The "Cheap" Pistols

When you read the title, in all probability, an image like the one above pops into your head. If that's the case, you'd be partially correct if you think that's the topic of this post. That's because, in the last couple of weeks, I've been operating on this side of the "tracks" of the gun world.... kinda of.....  We'll start here.

A few months ago, I read an article about what would happen in the case of a perfectly legal shooting. One of the points that was made, is that in all likelihood, the gun used would be confiscated for evidence and that there would be a strong possibility that you'd never see it again. And therefore, you should look at carrying and/or using an inexpensive firearm that you'd be OK to give up. After giving it some though, I decided to look into what is available out there in the sub (or around) $200 category. I started with the Taurus, because, I had previously owned one when I first looked into conceal carry. At that time, I ended up with the PT-111 G2 because it fit virtually all the criteria (on paper) of a candidate for something to carry around regularly, and it was inexpensive. Actually, it came about as a result of a trade for a Smith & Wesson SD9 VE that I had picked up for about $150. I played with it and really didn't like the trigger much and ended up flipping it as part of getting a Kel-tec Sub2000 because I really wanted a pistol caliber carbine. The whole situation turned out well and I still have and fully intend on keeping that carbine for a very long time. Anyway, back to my story. In the end, I didn't hate it, but just wanted something else more at that time. Subsequently, my every (not school) day carry ended up being a Walther PPS/M1 which I love!

So, what happened? Well..... due to the article, I decided to look into having another 9mm that would fulfill the role of the sacrificial gun, and whether there was anything cheap out there that was worth having. And once again, the trail led me back to Taurus. But by now, they had revamped the old PT111 G2 into the new G2C. Pretty much it's exactly the same as the old gun but they removed the slide-mounted gun lock. Fine by me! Supposedly, the trigger's been improved, but not that I can tell! The capper was that I was able to snag one for about $150. I figured; at that price, I couldn't pass it up. Case closed!

.....and then this happened......

....but that's an AR.... isn't it? Well yes, yes it is.... an AR pistol upper that is. 

You might remember that I had built an AR, but then I bought another Aero Precision lower which got built as a "pistol" lower, meaning that it has never been registered as a rifle, so it can be legally built into anything. I found a KAK buffer tube, and Shockwave Blade for a good price and started building my pistol out. Along the way, I caught one of the many Palmetto State Armory (PSA) sales on a Nickel Boron coating trigger group, and threw that in there as well. I feels great. I'm hard-pressed to tell the difference between it and the pricier ALG one in my carbine. 

I found a Bushnell TRS-25 locally for $50 and it even co-witnesses with some fold-down backup irons which were another $20 or so. The other random lower parts are just leftovers from my parts drawer. When combined with the special on the pistol upper kit for $110, this whole thing got done for a total closer to $300 than $400! It's amazingly handy to carry around and has really helped me to understand what all the hub-bub on the AR pistols is all about. My CMMG 22LR conversion bolt lives in this thing most of the time, and this short little pistol is just flat-out fun to shoot!