How Much Does a Gun Cost? – 2023 Guide

Even if you have purchased a gun in the past, you may still wonder how much does a gun cost today. A typical gun costs between $400 and $800. The cost of a gun can be more than this, depending on the quality, accuracy, and how specific the gun is for its intended purpose.

I have over 35 years of experience purchasing firearms for hunting, home defense, and competitions. I compiled this guide to help you quickly understand how much you can expect to invest in a quality gun.

We will review the normal costs for the most popular handguns, pistols, shotguns, and rifles. We will also discuss what to look for if you are buying a gun for hunting, to protect your family, or for competitions. Finally, we have a few tips to check out before you purchase.

How Much Does a Gun Cost?

There are thousands of different types of guns on the market today. Some can be as cheap as a few hundred dollars and others up to thousands of dollars. Below we have listed the more common and trusted brands for each type of gun.

How Much Does a Handgun or Pistol Cost?

Handguns and pistols typically cost between $400 and $1500.

Handguns and pistols come in a wide range of styles and calibers. The most popular styles are semi-automatic and revolvers. Calibers of handguns are measured in either inches or millimeters and refer to the barrel’s diameter. A .22 caliber is a common small caliber. Other common calibers are .38, 9mm, .40, 10mm, and .45.

How Much Does a Concealed Carry Handgun Cost?

If you want a handgun to carry daily, expect to spend between $400 and $900.

See our guide on the best concealed carry guns for a detailed review of the best handguns on the market for self defense. We also have a full guide on the best concealed carry holsters and best IWB holsters to help you choose the best holster for you.

Most people choose a semi-automatic polymer frame handgun as their concealed carry handgun. These weigh less than a full metal handgun, and their magazines carry more ammunition than a revolver.

There are different sizes of handguns in this class. Sub-compacts, compacts, and full-size handguns are all suitable for concealed carry. In general, you will be more accurate with a larger handgun. The heavier a handgun is, the less recoil you will feel as you shoot. If there is less recoil, it will allow you to keep your aim on target better for follow-up shots.

Larger handguns also typically hold more ammunition in their magazines and have longer grips. A longer grip allows you to get a better grip on the handgun.

However, carrying a larger handgun is not as comfortable, depending on how you carry it. If you plan to use an appendix-style holster, a larger handgun is uncomfortable unless you stand all day. A larger handgun also weighs more, and the magazines are larger.

Mounting a red dot optic on concealed carry handguns is becoming more popular. You can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a handgun red dot.

Some handguns come with mounting provisions for a red dot built in. Before purchasing a red dot optic, ensure you understand which red dot will fit your gun.

How Much Does a Revolver Cost?

If you want to purchase a revolver, expect to pay between $250 and $1000. Some models are as high as $2000.

Revolvers are a popular type of handgun for their simplicity. There are not many moving parts in a revolver, just the cylinder and the trigger/hammer. There are two basic styles of revolvers, single-action and double-action.

A single-action revolver requires that you cock the hammer each time before pulling the trigger. A double-action revolver does not require cocking the hammer. This is built into the trigger pull. Typically, the weight of the trigger is heavier on a double-action revolver. Double-action revolvers can also be fired like a single-action, reducing the trigger pull.

Revolvers can also vary in size, similar to semi-automatic handguns. The smaller revolvers are typically smaller calibers. .22 being the smallest and .50 caliber the largest.

How Much Does a Home Defense Handgun Cost?

If you would like a Handgun for home defense, expect to pay between $500 and $1000.

Both semi-automatic handguns and revolvers are good choices for home defense. We recommend that if you conceal carry a handgun, consider a similar handgun for home defense. For example, carry a Glock 19 and have a Glock 17 for home defense. Both operate identically, but the Glock 17 is a little larger to offer you the advantages of a large handgun we described above.

If you are on a budget, you could also consider your concealed carry handgun your home defense handgun. Remember that you may need a second one if your spouse or other family members need access to a home defense gun when you are not home.

How Much Does a Glock Cost?

Glocks are one of the most popular handguns on the market today. Expect to pay between $400 and $750.

Glocks are affordable, simple, and reliable. With over 20 different models available, they fit almost every need.

