There are more choices than ever when it comes to choosing the best budget handguns for self-defense, concealed carry, or plane old shooting fun. This is further complicated by manufacturers spending millions of dollars on marketing, and influencers, to convince you their guns are the best. That is why I’ve created this list of the top 7 best budget handguns. Keep reading for all the details.
The first thing you should ask is why should you listen to me? I’m not just some internet weirdo. I happen to have a lot of practical shooting experience as well as tactical experience, both over seas with the Marine Corps, and in domestic law enforcement.
More importantly, I’m currently a USPSA Master class shooter. While this makes me quite boring to listen to at parties, I am pretty good at shooting pistols, and I’ve been shooting competitively since 2018. I say all that to point out my own perspective. It’s up to you to decide if that’s worth listening to.
Because I don’t want this article to drag out forever, I’m going to list my top 7 best budget handguns in list format below. If you scroll further down, you’ll find the specifics for each pistol, and who that particular option is best for.
Top 7 Best Budget Handguns for Self Defense
- Glock 43x MOS 9mm (best EDC carry)
- Smith and Wesson Bodyguard Revolver 38 Special (best deep CCW)
- Walther PDP 4.5in Full Sized (high quality all arounder)
- Smith and Wesson MP Shield Plus (optics ready CCW option)
- Glock 17C Gen 5 9mm (softest shooting 9mm)
- Heckler Koch CC9 Subcompact 9mm (highest quality CCW)
- CZ P10C 9mm (most affordable option)
If you’ve read any of my other firearms reviews, or lists, you know that my top consideration for any gun is reliability. It doesn’t matter if you carry for personal protection or just want to have fun at the range, an unreliable gun is no good.
With that in mind, I’ve also tried to pick pistols that are relatively affordable. As of this writing in November of 2026, these pistols are between $370 and $650. Obviously, some guns will go up and some will come down. It’s also worth noting that first responders and veterans can often get good discounts through programs like Glocks’ Blue Label Program.
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Without further ado, let’s get to the specifics of each of these affordable handguns.
7 Best Budget Handguns for Self Defense
In each section I’ll list a few of the key specs, as well as my thoughts on who the pistol is best suited for. I would recommend watching the review videos for the guns that most interest you. Please note that most of these guns have various optional configurations like colors, barrel lengths, and optics cuts. You can follow the links to see if there is another version that you prefer, as many of these will be the base model.
Lastly, these are affiliate links. I’m a partner with Palmetto State Armory. If you purchase anything from them, after clicking the links, we get a referral fee, at no cost to you. They aren’t paying me to write this, nor have any manufacturers. These are my honest thoughts. Now on to the first handgun.
Glock 43x MOS 9mm
The Glock 43x MOS 9mm is by far the best option for those who need a subcompact 9 mm pistol for concealed carry or personal defense. This pistol is tiny, and capable of holding a 15-round magazine. It’s also quite light weight, coming in at 16.4 ounces. Check out this review for more details.
As the title implies, the Glock 43x is modular optic system ready which means you can install a red dot sight if that’s your cup of tea. I would recommend the Holosun 407k. I shoot their 507 series of optics on my competition CZ Shadow 2 pistols, they’ve lasted over 50,000 rounds.
The Glock 43x also has huge aftermarket support. That means you can find holsters, parts, and anything else you need, no matter the configuration of your pistol. As of this writing, the 43x goes for around $485. This is the best deal for those that plan on carrying daily. Now on to the unicorn on this list of the best budget handguns.
Smith and Wesson Bodyguard Revolver 38 Special
The Smith and Wesson Bodyguard Revolver is a great, if unconventional option. I know many of you might not have expected me to recommend a revolver, but they are a viable option. They also have have some strong benefits for personal protection you may not be considering.
The Bodyguard is a great compact design that is best suited for someone who needs an extremely close range option that won’t snag on clothing. There is nothing better than a revolver for contact shots and deep concealment. Check out the video for full details.
Because this gun is a mix of polymer and metal, it comes in at 14.2 ounces. It is hammerless and features a unique cylinder release on the spine of the gun. Obviously this is a double action only trigger, with a 5 shot capacity.
Contrary to every overweight gun show guy everywhere, I do not recommend these small revolvers for “the little lady.” While it is simple to use, it is going to have much more recoil than a semi automatic, especially if you use plus P ammo. This is because you don’t have a big heavy stainless steel slide absorbing the recoil forces when shooting.
These small revolvers are better suited for someone with a decent amount of experience, who really needs a compact, durable gun that could be used for entangled engagements. Undercover officers, security professionals, or those that regularly spend time in crowded environments might find this a very good option.
As of this writing you can purchase it for $406, which makes it great value for your dollar. Now on to the best do it all option on this best budget handguns list.
