance features, the MC2c is an excellent choice for concealed carry or home protection. Its slide features angled serrations and integrated Mossberg STS Safe Takedown System. The frame is constructed of high-tensile strength glass-reinforced polymer that feature Mossberg‘s signature aggressive grip texturing and palm swell for a confident, firm grip under various conditions. Its front rail is ideal for accessories mounting is standard.

Watch this Video to Learn More about the Mossberg MC2C Handgun!

Mossberg MC2C Specifications:

Manufacturer: Mossberg
Product Line: MC2C
Action: Semi-Automatic
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel Length: 3.9″
Overall Length: 7.1″
Capacity: 13+1
Weight: 21 oz
Finish: Stainless/Black

Mossberg MC2C Features:

After the phenomenal success of the MC1sc, Mossberg is again using its design and engineering prowess to build a feature-rich, compact handgun, the MC2c. Sporting double-stack magazines and a host of ergonomic and performance features, the MC2c is an excellent choice for concealed carry or home protection. Comes with a 13-round flush magazine and one 15-round extended double-stack magazine.

Trailblazer Lifecard – Budget Handgun for $299+

A folding, single-shot .22 caliber pistol that’s no bigger than a stack of credit cards. At .5 inches thin and weighing less than 7 ounces, LifeCard® will be the last gun you’ll leave behind.

• MANUFACTURER: Trailblazer Firearms
• FAMILY: LifeCard Handgun Series
• MODEL: LifeCard
• TYPE: Specialty Handgun
• ACTION: Single Action
• CALIBER/GAUGE: 22 LR
• FINISH: Black
• FINISH TYPE: Black
• FRAME: Aluminum Frame
• STOCK/GRIPS: Concrete Aluminum
• BARREL: 2.5″
• OVERALL LENGTH: 3.375″
• CAPACITY: 1
• WEIGHT: 7 oz.
• SHIPPING WEIGHT: 0.65 lbs.
• SAFETY FEATURES: Will Not Fire When Closed
• ADDL INFO: Storage for 3 Rounds
• ADDL INFO: Credit Card Size
• MFG MODEL NO: LC1-CON
• UPC: 850006047406

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Bersa Thunder .380 Plus: Budget Handgun

The Bersa Thunder Plus has all the great features of the Thunder series firearms and includes a 15-round magazine. Throughout history, the Thunder 380 model pistols have impressed anyone requiring concealment, accuracy, and reliability. The 380 Plus’s alloy frame provides strength and superior balance – at a reduced weight. At 20.50 oz., the 15-round Thunder 380 Plus offers plenty of extra capacity when needed. The 380 Plus features a lightweight frame, ambidextrous magazine catch, and operational safety, including a firing pin safety and an integral locking system.

Bersa Thunder .380 Plus Specification

• SKU: THUN380PM15
• Series: Thunder
• Model: Thunder 380 Plus
• Caliber: 380 ACP
• Color: Matte
• Frame Size: Sub-Compact
• Frame Material: Aluminium
• Capacity:  15+1
• Barrel Length:  3.5″
• Front Sight:  Dovetail
• Rear Sight:  Notched-Bar Dovetail
• Finishes:  Matte Black
• Grips:  Rubber
• Construction:  Alloy Frame / Steel Slide
• Safety:  Integral Locking System, Manual, Firing Pin
• Weight:  20.50 oz.
• Length:  6.6″
• Height:  4.9″
• Width:  1.35″

Bersa Thunder .380 Plus – Budget Handgun you can find on GunBroker.com

Bond Arms Roughneck Derringer 9mm: Budget Handgun

Bond Arms Roughneck Specifications:

• Frame Finish: Stainless Steel
• Stock Material: Stainless Steel
• Metal Finish: Stainless Steel
• Barrel Length Range: 2.00″ to 2.99″
• OAL: Double
• Length: 2.5″
• Frame Material: Stainless Steel
• Grips: Rubber
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Color: Silver
• Finish: Matte
• Barrel Type: Double
• Finish/Color: Stainless
• Weight: 19 oz
• Safety: Crossbolt
• Sights: Fixed Sights
• Grips/Stock: Rubber
• Capacity: 2Rd
• Caliber: 9MM
• Barrel Length: 2.5″
• Action: Derringer
• Type: Derringer
• Model: Roughneck
• Frame/Material: Steel

