Last updated February 8th 2024
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Gun prices are pretty volatile things and we’ve seen massive price fluctuations for the same firearm over the past few years, especially during the Covid supply chain madness. Supply and demand, availability of the raw materials and the difficulty getting them to market have all played their part in yo-yoing gun prices, but they’re starting to settle down again now.
So how much do guns cost in 2024? If you’re new to guns, or even if you’re not, it’s a simple question with a not so simple answer. Inevitably, it depends on the gun you’re looking for. But this overview should give you some insight into how much you can spend, and how much you should.
What Does a Handgun Cost?
Cheapest Handguns
The most affordable handguns in 2024 often come from manufacturers like Hi-Point and Taurus, with prices starting as low as $150-$200 for a polymer frame concealed carry handgun and a bone fide 9mm pistol. These budget-friendly options are popular among first-time buyers and those looking for a simple self-defense weapon without breaking the bank.
The Hi-Point was a running joke for a while, and still is in some quarters, but the Taurus G2C is a relatively high quality concealed carry gun for a bargain price. If you just want a solid 9mm pistol for self defense and don’t want to break the bank then that works. The Taurus GX4 is even better, and that isn’t much more money.
1911 pistols aren’t cheap. They start from around $300, but the Rock Island Armory GI Standard at about $350-400 is the cheapest 1911 we would recommend. It’s as teel frame and steel slide, except for the aluminum lightweight carry guns.
You can buy a revolver from as little as $100 if you want to go for a 22LR. Serious firepower, a 357 Magnum or 44 Mag, then expect to spend $340 for a basic Taurus or Charter Arms handgun.
22LR pistols are great if you just want a cheap gun for playing at the range. From the aforementioned $100 revolver to training pistols that look and feel like the bigger 9mm pistol you can use for personal defense. A lot of these guns cost less than $300, and run the amazingly cheap 22LR ammunition. So they’re a great idea for training drills.
Most Expensive Handguns
Custom 1911s from the likes of Wilson Combat or Nighthawk Custom can easily reach the $4,000-$5,000 price range, catering to collectors and enthusiasts seeking the pinnacle of craftsmanship and performance. The handgun cost is worth it for them.
You can spend as much as you like on a revolver, with the Korth revolver costing more than $4000. You can spend much less and get the great Colt Python 357 Magnum or Colt Anaconda 44 Magnum revolver, as well as a selection of great hunting handguns in more powerful calibers.
Striker fired handguns can get expensive, too, if you choose to go for the high end finishing touches. There are custom Glocks and Glock clones that cost more than $1000 and you can get a Sig Sauer Spectre Works from the custom shop in the same price range.
Best Selling Pistols
The Glock 19 continues to dominate sales charts, with its balance of affordability (around $530), reliability, and versatility. It’s a perennial favorite with law enforcement through to gun owners looking for guns for self-defense. The Sig Sauer P365 is another massively popular option for a concealed carry pistol for about the average price point, with the handgun cost in the region of $500.
For 1911s, you can easily spend $2000 on a quality 1911. For that money you can get your hands on a Dan Wesson Valor, Colt competition pistol or top Kimber Custom workshop pieces. For $1000, you can go for the Kimber TLE, a mid range Springfield Armory or a basic Colt. Get the best 1911s under $1000 here.
Revolvers can get expensive in a hurry, but the benchmark Smith & Wesson 629 can be yours for around $800, sometimes less. The Taurus Raging Hunter is another great choice at the same price point.
As for rimfire pistols, the Ruger Mark IV sets the standard and it costs around $550. The S&W Victory is slightly cheaper, but you can spend more than $1000 on the specialist 22LR pistols for competitive shooting. See some of the best 22LR pistols here.
What Does a Rifle Cost?
Cheapest Rifles
Entry-level rifles, particularly in the .22LR category, can be found for under $150. Brands like Marlin and Rossi offer reliable options for casual shooting and small game hunting.
If you’re looking for the lowest gun cost then you’re probably looking for a rimfire rifle, which can be a semi auto rifle, lever action or bolt action rifle.
Most Expensive
Precision rifles designed for long-range shooting, such as the 50 BMG rifles from Accuracy International or Barrett, can command prices of $10,000 or more, especially when outfitted with high-end optics and accessories.
You can spend big money on a smaller caliber bolt gun, too, if you really want to. Christensen Arms, Nosler, Sako, Proof Research, Browning and more can sell you bolt actions costing $3,000 and up in a range of calibers, Meanwhile Henry Repeating Arms and Marlin are just two of the names you can see selling lever action rifles for well over $2000.
Best Selling Rifles
The Ruger 10/22, which starts from less than $300, remains the best-selling rifle, beloved for its affordability, modularity, and the inexpensive .22LR ammunition it uses.
