I am into budget firearms. Since the polymer handgun revolution started in the late eighties, handgun prices have gone out of site; especially for revolvers and the tried and true 1911. I prefer all metal handguns over polymer, but a quality 1911 or a revolver made by S&W or Ruger is pricey for the average person.

So where do you go for an affordable, dependable handgun? I like Taurus. They put out some decent, affordable products as far as their revolvers, their 1911's and their clone of the Beretta 92. The quality as far as finish and aesthetics are not as good as the major American companies, but there is a diminishing return when it comes to firearms. I'd rather have a dependable beater that goes bang when I pull the trigger, and is not so pricey I am afraid to carry it daily or in the outdoors. Here is a review I did on the Taurus PT 1911.