https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/48302/hi+point+916+c-9+8%2b1+9mm+%2bp+35%22
Due to the corona virus quarantines, unemployment in the US is up sharply (20% vs 3% normally). Police are deprioritizing all but serious violent crime against persons (and they have no duty to protect you, even during normal times).
Therefore, you might be worried about increases in property crime, assault, riots. And you may be contemplating purchasing a gun for self defense.
If so, here is what would recommend, in order of priority.
Disclaimer: although I'm a staunch supporter of the right to individual self defense, I'm not a "gun" guy. I'm not a hunter, sport shooter, a law enforcement officer, or collector. I don't have a lot of experience shooting guns, and my interest is almost entirely in self defense. So, take my recommendations with a huge grain of salt.
In choosing these options, here are my criteria:
1. Inexpensive to buy. The gun you have is far better than nothing, and price is a big barrier for many people, especially now.
2. Inexpensive ammo. If you get a gun, you should practice regularly with it so that you're less likely to accidentally shoot yourself or others. The cheaper the ammo, the more often you can practice.
3. Ubiquitous ammunition. You want ammo that can be bought anywhere. So I limit my choices to guns chambered for the following sizes of ammo: .22LR, 9 mm, .45, 5.56 Nato, .308, 12 gauge.
4. Ubiquitous parts.
5. Durable / reliable. Ideally, the gun will operate reliably even after getting wet, falling in the dirt/mud, falling on concrete, etc.
6. Easy to clean/repair.
7. Adequate stopping power.
8. Adequate comfort.
9. Adequate ammo capacity. Must accept at least 10 round magazines, with the capability to accept higher capacity.
10. Detachable magazines.
The guns I'm recommending are "value" guns. They're the Ford Crown Victoria's of the gun world: heavier, less comfortable, and uglier than more expensive guns. Their design hasn't changed in decades. But they are cheap, reasonably accurate, and reliable.
I've also included links to places you can buy these guns online, as well as some video reviews.
Note that if you're in California, you will need to identify a licensed gun dealer who is open for business and willing to accept delivery. Some may be closed, as whether gun shops are considered an "essential business" is left up to the Sheriff in your county. Ammo is also expensive and scarce due to the increased demand. NICS background checks may also be significantly delayed due to government closures and backlogs.
Hi Point 916 C9, 9 mm handgun - $170
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/48302/
Hi Point 995TS, 9 mm carbine - $300
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/60668
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/gun-review-hi-point-carbine-995ts-9mm/
SDS Civet 12 Shotgun, 12 gauge - $240
https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/products/civet-12-shotgun-saiga-12-mag-fed-pump
Therefore, you might be worried about increases in property crime, assault, riots. And you may be contemplating purchasing a gun for self defense.
If so, here is what would recommend, in order of priority.
Disclaimer: although I'm a staunch supporter of the right to individual self defense, I'm not a "gun" guy. I'm not a hunter, sport shooter, a law enforcement officer, or collector. I don't have a lot of experience shooting guns, and my interest is almost entirely in self defense. So, take my recommendations with a huge grain of salt.
In choosing these options, here are my criteria:
1. Inexpensive to buy. The gun you have is far better than nothing, and price is a big barrier for many people, especially now.
2. Inexpensive ammo. If you get a gun, you should practice regularly with it so that you're less likely to accidentally shoot yourself or others. The cheaper the ammo, the more often you can practice.
3. Ubiquitous ammunition. You want ammo that can be bought anywhere. So I limit my choices to guns chambered for the following sizes of ammo: .22LR, 9 mm, .45, 5.56 Nato, .308, 12 gauge.
4. Ubiquitous parts.
5. Durable / reliable. Ideally, the gun will operate reliably even after getting wet, falling in the dirt/mud, falling on concrete, etc.
6. Easy to clean/repair.
7. Adequate stopping power.
8. Adequate comfort.
9. Adequate ammo capacity. Must accept at least 10 round magazines, with the capability to accept higher capacity.
10. Detachable magazines.
The guns I'm recommending are "value" guns. They're the Ford Crown Victoria's of the gun world: heavier, less comfortable, and uglier than more expensive guns. Their design hasn't changed in decades. But they are cheap, reasonably accurate, and reliable.
I've also included links to places you can buy these guns online, as well as some video reviews.
Note that if you're in California, you will need to identify a licensed gun dealer who is open for business and willing to accept delivery. Some may be closed, as whether gun shops are considered an "essential business" is left up to the Sheriff in your county. Ammo is also expensive and scarce due to the increased demand. NICS background checks may also be significantly delayed due to government closures and backlogs.
Hi Point 916 C9, 9 mm handgun - $170
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/48302/
▶ Watch on YouTube
▶ Watch on YouTube
Hi Point 995TS, 9 mm carbine - $300
https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/60668
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/gun-review-hi-point-carbine-995ts-9mm/
▶ Watch on YouTube
SDS Civet 12 Shotgun, 12 gauge - $240
https://www.atlanticfirearms.com/products/civet-12-shotgun-saiga-12-mag-fed-pump
▶ Watch on YouTube