10 Best Guns Under $300

When it comes to finding the best firearms under $300, you’re in the right place. I’ve personally tested, shot, and reviewed these guns to provide you with an educated opinion.

With a range of choices from handguns to rifles, you’ll find options that suit various needs without breaking the bank.

Remember, just because a firearm works well for me doesn’t guarantee it will be perfect for you. Each gun is unique, but the models on this list have consistently performed well during testing.

Starting off, the Taurus G3c is a notable handgun for its affordability and features. The Ruger Security 380, though in a different caliber, offers great value as well.

Moving through the list, models like the Savage Axis and High Point Carbine provide versatile solutions for different shooting scenarios.

Key Takeaways

• Budget-friendly firearms can still offer reliability and quality.
• A range of models from handguns to rifles are available under $300.
• All featured guns have been personally tested for performance.

Taurus G3c – Ranked Number 10

Cost and Affordability

The Taurus G3c is priced around $200, making it an affordable option for many. Its low cost offers great value, especially considering the quality and features provided.

Ammo Capacity and Barrel Size

The G3c comes with three magazines, each holding 12 rounds. It features a 3-inch barrel, which is standard for a compact handgun, maintaining a balance between portability and performance.

Build and Attributes

The design includes double strike capability, which is a unique feature compared to other striker-fired guns. This allows for easy dry fire practice without having to rack the slide. It also includes both front and rear slide serrations and a rail for attaching a light.

Trigger and Grip Texture

The trigger of the Taurus G3c is quite decent for its price range. The texturing on the grip provides a secure hold, which aids in control and accuracy during shooting.

Performance and Accessory Compatibility

This gun has proven to be reliable, with only a few malfunctions reported out of several models tested. It also accepts Glock sights, allowing for easy upgrades to the sighting system.

Ruger Security 380 – Ranked Number 9

Caliber and Suitability

The Ruger Security 380 is chambered in .380 ACP. It’s the lowest I’d consider for self-defense, but it’s still adequate. Ten accurate shots are effective, reassuring anyone worried about its stopping power.

Physical Specifications

With a 3.4-inch barrel and a weight of only 19 ounces, the Ruger Security 380 is compact and lightweight. It comes with two 10-round magazines, making it a practical choice for concealed carry.

Magazine and Handling

The double-stack magazine design enhances capacity without compromising on ease of handling. The Ruger Security 380 is designed for easy control, making it a great choice for those with recoil sensitivity.

Sights and Recoil Management

The sights are solid for a budget pistol, featuring a fiber optic front and a blacked-out rear. Serrations on the slide improve grip, and the reduced reciprocating mass allows for quicker follow-up shots, contributing to better recoil management.

Target Demographic

This firearm is ideal for those who need a simple, reliable pistol with manageable recoil. It’s perfect for older individuals or those new to shooting, providing an easy-to-operate and effective solution for personal defense.

Savage Axis – Ranked Number 8

Rifle Type and Adaptability

The Savage Axis is a bolt-action rifle available in various calibers. I had one in 5.56, but for versatility, I would suggest .308. This caliber is effective for both self-defense and hunting. While not ideal for close quarters, it can be effective in long-range engagements.

Barrel Length and Rifle Weight

My Savage Axis featured a 22-inch barrel, although other lengths are available. The rifle weighs a mere 6 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to carry for extended periods. Whether you’re on a hunt or patrolling, a lighter rifle is always advantageous.

Magazine Capacity and Build

This rifle holds a four-round magazine with an additional round in the chamber. It uses a carbon steel barrel and comes with detachable magazines. The barrel is button rifled, which is a noteworthy feature for a gun priced under $300.

Scope and Shooting Precision

The Savage Axis often comes with a pre-installed Bushnell scope. Although not as high-end as Leupold or Nightforce scopes, it’s far better than using open sights. For those less experienced, having a pre-installed scope can be a real benefit. My Axis was accurate to about 1.12 MOA, which is impressive for this price range. Adding a quality primary arm scope can enable you to shoot accurately at longer distances.

High Point Carbine – Ranked Number 7

Design Controversy

The High Point Carbine’s design is often criticized. Its appearance tends to remind people of something out of the whimsical world of “Trailer Park Boys.” Despite its questionable aesthetics, the carbine performs adequately in many practical tests.

It’s important to mention that sticking with the standard 10-round magazines ensures better reliability.

Magazine Preferences and Performance

Using the standard 10-round magazines is crucial with the High Point Carbine. Extended magazines, reportedly made from subpar materials, often lead to performance issues. Key takeaway: always opt for the original magazines to ensure the firearm performs as expected.

Aesthetic and Practicality

Aesthetics aside, the High Point Carbine proves to be practical in use. Although it isn’t winning any beauty contests, its functionality can’t be denied when used correctly. Its simple and effective design allows for reliable shooting during testing sessions.

Rossy Brawler – Number 6

Rossy Brawler is a tough contender and has earned its place at number six for a few compelling reasons. First, the reliability stands out. I’ve tested various models extensively—spending countless hours at the range. These firearms rarely fail in high-pressure, rapid-fire situations.

Key Specifications:

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
• Barrel Length: 4.25 inches
• Weight: 32 ounces
• Price: Around $250

Performance

The firing experience with the Rossy Brawler is consistent and dependable. Accuracy improves substantially with practice. The pistol features adjustable rear sights, which enhances precision. The trigger pull, measured at around 5 pounds, is crisp and predictable.

Design

The Rossy Brawler also includes several ergonomic features that make it comfortable to use. The grip is textured, providing a secure hold even during extended firing sessions. The slide is easy to rack, making it approachable for both seasoned shooters and new users.

