8 Best Budget Guns for New Shooters [Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun]

Getting bogged down by a billion recommendations and technical jargon can make it hard for newer gun owners or people looking to get their first gun to get into collecting and shooting.  

Everyone has to start somewhere.

So let's take a look at some guns out there for anyone looking to get started or just dip their toes into the wide world of firearms without spending a bunch of money in the process.

Whether it's your first gun or your 50th, all of these are excellent choices and will serve you well. So, keep reading!

Budget Guns Comparision Chart

Best Budget Guns for New Shooters

1. Mossberg Maverick 88 - Best Budget Shotgun

Best Budget Shotgun

Mossberg Maverick 88

$234

at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

Prices accurate at time of writing

$234 at Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore

GrabAGun (see price)

Kygunco (see price)

Midway USA (see price)

Mossberg Maverick 88 Specs:

• Gauge: 12
• Action: Pump-action
• Capacity: 5+1, 7+1
• Barrel Length: 18.5" - 28"
• Weight: 6.25 lbs - 7 lbs

The Mossberg Maverick 88 is the undisputed king of budget shotguns. It is a stripped-down version of the legendary Mossberg 500 with some slight ergonomic changes to make the platform a little more affordable.

The Maverick is a simple, pump-action shotgun with a standard magazine tube design.

There are a few variations, including Security and Field models, designs with longer tubes and barrels, and pistol grip-only models.

When it comes to budget guns, reliability can sometimes be hit or miss. With the Maverick 88, this is not an issue at all, as it utilizes one of the most time-proven designs coupled with the reliability of a manual pump-action.

Just about any big box store in the United States likely carries the Maverick 88 at a price of around $200-250.

Not a bad deal for a crazy reliable platform that packs a major punch. In fact, the Mossberg Maverick 88 is easily the best low-priced home defense weapon out there.

2. Ruger 10/22 - Best Budget Plinking Rifle

Best Budget Plinker

Ruger 10/22

$229

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$229 at Palmetto State Armory

Midway USA (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Ruger 10/22 Specs:

• Caliber: .22LR
• Action: Semi-auto
• Capacity: 10
• Barrel Length: 16.12" - 18.5"
• Weight: 3.5 lbs - 6 lbs

The Ruger 10/22 is one of the best all-around .22 LR rifles on the market, and you’ll see it everywhere. It is a reliable, easy-to-shoot, semi-automatic rifle, all of which make shooting this gun a fun time.

There are numerous versions, so you can find one to fit your specific needs.

For example, they have a competition version with a sweet-looking barrel, a takedown version (this separates into two pieces and fits in a bag for easy storage), a standard carbine, and more.

One of the nicest things about the 10/22 is the number of accessories and awesome mods available for it.

These guns enjoy one of the widest aftermarkets of any firearm ever made, so if you want something for it, they probably make it.

Most of the Ruger 10/22 rifles are in the $250-$400 range; it really just depends on how crazy you want to be.  

3. Savage Axis II - Best Budget Hunting Rifle

Best Budget Hunting Rifle

Savage Axis II

$313

at Firearms Depot

Prices accurate at time of writing

$313 at Firearms Depot

Kygunco (see price)

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Savage Axis II Specs:

• Caliber: .223 Rem,.22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .25-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem, .270 Win, .300 BLK, .30-06 Sprg,.308 Win, 350 Legend, 400 Legend
• Action: Bolt-action
• Capacity: 4
• Barrel Length: 16.1" - 22"
• Weight: 5.9 lbs - 6.6 lbs

Low price and high performance should be the slogan of the Axis rifles from Savage. The Axis II boasts stellar accuracy while being easy on the wallet.

Savage offers standard rifles, compact-sized ones, left-handed versions, and more feature-filled variants at slightly higher prices. These rifles are also offered in a ton of different calibers.

You can get a little bit of everything with the Axis. With the basic models, you get a simple but reliable and very accurate platform. There isn't much modularity inherently, but companies like Magpul produce stocks and accessories to get you going.

Key features include Savage's excellent Accu-Trigger, button-rifled barrels, and a newer redesigned stock. The trigger alone is worth the price of admission and is sure to help reinforce good shooting fundamentals.

