Firearms: What is Best For You

I often see articles written about firearms not to purchase. Below is another one of those lists from another expert who will remain anonymous.

We all have budgets for that “perfect” firearm for your home, hunting or self-defense. As an FFL and Gunsmith, I try to steer my clients towards the more known firearms than the less expensive, less reliable firearm.

I often suggest cheap isn’t always better especially in a self-defense situation. When you pull the trigger, you want the gun to function properly. If you’re thinking about spending 400.00 for a firearm, I suggest waiting a few extra weeks or perhaps a few months and spend 600.00 and get a well-made reliable firearm. Your life may depend upon the choice you make.

At the end of the day, it’s your choice and I’ll sell you what I believe is the best firearm for you budget. Let's take a look below at what are anonymous expert has to say. 

The UTS-15 may look straight out of a sci-fi flick, with its bullpup design and dual magazine tubes, but that's mostly where its appeal ends. The UTS-15 is complex to load, tricky to operate, and prone to feeding and ejection issues. With reliability falling short, this shotgun doesn't justify its price and can't compare to more dependable models like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. While it's eye-catching, the UTS-15 proves that style alone isn't enough.

Winchester is a well-respected name in firearms, but the semi-auto Winchester 1400 fails to live up to that legacy. Known for reliability issues and wear-and-tear problems, this shotgun can jam frequently, struggling with failures to feed and eject. Although it was meant to be an affordable semi-auto, it's become known for all the wrong reasons. For a trustworthy shotgun, this is one to skip.

Pistol-caliber carbines, or PCCs, can be a blast to shoot, thanks to their improved accuracy over handguns and manageable recoil. But they're not exactly practical. These carbines, typically chambered in handgun calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP, lack the range and stopping 

There's a reason people love the AR-15, but going cheap on one can cost you in the long run. While budget AR-15s (often under $800) save you upfront, they typically come with poorly made parts, shoddy assembly, and inconsistent quality control. They may work for occasional range trips, but they struggle with prolonged or intensive use. So while saving a few bucks may sound nice, budget ARs often turn into more hassle than they're worth when reliability issues start to show.

The Taurus Judge, designed to fire both .45 Colt and .410 shotshells, aims to be a versatile, close-quarters defense tool. But in reality, it's too bulky, with a heavy trigger and reliability issues that make it a poor choice for self-defense. The Judge's heavy frame and clunky handling feel like overkill, and though it has a big following, it's largely thanks to marketing rather than solid performance. For real versatility, there are better options.

The 1911 is a classic, and when made in mid-sized variations like the Commander, it balances power with portability. But when scaled down to subcompact versions, often with a 3-inch barrel, things start to go wrong. These "Officer" 1911s bring sharp recoil and frequent feed malfunctions, making them a hassle. They're also picky about ammunition, demanding specific types to avoid jamming. While they may sound like a great idea, these tiny 1911s often don't perform well enough to justify the headache.

These pocket-sized pistols may look charming in Westerns, but that's where they belong: in the past. Originally made for discreet self-defense, Derringers were once valued for their low-profile carry. Today, however, compact semi-autos and snub-nosed revolvers have made them obsolete. Derringers can be awkward to handle, offer limited ammo capacity, and have outdated safety features that can make them risky to use. Even the popular .410 shotshell-firing models are more of a novelty than a practical choice, lacking enough firepower to be reliable.