There are a few different generations available of some models. Make sure you understand which generation you are comparing when checking prices. Note that MOS versions include the capability to mount a red-dot optic.

How Much Does a 9mm Pistol Cost?

A 9mm Pistol can cost between $300 to over $4000. Most 9mm pistols are between $500 to $1000.

9mm pistols are great for home defense and concealed carry as well. They are one of the most popular calibers today. See our full guide on the best 9mm pistols for details on the differences of each of these.

How Much Does a Competition Handgun Cost?

This category has the biggest range depending on the competition. Expect to pay $1000 to $5000.

Some divisions, such as the Stock Service Pistol division in IDPA, require that you use a stock pistol. In this case, you can use the handguns described in the concealed carry section. Some USPSA and Steel Challenge divisions allow heavily customized handguns, costing thousands of dollars.

Some divisions also allow certain modifications and optics to be added to a standard handgun. These can include different sights, red dots, mag wells, and weights on magazines. If you are a beginner, you can start without these modifications and add them as you go and your budget allows.

How Much Does a Shotgun Cost?

If you plan to buy a shotgun, expect to pay between $400 – $800 on average.

Shotguns are popular for hunting, home defense, and competitions. They come in various styles, with the most popular being single-shot, pump action, and semi-automatic.

Shotguns have smooth barrels and fire shells loaded with various size balls. The balls disperse as they travel farther away from the shooter. This is commonly referred to as a “pattern.”

Shotguns come in different barrel sizes called “gauges.” The smaller the number, the larger the size of the barrel. Shotguns come in 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge. There is also a smaller shotgun than the 28 gauge called a .410. It is measured in inches instead of gauge. The most common sizes are 12 gauge and 20 gauge.

The size of the balls in the shell is indicated on the side of the shell with a number. The larger the number, the smaller the balls. #8 shot is typically used for birds called “bird shot.” #0, #00, or #000 shot is typically used for big game hunting called “buckshot.” Some will include the number of 0’s in the name, “single aught buck,” for example.

Shells can also contain a single ball called a slug. Some slugs are rifled to make them spin as they pass through the barrel, improving their accuracy. Some deer hunting shotguns can have a rifled barrel similar to rifles. These are made specifically for firing slugs while hunting big games.

How Much Does a Hunting Shotgun Cost?

If you plan to buy a hunting shotgun, expect to pay between $250 – $750 on average.

Shotguns are typically used for hunting birds, small game, and big game. Semi-automatic 12 gauge shotguns are the most popular bird-hunting shotguns. They will typically have longer barrels with removable tubes on the end called “chokes.” These allow you to change the effective range of shotguns by changing the pattern at different ranges.

These are the most expensive hunting-type shotguns. Many states restrict the number of shells a bird or waterfowl shotgun can hold, so keep this in mind.

Small game shotguns are typically pump action or single-shot and can be of any gauge. Normally, if you take a shot at a small game animal and miss it, you don’t get an immediate second opportunity. I have used my grandfather’s 12 gauge single-shot shotgun for small game for 35 years.

Some states only allow shotguns for deer hunting, increasing their popularity over rifles. Shotguns have a lower overall range. However, when hunting in wooded and hilly areas, ranges over 100 yards are not needed. A 12 gauge semi-automatic or pump action shotgun with a rifled barrel is the most popular choice for big game hunting.

Optics are typically not used on hunting shotguns except for big game. Expect to pay $200 – $600 for a shotgun red dot or scope.

Usually, buying an expensive shotgun for hunting is overkill. The cost is usually in the finish and detail. Getting a shotgun with a nice detailed wooden stock wet in a duck blind doesn’t seem like a great idea.

How Much Does a Home Defense Shotgun Cost?

If you plan to buy a home defense shotgun, expect to pay between $300 – $600 on average.

Shotguns are popular home defense guns since they are simple to operate and are more powerful than a handgun.

The most popular home defense shotgun is the 12 gauge pump action with a shorter barrel. Some models are available without a stock, technically making them a handgun, but they are still referred to as a shotgun since they fire shotgun shells. Shotguns, especially the larger ones, have quite a bit of recoil, so be ready if you purchase the short stockless version.

How Much Does a Competition Shotgun Cost?

If you plan to buy a competition shotgun, expect to pay between $700 – $2500 on average. Some models can be much more expensive.

