Cheap Guns 2026: Budget Firearms Actually Worth Buying

Cheap guns for 2026 that are actually worth buying: nine budget handguns, rifles, and shotguns, from a $200 pump shotgun to a $400 micro-compact, with current prices and where to buy each.

TL;DR for Skimmers

Cheapest first. Most picks are under $400, and every one is a name or a platform with real support behind it. Prices were checked in October 2026 and move often.

Prices are from Palmetto State Armory and Guns.com listings checked October 29, 2026, and are not MSRP. Stock changes daily, so confirm before buying.

Only shopping for a handgun? See our cheapest handguns 2026 guide, or the cheapest 9mm handguns guide for sub-$350 options. For a wheelgun, see best budget revolvers.

Cheap Guns Worth Buying in 2026

1. Stevens 320 Security: Cheapest Home-Defense Gun

Price: $199.99 new at Guns.com. The Stevens 320 Security is Savage Arms' budget pump: 12 gauge, 18.5" barrel, 5+1 capacity, and dual slide-bars. It is the cheapest name-brand defensive shotgun we can recommend.

Pros: Lowest price on the list; conventional pump; steel barrel. Cons: Stiff factory pump stroke until broken in; heavy recoil with slugs.

2. SAR USA SAR9: Full-Size Optic-Ready Value

Price: about $250 when in stock at PSA, though it was out of stock when we checked, and Guns.com listings start around $350. The SAR9 is a full-size 9mm with a 4.4" barrel, 17-round magazine, and an optic-ready slide. The low bore axis keeps muzzle flip manageable for new shooters.

Pros: Strong price for the features; optic-ready. Cons: Basic sights; basic-feeling polymer frame; stock is inconsistent at the cheapest price.

3. Mossberg Maverick 88: Best All-Around Budget Shotgun

Price: about $258-$303 new at Guns.com. The Maverick 88 is Mossberg's de-contented 500, with dual action bars and a smooth pump. For field and defense configurations, pricing and options are in our best budget shotguns guide.

Pros: Runs buckshot; huge parts support; smoother than the Stevens out of the box. Cons: Trigger-guard safety; fewer finish options.

4. Beretta APX-A1 Carry: Slim Micro-Compact

Price: $273.99 at Palmetto State Armory, in stock when we checked. The APX-A1 Carry is a striker-fired 9mm with a 3" barrel and 8-round magazine, slim enough for pocket or inside-the-waistband carry.

Pros: Slim profile; aggressive texturing; predictable trigger. Cons: Limited capacity; sharp recoil in such a small gun.

5. Ruger LCP Max: Pocket Carry

Price: about $277 and up at Guns.com (it was out of stock at PSA). The LCP Max is a 10-round .380 weighing about 10.6 ounces, small enough to disappear in a pocket. Ruger said in October 2026 that the LCP stays in its lineup, even as it halts other lines.

Pros: Very light; 10 rounds in a tiny frame; good for smaller hands. Cons: Snappy for its size; short sight radius limits range accuracy.

6. Ruger 10/22: Classic .22 for Skill-Building

Price: $279.99 at Palmetto State Armory, in stock when we checked, with Guns.com listings starting around $252. The Ruger 10/22 is an 18.5" semi-auto .22 LR with a 10-round rotary magazine and the biggest aftermarket of any .22. It stays in Ruger's lineup, and its decades-long production run is why it is so widely recommended for first-time shooters. Also see our cheapest reliable .22LR rifles.

Pros: Legendary reliability; easy takedown; vast aftermarket. Cons: Mediocre stock sights; can be finicky with cheap ammo.

7. PSA Dagger: Budget Glock-Pattern 9mm

Price: from about $300 at Palmetto State Armory, with most configurations running $300-$340 depending on slide cut and finish. The PSA Dagger is a Glock 19-pattern 9mm that accepts Glock Gen 3 parts and comes with a lifetime warranty. Read our PSA Dagger review for the full breakdown.

Pros: Glock-compatible parts; lifetime warranty; strong value. Cons: Heavy stock trigger; early-batch magazine fit issues PSA says it has addressed.

8. Winchester SXP Defender: Fast, Smooth Pump

Price: about $334 at Guns.com. The SXP Defender is a 12 gauge pump with an 18" barrel and 5+1 capacity. Its inertia-assisted action gives a short, fast stroke.

Pros: Fast follow-ups; smooth action; available in 20 gauge. Cons: Costs more than the Stevens or Maverick; about 7 pounds.

9. Canik Mete MC9: Best Features for the Money

Price: $400.99 at Palmetto State Armory, in stock when we checked (Guns.com listings start around $400). The Mete MC9 is an optic-ready micro-compact 9mm with a 3.18" barrel and 15-round magazine. It is the priciest pick here, but it carries features usually found on guns that cost more.

Pros: Optic-ready; high capacity for its size; good ergonomics. Cons: Heavier than some ultra-compacts; may want aftermarket sights.

What We Cut and Why

Our earlier version of this list included four guns that no longer belong. The Bersa TPR9C now lists at about $518 at PSA, which is out of "cheap" territory. The Citadel TRAKR .22 and the ATI Nomad single-shot are both out of stock at our linked retailer, and the Savage 110 Trail Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor is a closeout item at over $560, out of stock, and needs a scope on top. We would rather show fewer guns you can actually find than a full ten with dead links.

Buying Guide: Choosing Your First Cheap Gun

• Start with the job. Concealed carry favors the APX-A1 Carry, LCP Max, or MC9. Home defense favors a pump shotgun or full-size 9mm. Learning and plinking favor a .22 like the 10/22. For more carry options, see affordable concealed carry guns.
• Check fit before you buy. Handle the gun in a store if you can. Smaller hands often prefer the LCP Max or APX-A1.
• Budget for more than the gun. Ammo, a holster or case, and a training class matter more than the last $50 saved.
• Check local laws. Background checks are standard, and rules vary by state.
• Prioritize reliability. Established platforms with parts support beat bells and whistles.

Want more budget options? See affordable Bear Creek Arsenal 9mm handguns, and what sets Stag Arms apart in the budget AR-15 space.

FAQ

What is the cheapest gun worth buying in 2026? For home defense, a name-brand pump shotgun like the Stevens 320 Security at about $200. For a handgun, budget 9mms start around $250 when in stock. Unbranded imports below those prices are a gamble.

What is the best cheap gun for a beginner? A .22 LR rifle like the Ruger 10/22 for learning, and a full-size 9mm or pump shotgun for defense. Low recoil and simple operation matter more than features.

Are cheap guns reliable? The ones on this list are, because they come from established brands or platforms with parts support. Reliability problems cluster in unbranded imports and budget semi-auto shotguns.

Is a cheap gun safe to use? A name-brand gun is safe when properly maintained and used with the right ammunition. Safety depends far more on training and handling than on price. Take a basic class.

Why do prices vary between retailers? Stock, seller, and condition. Guns.com lists many sellers, including used guns, while Palmetto State Armory sets its own prices and sells out of its cheapest listings. Check both before buying.

For the latest deals, check out PalmettoStateArmory.com.