The Axis series rifles are perfect for the new hunter or new rifle owner seeking something affordable, reliable, and easy to shoot.

Sure, they aren't long-range precision rifles, but for 99% of shooters, they are more than enough gun.

4. Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo - Best Budget AR-15

Best Budget AR-15

Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo

$420

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$420 at Palmetto State Armory

Midway USA (see price)

Guns.com (see price)

Andro Corp ACI-15 Bravo Specs:

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Action: Semi-auto
• Capacity: 30
• Barrel Length: 16"
• Weight: 6.5 lbs

While they are likely the least familiar name on the list, Andro Corp Industries has quietly and quickly established itself as one of the best budget AR manufacturers out there.

Andro Corp quickly climbed atop the sub-$500 category due to their use of quality parts like AO Precision bolt-carrier groups and Ballistic Advantage barrels. They have recently started using different barrels, but the general consensus is there has been no noticeable dropoff in performance.

Secondly, Andro Corp only does ARs, nothing else. All of their quality control is focused on a few similar platforms, and it shows. Seriously, do a little digging around on the internet, and you will see that these guns are very well-received, even among seasoned shooters.

Some of the parts, like the pistol grip, stock, and charging handle, are very basic. However, it is still perfectly serviceable as-is once you add a sighting system. But even if you decide to upgrade those parts, you will likely come out ahead in price over most competitors.

These may very well be the best budget ARs to use as the base for your next build. And with a street price of around $400, there isn't much of a reason not to jump on one.

5. Palmetto State Armory PA-15 - Editor's Pick AR-15

Editor's Pick AR-15

Palmetto State Armory Blem PA-15 16” M-LOK Carbine

$469

at Palmetto State Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$469 at Palmetto State Armory

Palmetto State Armory PA-15 Specs:

• Caliber: .22LR, 5.56 NATO, .224 Valkyrie, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC II
• Action: Semi-auto
• Capacity: 30
• Barrel Length: 7" - 20"

Palmetto State Armory has long been a champion of the people when it comes to budget AR-15s. The sheer amount of firearms they make and the number of options they offer are unmatched.

Whether you are looking for a standard 16-inch 5.56 gun, a short .300 Blackout AR pistol, or something in a more potent caliber for hunting, PSA likely has you covered for a reasonable price.

While they may not be the finest velvet-lined guns out there, Palmetto State AR-15s have been reliable in our testing and represent one of the best bangs for your buck.

We have hands-on reviews of multiple PSA products, including base-model AR-15s, multiple AR-10s, AR uppers, PCCs, AKs, various handguns, and more. All of them have been solid!

If you want more info on AR-15s, be sure to check out our popular AR-15 Buyers Guide.

6. Beretta APX A1 - Best Budget Handgun

Best Budget Handgun

Beretta APX A1

$369

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$369 at GrabAGun

Guns.com (see price)

Classic Firearms (see price)

Beretta APX A1 Specs:

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-auto
• Capacity: 17+1
• Barrel Length: 4.25"
• Weight: 29 oz

Picking a singular duty-sized striker-fired pistol for this list is tough; competition is stiff. If you include Glock, people say they cost too much. If you don't include Glock, people get upset.

Trust us when we say we have big love for Glock, Canik, and numerous other striker-fired guns. But, alas, this is a budget list, and we feel that one of the strongest frontrunners is the Beretta APX A1.

With the APX A1, you get a 17-round capacity optics-ready pistol, ambidextrous controls, fiber optic front sight, and a good trigger. All of that is backed up by the Beretta name and Beretta reliability that you would expect.

The best part about all of that? You can pick these up for under $400 all day. While saving $100 or so over a Glock may not seem like a big deal to some, for others, that is money they can put toward accessories or an optic they otherwise couldn't swing.

Check out our hands-on review and video below to see why this gun is a top sleeper pick.

What's your take on the Beretta APX A1? Rate it below.