Skeet, trap, and 3-gun competitions all use shotguns. These shotguns are highly specific to the competition. While over-under shotguns are popular for skeet and trap, semiautomatic shotguns are popular for 3-gun.

Some of the over-under shotguns can approach $3000 or more. The 3-gun shotguns can start out stock from the factory but can become heavily customized depending on the division you plan to shoot. Start out with the base model and customize as your budget allows and your skill progresses.

How Much Does a Rifle Cost?

If you plan to buy a rifle, expect to pay between $500 – $1500 on average.

Rifles are popular for hunting, home defense, and competitions like shotguns. But they have a different purposes. Rifles are made for longer-range shots when precision is needed. Bullets travel at a higher speed when fired from rifles than from handguns or shotguns.

Rifles have various action types. Bolt-action, single-shot, semi-automatic, and lever-action are the most popular. Rifles shoot a single projectile, the bullet. To make the bullet more accurate and fly through the air with the least resistance, the rifle has grooves cut into the barrel to make the bullet spin. They can be purchased in many calibers – the widest variety of any firearm.

Rifle calibers can be measured in inches or millimeters, and similar calibers can have different cartridge sizes. Some rifles are made to fire ammunition that is a typical caliber for handguns, so this adds even more variety. Before purchasing a rifle, ensure you understand the ammunition it is made to fire. Some rifles will load and chamber ammunition that is the wrong size, and firing the wrong ammunition will damage your rifle and could cause injury.

When purchasing a rifle, also consider the cost of a scope. While you can use the iron sights that are typically built into some rifles, the longer-range rifles require a scope. Expect to pay between $250 – $750 for a typical scope, although some can cost as much as $2000.

How Much Does a Hunting Rifle Cost?

If you plan to buy a hunting rifle, expect to pay between $400 – $1000 on average.

Rifles are typically used for hunting big game. Some smaller rifle calibers like the .22lr are used for small game. We will cover .22 rifles in a later section.

Since so many calibers are available, you must purchase a rifle suited to the game you plan to hunt and where you plan to hunt it.  Some rifle calibers are much too large and powerful for deer. Other calibers are better for longer-range shots that are typical in the western areas of the US.

Along with the caliber, the scope you select needs to match the rifle. You do not want a long-range scope on a short-range rifle. You should consider the accuracy that is needed. Longer-range shots on smaller animals need higher accuracy than short-range shots on larger animals.

Before selecting a hunting rifle, research what is best for your needs. Call a hunting guide where you plan to hunt and discuss the firearms they recommend.

Also, consider the ammunition availability and cost. Most hunting rifles are not shot a lot, but if ammunition is scarce, there is nothing worse than buying a new rifle you can’t shoot.

The .308 Winchester is one of the most popular cartridges for deer hunting. The 6.5 Creedmoor is popular for longer range hunting such as Elk and Moose.

How Much Does a Competition Rifle Cost?

If you plan to buy a competition rifle, expect to pay between $1000 – $2000 on average.

Competition Rifles are some of the most expensive guns you can buy. They are made for extreme distances and are super accurate. Shooting in a rifle competition is much more than buying a good rifle. It is learning proper techniques, calculating bullet drop and how much the wind affects your shot and a lot of practice. Most competition shooters also load their own ammo to exact specifications for their rifles and set up so they can be as consistent as possible.

There are many other items that a competition shooter needs, including a good long-distance range to practice at. Consider the cost of your range membership dues also.

If you want to start shooting competitively, I suggest attending a few matches and asking many questions. Even if you purchase a good rifle, if no one in your area is familiar with it, getting help and progressing in the sport will be hard.

Buying a competition rifle is a huge investment. With patience and a few local mentors, you can ensure you don’t regret the cost and get discouraged.

How Much Does an AR15 Cost?

If you want to buy an AR15 rifle, expect to pay between $600 – $1200 on average.

The AR15 is the most popular rifle in the United States. It is a semi-automatic rifle that can be used for hunting and home defense. Due to its popularity, there are many models and options.

Like most things, you get what you pay for. Buying the cheapest rifle you can find is not the best if you depend on your rifle to operate consistently. Cheap AR15s tend not to be reliable. Purchase one from a reputable company, and you should not have any problems.

