The video presents a top five list of pistols that can be found for under $500, focusing on handguns that are enjoyable to own, reliable to shoot, and practical for everyday use. Filmed in the Classic Firearms video room, the host explains that the goal is to highlight guns that offer strong performance and value rather than just the absolute lowest price. An assortment of pistols is laid out on the table, and the host notes that each will be discussed in terms of features, handling, and general shooting characteristics. The list includes both classic and modern designs, different action types, and a mix of calibers, all staying within the sub-$500 budget range.
The first pistol highlighted is the Girsan 1911 Reserve, a .45 ACP 1911-style rail gun that immediately caught the host’s attention as a cool option in this price range. It uses a single-stack eight-round magazine that drops free very positively, almost launching out of the magwell when released. The gun includes a Picatinny rail under the dust cover, something not always seen on traditional 1911s, making it easy to mount a light or other accessory. Sights are simple three-dot white units rather than night sights. The pistol features a skeletonized hammer and trigger, along with an ambidextrous thumb safety. The beavertail grip safety has an enlarged bulge at the rear, which makes it easier to depress, especially for shooters who ride the thumb safety with a high grip. The host mentions that on some 1911s without this feature, his grip can prevent the safety from fully disengaging, but this design helps avoid that issue. The slide cycles smoothly, and the overall feel is that of a solid, all-metal gun with a steel frame and slide, giving it a heavier but reassuring presence. The host notes that he has had plenty of positive experience with Girsan pistols, finding that they run reliably and continue to perform well over time. For someone wanting a .45 ACP 1911 in roughly the mid-$400 range, he would definitely recommend the Girsan 1911 Reserve as a fun, classic-style pistol that still offers modern touches like the accessory rail.
Next up is the Canik TP9 SF Elite, a compact 9mm pistol that the host compares in size and profile to a Glock 19, possibly with a slightly longer barrel. It is presented as a strong value in the mid-$300 range. The gun typically comes with two 15-round magazines and offers a grip length that works well for concealed carry while still allowing a full firing grip for most shooters. Features include a Picatinny rail on the dust cover for mounting lights, an enlarged trigger guard that accommodates gloved hands, and forward slide serrations that make press checks and manipulations easy. The sights are a notable upgrade over basic three-dot setups: a Warren Tactical rear paired with a front fiber-optic insert that gives a bright, clear sight picture. The trigger is one of the standout aspects of the TP9 SF Elite, with a short take-up, a distinct wall, and a relatively light, crisp break in the mid–single-digit pound range, followed by a short, tactile reset. The host emphasizes that this pistol delivers a very good trigger and useful out-of-the-box features for the price, making it a compelling choice for those wanting a modern, striker-fired 9mm under $500.
The CZ P-10 C is introduced as a higher-end option that still fits just under the $500 mark, especially attractive because it comes from the factory with a threaded barrel and tall night sights. The suppressor-height sights use green tritium in the rear and a red front circle, giving a bright, easy-to-acquire sight picture in low light and when shooting with a suppressor attached. The taller sight height keeps the sights visible over the top of a can. The pistol includes ambidextrous slide releases on both sides, making it friendly for left- and right-handed shooters. The trigger is described as feeling similar to the Canik’s, with modest take-up, a clean break, and a very short, positive reset that supports fast follow-up shots. It ships with two magazines, one of which has an extended base plate that likely brings capacity to 17 rounds plus one in the chamber. The host notes that the overall fit, finish, and ergonomics are in line with CZ’s strong reputation, and he positions the P-10 C as a feature-rich, suppressor-ready pistol that still stays within the sub-$500 budget.
The Beretta APX Compact is presented as another pistol available under $500, with this particular configuration typically landing in the low to mid-$300 range. It is the most compact handgun on the table and is clearly aimed at concealed carry. The grip is shorter and more compact than the others, and it uses a 13-round magazine, offering a balance between capacity and concealability. The slide features the APX’s distinctive, deep, blocky serrations, which may look unconventional at first but prove to be very functional for racking the slide and performing press checks, even with wet or gloved hands. Sights are standard three-dot white units rather than night sights. The trigger has some initial take-up and a slightly heavier break, estimated in the upper six-pound range, but it is followed by a short, crisp reset that feels lighter in use than the weight might suggest. The host notes that the APX Compact benefits from Beretta’s long-standing reputation in the handgun world and that its size makes it well-suited for concealed carry, especially when seasonal clothing or extra layers make it easier to hide a slightly larger 9mm pistol while still enjoying good shootability and control.
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