Walther PDP 4.5in 9mm
The Walther PDP 4.5in 9mm is one of the best 9 mm handguns for home defense. It’s a full sized handgun, with one of the best factory triggers on the market. My friends over at Origin Tactical Training have shot the hell out of their PDPs in USPSA matches, as well as the Tactical Games, and they really enjoy these pistols.
I’ve also shot the PDP a bit, and I find that it has very good ergonomics, especially at this price point. It has very soft recoil, and a better trigger than anything else you’ll find on this list. It’s good enough from the factory that I don’t really think it needs any modification, even for competition shooters. It also has some aggressive slide serrations, which provide excellent grip.
I think the PDP is a great option for someone who wants a gun that can be carried for self defense, left in a bedside safe, or shot at a local match, all in the same day. It has a full sized picatinny rail and optics ready slide, right out of the box. As of this writing you can pick one up for right under $600. Now on to the next gun.
Smith and Wesson M&P Shield Plus 9mm
The Smith & Wesson MP Shield Plus is a great option for those that don’t really like the ergonomics of the Glock. If we’re honest with ourselves, most shooters have learned to deal with Glock ergonomics. They probably wouldn’t choose them if they were designing a gun from scratch.
The MP Shield is a great sub compact pistol that is also optics ready. It is a 13+1 round gun, with a 3.1 inch barrel. It’s also slightly heavier than a Glock 43x, coming in at 19.3 ounces. This should make it a little more pleasant to shoot.
If you want a reliable striker-fired gun that is optics ready, then this is your option. It is worth noting that there are no pictinny rail options on this gun. That will limit your choices if you intend to put a pistol light on it.
As of this writing you can pick it up for $508, which is a lot of bang for your buck. Now let’s get to an interesting option from Glock.
Glock 17C Gen 5 V Series
The Glock 17C Gen 5 9mm is an awesome option if you want a very high performing gun out of the box. This is a Gen 5 Glock V series pistol, that features an integrated barrel compensator. This is an awesome option for someone who wants to reduce recoil when shooting.
It is a full sized 4.5 inch barreled gun, which means you have plenty of grip to fill your hand. Moreover, you aren’t likely to find a softer shooting gun, from the factory.
This gun has some unique benefits. First, it is a good option for teaching shooters who don’t have much handgun experience, due to the reduced recoil. Secondly, it allows good shooters to run the gun harder, as the muzzle flip is reduced by about 20-30%.
Lastly it doesn’t rely on an external compensator which would require you to find special holsters, as well as an extended barrel to mount the comp on. Keep in mind this version is not optics ready, so you would have to have the slide cut if you wanted to use a red dot.
As of this writing you can pick it up for $570, which is a pretty good deal for a compensated pistol. Now on to our next option.
Heckler and Koch CC9
The Heckler Koch CC9 Subcompact 9mm is a great carry gun option from one of the most reliable manufacturers in existence. Long time readers of this website will remember my 1000 round review for the CC9. Long story short, it performed very well. You can see my thoughts below.
This is one of the best carry pistols. It’s with me every time I leave the house. I really like how thin it is, making it very comfortable to carry. It also has a modular back strap which lets you increase the grip size if you have bigger hands. Moreover, it features and ambidextrous slide stop, and other controls.
Out of the box you get a lot of great options including two magazines, with 10+1, and 12+1 capacity respectively. It also has a very small accessory rail.
I really can’t say enough good things about this pistol, even if it is more expensive than a 43x. As of this writing you can purchase it for $649. If you’re looking for a high quality option, with a very comfortable grip, then you can’t go wrong with HK. Now on to the last, most affordable option.
CZ P10c 9mm
The CZ P-10C 9mm is by far the best option for those looking for an affordable handgun. Right now you can purchase this polymer frame gun for $380, in optics ready format. This is one of the cheapest pistols you can buy that is made by a quality manufacturer.
The P10c has a 4-inch barrel, and a 15 round magazine capacity. It also features an aggressive grip texture to help you control recoil more easily. It’s has an ambidextrous slide release, and reversible mag catch, making it great for lefties as well.
The thing about the P10c is that it’s competes against the best polymer pistols and kicks their ass in most categories. It just isn’t as popular as some of the larger name brands. That means its a great deal for you.
The P10c is a very reliable gun that can be carried everyday, and used for self defense. Moreover, it’s the cheapest option on the list, and one of the best offerings. You really can’t go wrong here! Now let’s finish up this best budget handguns article.
Final Thoughts
All of these guns are quality offerings for the right use case. If you want the most comfortable CCW, and don’t mind spending a bit more, then the HK CC9 is your best option. If you want the absolute best value, do it all gun that is as reliable as a Glock, then go with the P10c.
The important thing to keep in mind is that you need to train with your pistol. Don’t get sucked into marketing hype. Your personal skill matters much more than any piece of equipment or feature. Now get out there and get training.
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