The Savage Axis, Mossberg Patriot and Remington 700 remain the best selling bolt action rifles. In the lever action sector, Henry Repeating Arms is the big name, while Marlin lags behind.
What Does a Shotgun Cost?
Cheap Shotguns
Basic pump-action shotguns like the Stevens 320 Security can be found for around $200, providing a cost-effective solution for home defense and hunting. Other bargain basement names in the 12 gauge shotgun world include Black Aces Tactical, Charles Daly, JTS and Tokarev, It’s a strange twist that most of the cheaper shotguns tend to be pump action shotguns and semi auto shotguns. A side by side or over & under just costs more, even though the engineering is simpler.
Most Expensive
High-end over-under shotguns, and side by side shotguns, particularly those used in competitive shooting and bespoke hunting models from manufacturers like Beretta and Browning, can exceed $10,000. That’s serious money for what is a fairly basic design. in fact if you even want a decent hunting shotgun then be prepared to spend between $700-$2,500.
Best Selling
The Mossberg 500 pump action shotgun, with its versatile configurations and mid-range typical gun cost of $300-$500, continues to be a top choice for hunters and home defense. The Remington 870 is the best selling pump action shotgun of all time, but it has been around for more than 50 years. Benelli tactical and field shotguns tend to cost $1,500-2000 as an average price, and aside from the ornate and custom guns, they are the industry standard for semi auto shotguns.
What Does an AR-15 Cost?
Cheapest AR-15
Budget AR-15 models, such as those from PSA (Palmetto State Armory), start at around $500, offering an accessible entry point into the platform. These aren’t the prettiest semi auto rifles, but they are effective and you can get them from as little as $350 if you’re prepared to buy a BLEM PSA with surface blemishes, or build your own from a rifle parts kit. Bear Creek Arsenal is another cheap AR-15 company coming up through the ranks and its guns are getting a reputation for reliability and accuracy.
Most Expensive
Custom AR-15s, built with premium components and specialized features, can easily surpass the $2,000 price point, catering to competitive shooters and those seeking the ultimate in performance. Get red dot sights up top and you have a weapon of war. Noveske has $4000 AR-15s and you can spend more than $3000 on a Heckler & Koch MR556, Have a look at a range of custom AR-15s here.
Best Selling AR-15s
The Smith & Wesson M&P Sport II, priced around $700-$800, strikes a balance between quality and affordability, making it a favorite among both new and experienced shooters. For many years the Ruger AR-556 held the crown, but it lost the mantle due to a series of price hikes in the post Covid era.
In the premium sector, the Daniel Defense DM4 V7 is often considered the best AR-15 on the market. Check here for the best $2000 AR-15s on sale.
What Does a Hunting Rifle Cost?
Cheapest Hunting Rifles
A basic bolt-action rifle, like the Remington 783 or Savage Axis, can be found for under $350, providing reliable performance for entry-level hunters. A simple hunting rifle can take a beating and if you don’t need the nth degree of engineering, or long range shooting, then you can save a lot of money and go for a simple bolt action rifle for deer hunting.
Most Expensive Hunting Rifles
A custom-built hunting rifle, tailored to specific game and environments, can reach upwards of $5,000-$6,000, especially when equipped with top-tier optics. A custom hunting rifle can cost more than that, as you can see here.
Best Selling Hunting Rifles
The Tikka T3x, with a price range of $700-$900, offers exceptional accuracy and build quality, making it a popular choice for serious hunters.
How Much Does a Rimfire Rifle Cost
Cheapest 22LR Rifle
Single-shot rimfire rifles and basic semi-automatic models are available for under $200, making them excellent choices for youth shooters and training purposes.
Most Expensive 22LR Rifles
Competition-grade rimfire rifles, designed for precision target shooting, can cost over $2,500, reflecting their specialized features and accuracy enhancements.
Best Selling 22LR Rifles
The Ruger 10/22 is far and away the best selling 22 rifle in history and right now. Second place goes to the nostalgic Henry Repeating Arms 22LR lever action.
The CZ 455/457 series, priced around $400-$500, combines affordability with performance, appealing to both competitive shooters and casual plinkers.
Air Guns, Black Powder, and Single Shot Rifles
Air Guns: Entry-level air rifles suitable for plinking and small game hunting start at around $100, while high-end competition models can exceed $1,200.
Black Powder: Muzzleloading rifles, echoing the firearms of yesteryears, range from $250 for basic models to over $1,000 for replicas of historic firearms or modern hunting models.
Single Shot Rifles: Offering simplicity and challenge, single-shot rifles start at about $200 for basic models, with high-end custom versions reaching $3,000,
