WelcomeUser Guide
ToSPrivacyCanary
DonateBugsLicense

©2025 Poal.co

116

I've long been more of a handgun shooter over rifles, and noticed something odd: decent handguns cost more than decent rifles. E.g. a decent AR-15 from PSA is ~$500. If I go buy a new striker-fired Glock, it's going to cost more. If I buy a decent quality revolver, I can easily spend twice that as an entry point.

And yes, I know shotguns are dirt cheap, but I'm thinking more in terms of rifles vs handguns. Is it because fitting the same core components in a smaller package costs more, or because mass rifle manufacturers like PSA have better economies of scale, or am I doing an apples-to-oranges comparison because I wont buy truly "bargain" quality handguns from Acme Armsco?

I've long been more of a handgun shooter over rifles, and noticed something odd: decent handguns cost more than decent rifles. E.g. a decent AR-15 from PSA is ~$500. If I go buy a new striker-fired Glock, it's going to cost more. If I buy a decent quality revolver, I can easily spend twice that as an entry point. And yes, I know shotguns are dirt cheap, but I'm thinking more in terms of rifles vs handguns. Is it because fitting the same core components in a smaller package costs more, or because mass rifle manufacturers like PSA have better economies of scale, or am I doing an apples-to-oranges comparison because I wont buy truly "bargain" quality handguns from Acme Armsco?

(post is archived)

[–] [deleted] 2 pts

You can get a $300 handgun to go with your $500 AR15.

[–] 2 pts

"Decent" AR-15 isn't the correct term for the 500$ PSA item, I would call is basically servicable. It's an entry level rifle. Compare it to the Hi Point 9mm or some shit, like and out the door.

[–] 1 pt

Thanks, that comparison makes sense to me.

[–] 1 pt

Can be more labor to make. A lot of economy and production designs are very fast and simple to out together. Handguns inherently not so much.

[–] 1 pt (edited )

decent ar is $500, keep the dream alive. /s

[–] 1 pt

It's what I was thinking. I spent 1.2k on mine about 5 years ago and barely consider it decent. kek

[–] 2 pts

I decided to go the ak way and $500 wouldnt buy you shit.

[–] 2 pts

If I saw one at that price point I'd expect it to be broken in one way or another.

[–] 1 pt

Are cheaper AR-s crap quality? I mostly shoot handguns or relics, so my knowledge of newer rifles is limited.

[–] 1 pt (edited )

Everyone will say to build your own is the way to go. But if you buy cheaper expect what you pay for. Cheaper ones are notorious for jams and parts breaking. Older guns and handguns are the way to go if you're collecting or want something that lasts. AR's are fun to play with and look cool.

Edit: Grammer

[–] 0 pt

PSA is the highpoint of ARs

[–] 0 pt

they aren't really

[–] 0 pt

Buy an AR pistol and quit yet bitchin

[–] 0 pt

A high-end pistol starts around $1,000. A flashy, spinners and underglow equipped race pistol is $2,500-5,000.

A high-end rifle starts around $2,500. A flashy, spinners and underglow equipped decked out rifle is $5,000-15,000.

You are experiencing a variety of prices derivative of quality and brand-name (logo tax). A $1,200 SIG Legion is really just a $500 SIG with a $150 trigger and $50 coating.

[–] 0 pt

> Why are rifles cheaper than handguns.

Honestly, because rifles are designed for shooting/hunting animals. Handguns are for shooting humans. When you think about it rifles have more material in them than handguns.

[–] 0 pt

I bought a Beretta 92FS 9 mm 20 years ago and it cost me 600 bucks. I'm trying to buy off my father his 357 mag come next spring. I'm hoping he'll sell it to me, it's a sweet revolver and he never uses it.

[–] 1 pt

I bought a S&W 586 recently (.357 mag) as a surprise gift for my spouse because my spouse adores revolvers and doesnt like my newfangled semiautos. The trigger alone is a thing of beauty. I had a heck of a time finding a place to hide it and +1000 rounds until it's present time.

My local range is open on holidays, so I'm looking forward to the surprise of "sweet new gun" combined with "I already booked you range time".

[–] 0 pt

Handguns are more expensive than rifles so that there will be fewer of them in existence which leads to fewer niggers stealing them. More rifles means Whites will still be protected from the niggers who steal the expensive handguns. Also niggers don't care much for rifles because you can't shoot them sideways with one hand.

TL;DR: niggers