Many people want to exercise their 2^nd amendment rights and purchase a firearm for concealed carry. One of the issues that many first-time gun or first-time carry purchasers face is a mountain of options to choose from, often bringing with them unexpectedly high price tags. The price of a reliable firearm shouldn’t be the gate that prevents someone from being able to protect themselves. There’s a preconceived notion in our culture that low prices equate to low quality; however, affordable does not equate to a cheap product. We tend to have biases towards price points and unjustly think that if it costs more, then it must be better. While some deals feel like they absolutely must be too good to be true, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Taurus offers options at very reasonable price points for those who are budget-conscious or simply looking for a reliable firearm. 

Taurus GX4 Carry

The Taurus GX4 Carry is a great value if your budget is a concern. This firearm is considered a micro-compact in 9mm with a 3.7” barrel and an overall width of 1.08”. The Carry model offers a 15-round magazine which meets or beats a lot of others in it’s class. Coming with 3 interchangeable back straps, you get options as to how the grip best fits you. Taurus also offers this model with their T.O.R.O. option for those who want to add an optic, allowing direct mounting with the Holosun K series or similar. All these features and still retailing around $200-400 less than guns of similar size, capacity, and features.

After two range trips and trying to push this pistol, not a single issue came up for me. It ate 3 different brands of ammo without distinction. For what is considered an affordable firearm, there isn’t much more one could ask for. It shot flat, groupings stayed consistent, and it provided me with no errors. On a personal level, I feel that this gun has a lot to offer, not just those who are budget-conscious, but also someone who is in the market to try something new. There are so many companies out there that offer aftermarket parts if you want to upgrade this pistol over time. Mischief Machine offers their Commander grip, which offers the option of an aluminum frame and 1911-style grip panels, while Lakeline makes a stainless-steel recoil assembly as well as their SureFire Striker assembly.

Now this article is about affordable carrying, with carrying being the keyword. That means holsters, which can eat into the budget pretty fast. Thankfully, the great folks at Phlster offer the Skeleton model holster at a fantastic price. This holster comes with a mod wing, which most other places upcharge for immediately. Price point and quality cannot be beat here. 

I also mentioned the T.O.R.O. system for optics, and there are a lot of options when you hop on the internet looking for lower-priced optics. Cyelee Optics have put out some great products over the years, and their CAT PRO models offer a direct-mounted optic that performs extremely well. The clarity and construction are on par with the competition, and you can spend hours online watching people put their products through some crazy torture tests. For me, the CAT G PRO has stayed zeroed and just plain works every time I pick up the gun.

The Taurus GX4 Carry is not a budget pistol, but it is affordable and a great value.

Taurus 856

If striker-fired and/or polymer frames aren’t your thing, Taurus has a large selection of revolvers as well. Wheel guns have seen an increase in popularity these days, as you can often see across social media with the tag #WheelgunWednesday. And since you’re most likely looking at this article because you have an interest in concealed carry, the Taurus 856 is a great option as it also comes in a concealed hammer configuration. Taurus provides a lot of options in this particular model with colors, a 2” or 3” barrel, concealed hammer, ultra-lite, and even a T.O.R.O. option, all chambered in .38 special with 6 rounds. Everyone has their own way to go when it comes to firearms, but for this article and preferred concealability, the 2” concealed hammer option is a great choice. This again has similar specs as far as size goes to other brands in its class, but comes in at retail $200 – $300 less.

There is a ton of competition in this space, as small frame revolvers, even in the lower price point arena. However, all one could ask for is consistent and reliable action. Hundreds of rounds down range with the 856, pushing through as many rounds as fast as I could. Revolvers are very, very simple machines, so there isn’t a lot that would normally cause too much concern. Not a single malfunction, groupings stayed consistent, nothing got stuck or jammed. You cannot ask for much more in terms of reliability. 

Again, to the carrying part. Small-frame revolvers offer a bit of a unique scenario, especially for first-time carriers. When it comes to concealment, do you pocket carry (never pocket carry without a holster) or do you go inside the waistband? Mika’s Pocket Holsters offer both a leather pocket and an IWB option that will fit extremely well. Both of these options are extremely affordable and made with great quality. There are options for kydex holsters; they do tend to be a bit on the pricier side, but that is your call on what works well for you.

The Taurus 856 provides a great-priced 6-shot revolver in a size that’s perfect for concealed carry. 

Well-priced doesn’t mean low quality

Now I know there are always going to be opinions when it comes to brands and what type of gun you should carry. Not everyone has the expendable money to buy an expensive pistol, holster, ammo to practice with, or other accessories. People’s budgets also change over time, so there is no stopping anyone from buying something else down the line or upgrading their firearm over time to their liking. Money shouldn’t be the reason someone can or cannot exercise their rights and protect themselves. Both the GX4 Carry and the 856 shot well and reliably for me in my testing of them. Budget-friendly does not have to mean you’re getting lower quality, as I’ve experienced with these two offerings from Taurus.