Taurus G2C Stainless, 12 Round Semi Auto Handgun, 9mm - $279

While this pistol is and always has been my choice for the best compact, affordable pistol at this price it is not. These pistol for around the past $200-$250 range was always my pick and recommendation to folks on a budget. It is about the same size as the SW shield yet it holds a full 13 rounds (12+1)total vs 8 (7+1), It has removable sights, it unlike most sub compacts actually has a picatinny rail and it is super reliable. It is also very comfortable in the hand and for a small 9mm is a bit tamer than alot of other manufacturers for sure.. For the $200-$250 range nothing beats it. Now with the prices and way things are in the political and economical realms, price gouging is rampant and this is one of those cases unfortunately. It seems our solid, honest, reputable sellers have drank the kool aide and jumped on board the gouging train.... Once prices go back to pre covid and panic buying (if they do, or at least become reasonable again), I hope everyone remembers the worst of the gougers and chooses to do business elsewhere in the future. Is this company the worst of the worst for price gouging? no for sure. There prices are not as ridiculous as many therefore future business with them is ok for me. If you dont mind paying the $75-$100 extra "panic tax" (thats a term I coined explaining the gouging of prices) then this is a good pistol and you should be pleased with it. The only real complaint to me is the gritty trigger. It is a pretty heavy trigger with some creep and grit. A little dremel work and or simply shooting 6-700 rounds helps alot with any grit.