Many high-end AR15s come with a lot of extras and have fancy parts on them. If you have the budget, go for it. Just remember that looking cool probably doesn’t affect the operation and reliability.

The main difference between higher-priced AR15s is the barrel configuration. AR15s with a free-floating barrel are typically more accurate than a lower-cost non-floating barrel. If accuracy is important for you, consider a higher-priced option.

Due to the wide availability of parts, many like to build an AR15 themselves. I have built various AR15s over the past 10 years. They are easy to build, and you can customize them to your preferences and the rifle’s purpose. You also gain intimate knowledge of the rifle.

The most popular caliber for the AR15 is the 5.56mm (also very similar to the .223). However, there are available in other calibers, such as .300 Blackout and 6.5 Grendel. These calibers have a similar cartridge to the 5.56 but are slightly modified for short-range stopping power or longer-range accuracy.

Due to the popularity, availability of parts, and ease of building one yourself, the AR15 is a great survival rifle. If you build your own, you are intimately familiar with the operation. If there is a malfunction, you can likely diagnose it yourself, and it will be easier to find a spare part to fix the issue. Ammunition for the AR15 is widely available. In a survival situation, you can likely find some. Keeping at least one AR15 in your main gun safe makes a lot of sense.

How Much Does a .22 Rifle Cost?

If you want to buy a .22 rifle, expect to pay between $250 – $500 on average.

The .22 Rifle is a popular rifle in the US. It is mainly used for target practice and hunting small game. It is a popular choice for kids as their first rifle since the recoil is minimal. It allows their parents to teach them safety and marksmanship before stepping up to a full-size rifle.

Typically, when discussing .22 rifles, we refer to the .22 long rifle cartridge (.22lr). Keep in mind that there is also a .22 short cartridge. The .22lr is the most popular for rifles. The .22 short are used mainly in pistols and are not as common. Double-check before you purchase a rifle or ammunition if it is for long rifles or short cartridges.

Ammunition for the .22lr rifle is cheap, which makes it great for target practice. Typically it is easy to find, although there was a shortage a few years ago. The best way to buy .22 ammo is in bulk; you can often find it in boxes of 500 rounds for a reasonable price. This way, you always have enough, even during a shortage.

Check More Gun Prices

If you did not see the gun you are interested in above, check out Palmetto State Armory or Guns.com for a complete price list.

Before You Buy

Before purchasing a firearm, it is important to understand the laws in your state. State laws vary on what type of firearms can be purchased and whether you need a license before purchasing. A summary of state laws can be found here. You can also consult a local gun shop or FFL in your area.

After purchasing your first firearm, ensure you understand how to handle it safely. For hunters, all states require you to complete a hunter safety course before purchasing your hunting license (some states also have an apprentice program). If you plan to use your gun for concealed carry or home defense, you should complete a firearms safety course or a concealed carry license course.

Even if you just plan to keep your gun at home, you should take a course or have someone familiar teach you the proper safety habits. Many larger cities also have indoor ranges where you can take a safety course.

Many indoor ranges have a rental program, especially for handguns. This allows you to handle and fire a gun before buying it, which is important when deciding.

Consider what the primary use of your gun will be. Don’t buy a gun because it looks cool or is on sale if it is not the best tool for the job. Also, consider ammunition costs if you plan to shoot a lot.

Finally, consider where you are going to purchase your firearm. Buying a gun online is very easy and has its advantages. We have a full guide to how to buy a gun online.

Guns.com and Palmetto State Armory both have a very easy process to buy a gun online. We highly recommend them!

Have Fun and Be Safe

I hope you enjoyed this summary and it helped in your research. Purchasing a firearm is an important decision; it helps to understand your needs before making a quick decision.

Check out Palmetto State Armory and Guns.com for a full price list and and the easiest buying experiences we have found. They have a huge selection so you don’t have to drive all over town.

Regardless of why you are purchasing a firearm, check out our Civil Unrest Preparedness guide for tips on how to protect your family. Also check out our Bug out Bag, and Get Home Bag guides for tips on how to be prepared for emergencies. Our Survival Foods and 3-month Food Supply guides show you how you can be prepared and have plenty of food when an emergency occurs.