Safety features are well-implemented as well. There’s a manual safety and a trigger safety, both of which contribute to secure handling.

Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining the Rossy Brawler is straightforward. The firearm disassembles easily, and all parts are accessible for thorough cleaning.

Versatility

Use cases for the Rossy Brawler are diverse. It serves well in self-defense scenarios, but it’s also a reliable choice for hobby shooting and training sessions. With a reasonable price point, it offers excellent value, especially when compared to more expensive models that offer similar performance and features.

PSA Dagger – Number 5

The PSA Dagger sits confidently on this list. Priced around $300, it offers a range of features that make it a strong contender in its category.

Specifications:

• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel Length: 4 inches
• Weight: 22 ounces
• Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds

The Dagger features a full-length grip and aggressive texturing, providing a solid feel in the hand. The sights are compatible with Glock, allowing for easy customization. This pistol includes front and rear serrations on the slide, making it easier to manipulate under various conditions.

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Compatible with Glock sights
• Solid magazine capacity
• Good grip texture

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than some competitors

Having tested this firearm extensively, I found it to be quite reliable and easy to shoot. While it may not be the lightest option available, its build quality makes it a dependable choice.

Canik TP9 SF – Number 4

The Canik TP9 SF is one of my favorite picks for a budget-friendly handgun. Priced just under $300, it delivers excellent value without compromising on quality.

The TP9 SF features a 4.46-inch barrel, which helps to ensure accuracy and control. Its overall length is 7.55 inches, and it weighs around 1.78 pounds, making it manageable for a variety of shooting conditions.

One standout feature of the TP9 SF is its trigger. It’s crisp and has a short reset, which makes follow-up shots quick and precise. The grip texture provides solid handling, thus making the firearm comfortable to shoot over extended periods.

The TP9 SF comes with a number of accessories and enhancements right out of the box:

• Two 18-round magazines: Ample capacity for most uses.
• Striker status indicator: Allows you to visually confirm the firearm’s ready status.
• Warrant-mounted rail: Ready for added attachments such as tactical lights or lasers.
• Warren Tactical sights: For improved sight alignment and target acquisition.

Reliability is another strong suit. In my experience, the TP9 SF has hardly ever malfunctioned, even after several hundred rounds. It’s a resilient choice for both beginners and experienced shooters who are looking for a dependable sidearm.

For those who like to customize, the TP9 SF accepts a wide range of aftermarket parts. Whether it’s different sights, grips, or internal components, modifying this gun to fit your personal preferences is straightforward and easy.

Mossberg 88 – Number 3

The Mossberg 88 is a standout budget-friendly shotgun, often priced under $300.

Featuring a dual extractors and twin action bars, this model offers reliable performance and smooth operation.

The ambidextrous safety makes it user-friendly for both left and right-handed shooters.

Specifications:

One of the highlights is its compatibility with various Mossberg 500 accessories.

This allows for greater customization, whether you’re looking to add a scope, flashlight, or other attachments.

The stock and forend are typically made of durable synthetic material, making it suitable for a range of environments.

In terms of performance, I’ve found the Mossberg 88 to be both accurate and reliable.

I’ve personally shot hundreds of rounds through it and experienced minimal issues.

It’s a versatile tool that’s great for both hunting and home defense.

Key Features:

• Dual Extractors: Ensures reliable shell extraction.
• Twin Action Bars: Provides smooth and consistent operation.
• Ambidextrous Safety: Convenient for all users.
• Synthetic Stock and Forend: Durable and suitable for various conditions.
• Compatible with Mossberg 500 Accessories: Offers customization options.

In short, the Mossberg 88 is an excellent choice for those on a budget, delivering robust performance and reliability without breaking the bank.

Ruger 10/22 – Number 2

The Ruger 10/22 is a standout in the budget firearm category. Priced typically under $300, it’s well-regarded among both beginners and seasoned shooters for its reliability and ease of use.

Key features of this rifle include a robust design, a ten-round rotary magazine, and a cold hammer-forged barrel known for its accuracy.

Specifications:

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Barrel Length: 18.5 inches
• Overall Length: 37 inches
• Weight: 5 pounds

Performance is where the Ruger 10/22 shines. The semi-automatic action is smooth, allowing for rapid follow-up shots.

This makes it an excellent choice for both plinking and small game hunting.

Additionally, the customizable nature of the 10/22 means you can make adjustments to suit your preferences, from stocks to trigger groups.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Reliable performance
• Easy to customize
• Accurate straight out of the box

Cons:

• Some might find the stock sights limiting

Considering its low cost and robust performance, it’s easy to see why the Ruger 10/22 holds a spot on my list of top budget firearms.

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield – Numero Uno

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield stands out due to its compact and slim design, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry. It features a 3.1-inch barrel and weighs about 20.8 ounces, striking a balance between portability and reliability.

Specifications:

The M&P Shield comes with aggressive grip texturing providing a secure hold even in stressful situations.

The trigger is smooth with a tactile and audible reset, ensuring quick follow-up shots.

It also includes both manual and trigger safeties for added security.

Key Features:

• Compact Design: Perfect for concealed carry.
• Versatile Calibers: Available in both 9mm and .40 S&W.
• User-Friendly Trigger: Smooth pull with a noticeable reset.
• Safety Measures: Dual safeties for enhanced security.

Performance:

• In my experience, this firearm offers consistent performance and minimal recoil, enhancing accuracy for shooters of all skill levels.
• The sights are easy to acquire, further aiding in swift target acquisition.