Not all top-tier guns will necessarily empty your wallet. In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly guns that still pack plenty of performance and value into their frames. Let’s take a look at the top budget guns of 2020 (so far!).
Top Budget Guns to Buy This Year
1. Smith & Wesson M&P 22 Compact
Need a budget sidearm that works just as well as a backup, concealed carry weapon as it does as a primary pistol?
Check out this quality firearm, chambered for 22 LR rounds and featuring a fantastic ergonomic grip that makes the weapon easy to shoot and hold for beginners and experts alike.
The purchase comes with two magazines as well, making it an excellent purchase in terms of pure value for money.
Pros:
- Excellent grip and design
- It comes with two additional magazines
- Good overall capacity
- Stylish black finish
- Good front-fixed sights
Cons:
- Some don’t like 22LR rounds for pistols
2. Smith & Wesson 642 Handgun
This is an even better self-defense handgun, thanks to its snub-nosed barrel and overall small size.
That silver finish gives it a stylish look that’s both timeless and old-fashioned.
Chambered for 38 special rounds, it’s great for close-range accuracy and stopping power and features a five-round revolving design.
Pros:
- Old-fashioned look and feel
- Great as a concealed carry weapon or self-defense gun
- Very easy to use
- Enclosed hammer to reduce snags
- Finished stainless steel to reduce corrosion damage
Cons:
- Double-action only
3. Ruger 10/22 Synthetic Carbine Rifle
If you need a budget-friendly rifle, check out this carbine, which is chambered for 22 LR rounds.
It features a 10+1 capacity overall and is ideal for shooting small games or performing in target shooting events.
The carbine benefits from a hammer-forged and alloy-steel barrel for durability and overall accuracy, plus a polymer trigger housing and aluminum receiver.
The magazine is pretty smooth to detach, allowing for fast reloads.
Pros:
- Very comfortable to use
- Snappy and lightweight at only 5 pounds
- Good barrel durability
- Super affordable compared even to other budget guns
Cons:
- Some parts, like the stock, aren’t that durable
4. Sccy CPX-1/2 Red Dot
This red dot pistol allows you to benefit from the enhanced accuracy that such optic-boosted firearms provide without breaking the bank.
This 9 mm semi-auto firearm comes with a red dot sight out of the box.
The sight will automatically dim when it detects ambient light level conditions in your environment, plus it’s bolstered by a pair of backup sights for consistent accuracy no matter what.
CPX-1/2 Red Dot image by SCCY Firearms
The rest of the pistol is also excellent, featuring a 10+1 capacity and an aluminum frame to provide durability. It's lightweight and comes with a stainless steel slide.
Ultimately, there’s nothing to really dislike about this phenomenal firearm unless you’re looking for a slimmer gun.
Pros:
- Very good materials for the build
- Includes a red dot sight with the purchase
- Automatically adjusts to ambient light
- Has a built-in backup site
- Comfortable, grooved handle with easy-to-reach slide
Cons:
- Sight isn’t easily removed if you want a smaller frame for concealed carry
5. T/C Compass Utility Rifle
This is another affordable rifle that’s ideal for bolt-action hunting rifle fans.
It’s not especially fancy, but it does include a rotary magazine, a rifled barrel for additional accuracy, and a Weaver-style rail for additional scope attachments.
You also get to select what you want the rifle to be chambered for, so pick your favorite cartridge from all the staples like 6.5 Creedmoor, 22.3 Remington, or .308 Winchester (and more).
You can additionally purchase a scope with the rifle for an extra hundred bucks.
Pros:
- Can be purchased with the scope
- Features excellent design and built
- Good accuracy at range
- Multiple chambering options
- Comfortable stock
Cons:
- Not the most durable rifle you can find
So these are the top-notch budget guns you can get your hands on this year. The decision boils down to what type of gun you want to own and what you need it for. Make sure to do your homework before making a purchase, too.
What's the budget gun you're eyeing on this list so far? We'd love to know in the comments section!
Up Next:
- 3 Best Glock Upgrades For A Perfect Build
- 5 Best Red Dot Sights On The Market
- 4 Best Glock Pistols of All Time
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here.
Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on June 9, 2020, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
COMMENTS above.