Anyone have a preference on beater guns? Wheel guns, semi autos, single shots? Just something to take out and have fun while still having money for drinks afterward?
I have a Hi Point 995TS carbine that I bought new for $315 that is a lot of fun. 9mm is fun to shoot and one of the least expensive. You can buy 100 rounds of aluminum cased for under $20.00
I just bought a M&P Shield from PSA. After the rebate, shipping, and transfer fees it will still be under $250. There are a lot of great reviews out there so that is what I would suggest. To me a quality firearm for that price, is well worth it.
Hi-Point and Keltec both sound like good choices for the specific purpose cited.
The above mentioned 995S is actually a decent choice for more serious uses, too.
For some reason M&P's often sell for $400 or so. Usually have three mags too. I laid $425 for.mine and it was barely used. I'd like to pick up a 40 and 45 someday.
Pistol grip shotgun. You can find a used one around $200. Not practical at all but fun as hell to bust up clays. Also you can get a hundred rounds for $25.
I've always thought the Ruger SR series was a fantastic value, like the SR9C. I've seen them go for $350 - $375 barely used. Great stock triggers, good shooters, and easy to maintain. I've also seen the newer Ruger American Compact pistols go for competitive prices used, but don't know as much about them.
Hard to answer without budget. I'm guessing under $300...
Handgun...S&W Shield - deals are too good to pass up for having S&W stand behind it. 9mm give you a self defense gun, targets, steel. Plastics guns are going to get and stay cheap for awhile. Consider a used M&P full size too for a few more dollars
Rifle....Ruger 10-22 - the older version before plastic. Squirrel to tin cans. Lots of older bolt actions 22lr that can be had for $100 too.
Shotgun....Any ol pump shotgun, a cheap thrower and a box of clays. Better yet find an Ithaca Model 37 that slam fires. I have one that is stupid fun...and is still a good home defense option.
One of the best all around values in a handgun is the CZ P07. You can often find an early one for under $400 and they are worth every penny of that. It's a fun gun to shoot, yet is no beauty queen that needs protected. They are a good service pistol that offers a lot for the money. You can run them with the factory +2 mag extensions for a 17+1 capacity in a gun that's still relatively compact. Heck, if you want a bullet hose, you can run them with the P09 mags and +2 extensions for a 21+1 capacity. You can also get a fairly cheap .22lr kit for the P07 to give you the ability to plink on the cheap. Those run about $225.
Guns are cheap. Ammo is pricey. Assuming you don't reload (and if you want to shoot in any volume, you may want to look into it). Something in .22 or 9mm. The Ruger 10-22 suggested up thread is easily sourced, cheap to shoot, and has a ton of aftermarket support if you choose to play around with it.
I'll second the Ruger SR series. A 9E with one mag can be bought for $289-$340 NEW. If you can find a used one a reasonable price would be $250 or less. And Ruger Customer Service doesn't care whether you are the original purchaser or not.