It is interesting how guns are classified as a "budget gun" when in reality, they are just less expensive guns that are probably more appropriately priced in comparison to the more premium brands. These less expensive offerings are proving to be highly reliable, finely machined, and easy to use. This does not seem like the characteristics you should expect from a budget gun. But this is exactly why I feel like this new wave of "budget guns" could change the hearts and minds of the shooting community. We are paying alot, sometimes too much, for these guns that are marginally better. Most of the time we are paying towards a name or an idea.
For me, my experience with pistols in the $300-$400 range really made me start questioning the pricing on other pistols that offer less refined pistols or more problematic platforms. Though, I will say that my recent entry into the $200 pistol market really has changed my view of the current pistol market, possibly forever. These $200 pistols have been reliable, are well made, have inexpensive parts, and have proven to have terrific warranties. How was I justifying paying two, three, four, even five times this much on pistols that perform the same? I honestly don't remember, but I am highly disappointed in myself for ignoring these less expensive pistols. These are not hi-Point pistols that have slick grips, and an awkward balance. These are pistols that have been around a while or may be pretty new and made by reputable companies. Guns like the CZ P-07, Walther PPX/CCP/Creed,Beretta Nano, Kahr CM9, Girsan MC-28, Kel-Tec PF-9, and the SCCY CPX-2 have changed me and how I look at more expensive pistols.