[andreew]

I've been looking around for a used 92-type 9 mm pistol, and I found this pistol in maybe okay condition at a local pawnshop. The asking price was $329.

Anybody has any experience with this brand? What do you guys think of the price? A quick search suggest that a fair price is $175 to $200 in 2009-2010, but I'm not sure what it might be today.

I liked how it felt in my hand, but the sights were all black, not the three dots which I am accustomed to. The trigger was okay. It only had one magazine ("Euro" release). The manual safety (cross bolt) is also a little bit different from most other semi-automatics. I'm not too excited about this pistol, considering that I paid $299 for my PT809. But I'm just curious.

 

[RevolverFan]

The Helwan is a copy of the Beretta 951 -- a predecessor to the Beretta 92 series of pistols. The price of $329 is WAY too high -- the $175 to $200 you found is much more in line with what is should sell for. If you actually have $300 or so to spend, and are okay with .40 caliber, take a look at CDNN -- they have a PT100 selling for $349. Outside of that, there are tons of pistols you can buy at a $300 price point. Having said all that, if the price is low enough and the pistol is mechanically sound, the Helwan could be a good purchase....

 

[MOONDAWG]

$150-$250 in my neck of the woods, I wouldn't pay more.

 

[JR]

The Helwan is, as mentioned, is a Beretta Model 951, as produced in the 1950's. You could do better.

Look around at the Ruger P95 pistol, for example. 15 round magazines, polymer frame, 3 dot sights, and a great grip.

 

[gbusmech]

Nope. Too much cash for a old pistola, you can buy a new 9mm for less....

 

[andreew]

Thanks all for your comments. I'm don't really intend to go out and get a new pistol, but I was looking around to see if a Beretta 92-type pistol might fall in my lap for a nice price.

What sort of discount should one expect for a used handgun? Those that I have seen (VG condition?) are priced only marginally (< $50) less than new-in-box equivalents at the same store.

 

[Laker]

I bought my Beretta 92FS Centurion used for $400. Police turn in are out there. Get the real thing.

 

[Ace]

I may be dating myself here but I remember when they were selling them at the army surplus stores for $97.95. I have handled them and they resemble a berretta in everything but quality. If you thought taurus's were rough if you looked inside these things you would be amazed they would cycle. Also these guns were built to only be reliable with hardball so your hollow points, something very vital for a 9mm to be considered for self defense would most likely not work without a little modification.

 

[jwc007]

The Helwan is an Egyptian made copy of the Beretta 951, but the metallurgy is not quite as good as the original Beretta. Quite frankly, I would not bother with it! You can get a surplus Walther P1 or post war P38 and get German Quality for less than $300 in a lot of cases.

Go shopping on Gunbroker or Buds Gunshop and see what else is out there! Lots of good deals to be had!