Walking into a gun shop for the first time is a lot like walking onto a car lot. You see the shiny stuff under the glass and think, "Okay, $500, I can do that." But then you start talking to the guy behind the counter. Suddenly, that $500 sticker price is just the cover charge for a much more expensive club. If you’re asking how much do pistols cost, you’ve gotta look past the tag hanging off the trigger guard.
Honestly, the market in 2026 is a weird beast. We’ve got high-tech manufacturing making budget guns better than ever, but we’ve also got "tactical" markups that’ll make your eyes water.
The Price Brackets: From "Budget" to "Gucci"
Prices aren't just random. They usually fall into three or four buckets. You've got your entry-level stuff, your duty-grade workhorses, and then the custom stuff that costs more than a used Honda Civic.
The $250 to $400 Tier (The "I Just Need It to Work" Range)
You can actually get a decent handgun for under $300 these days. Brands like Taurus and Ruger have mastered the art of the "budget" striker-fired pistol. The Taurus G3 or the Ruger LCP Max often hover around $250 to $330. Are they pretty? Not really. Are they smooth? Sorta. But they go bang when you pull the trigger.
The Palmetto State Armory Dagger is another huge player here. It’s basically a Glock clone that frequently goes on sale for $299. It’s a disruptor. It’s made the "big brands" sweat because it proves you don't need to spend $600 just to get a reliable 9mm.
The $500 to $800 Tier (The Sweet Spot)
This is where most people live. This is "Duty Grade." If you want a Glock 19 Gen 6 (the newest iteration as of 2026), you’re looking at about $649 MSRP, though you’ll likely find it for $580 in most shops.
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The Sig Sauer P365 series—which basically owns the concealed carry market right now—starts around $500 and climbs up to $800 depending on if you want optics-ready slides or fancy "Legion" finishes. Smith & Wesson's M&P Shield Plus is a direct competitor here, usually sitting comfortably at $450 to $550. This tier buys you peace of mind and better resale value.
The $1,000+ Tier (The Enthusiasts)
Then things get silly. A Sig P226 MK25 will run you $1,100 easy. If you want a Staccato or a high-end 2011, start saving $2,500. These guns shoot like a dream. The triggers are crisp, the recoil is non-existent, and the craftsmanship is obvious.
Is a $3,000 pistol ten times better than a $300 one?
No.
But it’s like comparing a Corolla to a Porsche. Both get you to the grocery store, but one does it with a lot more soul (and expensive maintenance).
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Why the Price Fluctuates So Much
The economy hasn't been kind to metal prices. Steel, brass, and aluminum costs have been jumping around. According to recent industry reports, the cost of raw brass is over six times what it was in the 80s. Manufacturers like Ruger and Smith & Wesson are "holding the line" as best they can, but you'll notice MSRPs creeping up $20 or $30 every year.
And don't forget the "New Shiny" tax. When a new model drops—like the Glock Gen 6 or a new Walther PDP variant—the first six months are expensive. Dealers know demand is high, so they'll stick to MSRP or even add a small premium. If you wait a year, the price usually settles down by 10%.
The "Hidden" Costs Nobody Mentions
If you walk out of the store having spent exactly $500, you can't actually use the gun yet. This is where the how much do pistols cost question gets complicated.
- The Background Check & Fees: Depending on your state, this is $10 to $50. Some states, like Washington or Pennsylvania, are looking at new "eligibility licenses" or additional taxes that can add 11% to 20% to the total price.
- Ammo: You need to practice. A box of 50 rounds of 9mm is roughly $15 to $20. You should probably shoot at least 500 rounds to feel "okay" with a new gun. That’s another $150-$200 right there.
- The Holster: Don't buy a $15 nylon sleeve from a big-box store. A good Kydex holster that actually stays on your belt and covers the trigger safely is going to be $60 to $120.
- Cleaning Kit and Safe: You need a way to lock it up ($50 for a basic lockbox, $200+ for a biometric one) and a way to clean it ($20 for a basic kit).
- Training: A basic CCW class is usually $100. Professional defensive training? That’s $250 a day plus ammo.
Basically, if the gun costs $500, expect to spend $1,000 total before you’re truly "ready."
Buying Used: Is It Worth It?
You can save 20% to 30% by buying used. A used Glock 17 might go for $400 instead of $550.
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But you’ve gotta be careful. Unlike a car, you can't always see the "mileage" on a pistol. Look at the "smileys" on the barrel (wear marks) and check for any DIY "trigger jobs" the previous owner might have messed up. If you're buying from a reputable shop, they usually offer a 30-day warranty on used stuff. If you're buying from a guy in a parking lot (where legal), it’s "buyer beware."
The 2026 Market Outlook
We're seeing a bit of a market correction right now. After the chaos of the early 2020s, supply has finally caught up with demand. This means you can actually find deals again.
Revolvers are also having a weirdly expensive moment. Because they require more hand-fitting and "old school" machining, even a basic S&W 642 airweight is pushing $550. If you want a Colt Python, you’re looking at $1,500 minimum.
Actionable Steps for Your First Purchase
Don't just buy what looks cool in a movie.
- Rent before you buy: Go to a range that rents guns. Spend $50 to try five different pistols. You might find that the gun you thought you wanted feels terrible in your hand.
- Check the "Blue Label" or rebates: If you’re military, first responder, or even a GSSF member, you can get significant discounts (sometimes $100 off) through programs like Glock's Blue Label.
- Budget for the "All-In" cost: If you have $600 total, buy a $350 gun and $250 worth of ammo and training. A $600 gun that you can't afford to shoot is just an expensive paperweight.
- Look at "Police Trade-ins": This is the ultimate "pro tip." Police departments trade in their duty guns every few years. You can often find a Glock 22 or Sig P320 for $350. They’ll have holster wear on the outside, but the internals are usually barely used.
Buying a pistol is an investment in your safety and a hobby that can last a lifetime. Just make sure you're looking at the total bill, not just the sticker on the glass.