7. Taurus GX4 - Best Budget Handgun For Concealed Carry

Best For Concealed Carry

Taurus GX4

$240

at BattleHawk Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$240 at BattleHawk Armory

Classic Firearms (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Taurus GX4 Specs:

• Caliber: 9mm
• Action: Semi-auto
• Capacity: 11+1
• Barrel Length: 3.06"
• Weight: 18.5 oz

After changing leadership a few years back, Taurus has focused on increasing the quality of its firearms to provide affordable and reliable guns to the average consumer --- and the GX4 does just that.

Coming in typically between $200-$300, the GX4 lowers the bar of entry into the world of micro-compact pistols.

These micro-compact pistols are typically small-frame firearms, roughly an inch wide, that hold 10 rounds of 9mm or more. They give you much of the capacity of a larger gun but in a much smaller and easier-to-conceal package.

So what does this mean? It means if you are looking for something for every day carry, the GX4 is worth looking at. It has an excellent trigger, superb ergonomics, shoots well, and is easy on the wallet.

Looking for more? Check out our Best Beginner Handguns for Self-Defense.

8. Tisas/SDS Imports 1911A1 - Best Budget Fun Gun

Best Budget Fun Gun

Tisas 1911 A1 Government

$299

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$299 at GrabAGun

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Guns.com (see price)

Taurus GX4 Specs:

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Action: Semi-auto, SAO
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Weight: 2lbs 5 oz

Not every budget gun needs to fill a serious role like self-defense or hunting. Some people are just into recreational shooting and like historical or iconic guns. We dig that.

If you fall in that category, we present to you the Tisas/SDS Imports 1911A1.

These are new production guns that are faithful to the original 1911A1 pistols of World War 2. The shooting experience you get from 1911 is something everyone should try.

While many affordable 1911s use the cost-effective casting process to create their frames and metal injection molding (MIM) to make small parts like control levers and triggers, Tisas/SDS does not.

Don't get me wrong, you can make great guns using proper casting and MIM techniques. But at the end of the day, machined steel parts are better. All Tisas 1911 frames and slides are forged, and all the smaller parts are machined instead of MIM, with the sole exception of the recoil spring plug.

Aside from that, the fit and finish are surprisingly high quality. They look killer, have good triggers, and come with two sets of grips (one plastic, one wood), two magazines, and a barrel bushing tool.

Not bad for less than $300-350 (you read that right).

On top of the attractive price and build quality, these guns run reliably, making them the best value in 1911s right now.

History buffs, people who like heavy all-steel guns, and .45 ACP enjoyers should enjoy this hidden gem of a pistol.

Check out our complete review of the Tisas 1911 A1 or our video below!

Why You Should Trust Pew Pew Tactical

Leading this search is Travis Pike, a Pew Pew Tactical author and gun writer. Travis has spent thousands of hours at the range testing and evaluating gear as well as researching the best models available on the market. His experience as a Marine Corps machine gunner, NRA-certified instructor, concealed carry trainer, and competitor gives him unique insight into a wide variety of guns.

Editing and adding to this article is Editor Wyatt Sloan. Wyatt is an NRA-certified instructor with previous experience as a USPSA competitor. Wyatt personally owns over 200 firearms and has 10 years of home-based FFL firearm sales. He has used his extensive experience with firearms at large to test guns for Pew Pew Tactical — evaluating them based on our standards and metrics.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of gun reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. She uses her extensive professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have a few choices to start your gun collection, it’s time to figure out which one to get first. Decide what you want to do with the gun, then decide your budget and do any extra research you need.

If you're on a budget, we totally understand; but always remember, training is key. Be sure to practice and budget for ammo and range time so that you can make the most out of the guns you buy.

Set aside some more for quality eye and ear protection too. It's just as mandatory as the firearm itself.

ShellShock's combo kits include both earmuffs and ballistic glasses, so you can check that box without breaking the bank. These are the same products we use at Pew Pew Tactical, built by us after years of testing what actually works at the range.

What do you think your first purchase will be? Do you know a good first gun that we left out? Let us know in the comments below! If you are completely new to shooting, you can check out our beginner handgun course, Gun Noob to Gun Slinger.

Latest Updates

• February 2025: Added comparison chart
• October 2024: Removed: Benelli Nova, Glock 19, Sig Sauer M400 Tread. Added: Beretta APX A1, AndroCorp ACI-15, Tisas 1911A1.
• September 2023: New models added.