Canik TP9SA Mod 2 9mm – Budget Handgun

Century’s TP9SA Mod.2 comes with industry-standard dovetail sight cuts that are compatible with a large variety of aftermarket sights. It features a match-grade barrel, a top-slide mounted disassembly button, and a striker status indicator. The pistol also has an improved single-action trigger, loaded chamber indicator, and a reversible magazine release. It comes with two mags., poly holster, paddle attachment, belt attachment, interchangeable backstraps, cleaning rod, and brush.

Canik TP9SA Mod 2 Specifications

• Sights: Warren Tactical
• Slide Description: Black
• Sight Configuration: Warren Tactical
• Length: 4.46″
• Grips: Black Polymer
• Material: Polymer
• Color: Black
• Frame Finish: Black
• Safety: Loaded Chamber Indicator
• Accessories: Holster & 2 Magazines
• Capacity: 18Rd
• Caliber: 9MM
• Barrel Length: 4.46″
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Type: Striker Fired
• Model: TP9SA MOD2
• Frame/Material: Polymer
• Finish/Color: Black

Related Video: NEW: CANIK SFx Rival-S Handguns Available In Chrome & Dark Side [Video]

SAR SAR9 9MM – A Striker Fired Budget Handgun

The polymer-framed striker-fired SAR9 points naturally and is a pleasure to shoot. With three interchangeable back straps to customize the fit, a 20-degree grip angle provides superior control.

SAR SAR9 9MM Specifications:

• Weight: 27.1 oz
• Sight Style: Contrast
• Slide Description: Black
• Sight Configuration: 3-Dot
• Weight Range: 16.00 oz to 31.99 oz
• Barrel Length Range: 4.00″ to 4.99″
• Length: 4.4″
• Frame Material: Polymer
• Grips: Black Interchangeable Backstrap
• Material: Polymer
• Color: Black
• Barrel Type: Hammer-Forged
• Frame Finish: Black
• Accessories: 2 Mags
• Safety: Ambidextrous
• Sights: 3 Dot
• Capacity: 17Rd
• Caliber: 9MM
• Barrel Length: 4.4″
• Action: Semi-automatic
• Type: Striker Fired
• Size: Full Size
• Model: SAR9
• Frame/Material: Polymer
• Finish/Color: Black

Taurus TX 22 .22LR 4″ Barrel 10-Rd: Budget Handgun

From the short, smooth pull of its precision-designed Taurus Performance Trigger System (PTS) to the built-in comfort of its ergonomic grip, the Taurus TX 22 is one performance-driven full-size ready-to-race, right out of the box.

Taurus TX 22 Pistol – Black .22Lr 4″ Barrel 10Rd Specifications:

• SKU: 1TX2234110
• UPC: 7-25327-93282-6
• CALIBER: 22 LR
• CAPACITY: 10 Rounds
• FRONT SIGHT: Fixed (White Dot)
• REAR SIGHT: Adjustable (White dot)
• MAGAZINES INCLUDED: 2
• ACTION TYPE: SAO
• Non-Threaded Barrel
• Picatinny Rail
• FRAME SIZE: Full
• BARREL LENGTH: 4.16 In.
• OVERALL LENGTH: 7.13 In.
• OVERALL HEIGHT: 5.44 In.
• OVERALL WIDTH: 1.25 In.
• OVERALL WEIGHT: 17.30 Oz. (Unloaded)
• TWIST RATE: 1:16
• GROOVES: 6
• FRAME MATERIAL: Polymer
• FRAME FINISH: Black
• SLIDE MATERIAL: Aluminum
• SLIDE FINISH: Hard Anodized Black
• BARREL MATERIAL: Alloy Steel
• BARREL FINISH: Matte Black
• SAFETY: Manual Safety 

Related Video: New: Taurus Defender 605 + 856 T.O.R.O. Optics Ready Defensive Revolver [Video]

Taurus TX 22 Pistol – Black .22Lr 4″ Barrel 10Rd – A Budget Handgun You Can Find on GunBroker.com

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