Top Gun Picks Under $1500: Helical Fed, Custom Revolvers, and Innovative Designs

When seeking a unique and interesting handgun, it's important to consider factors such as innovation, performance, and affordability. Within the $1500 budget, there are several fascinating options that stand out for their distinct features. Let's dive into the top picks across various categories, including helical fed pistols, custom revolvers, and innovative designs.

Helical Fed Guns: The Calico M950 and M110

The Calico helical fed magazine pistols offer a fascinating blend of innovation and functionality. Comprised of two models, the Calico M950 and M110, these pistols utilize a unique helical drum magazine, capable of holding 50 rounds of 9mm or 100 rounds of 22LR. Not only are these guns visually striking, but they also provide a substantial capacity advantage.

The M950 features a 50-round magazine, making it a reliable choice for those who need a high-capacity handgun. On the other hand, the M110 boasts an impressive 100-round capacity, although it currently holds just 10 rounds due to a plastic blocker. These magazines are easily found used, and new models can be sourced through dealers. While not the most affordable option, the Calico pistols have gained a loyal following among concealed carry enthusiasts and tactical shooters.

Calico M950 - 9mm with 50-round magazine
Calico M110 - 22LR with 100-round magazine

Custom Revolvers: Taurus .45 Revolvers 410 Mini Shotguns

Taurus offers a lineup of custom revolvers that can also fire 410 mini shotgun shells, creating a versatile firearm with dual capabilities. These revolvers sell for approximately $500 and offer a unique twist on traditional firearms, allowing shooters to reload their revolver or switch to a mini shotgun for a variety of scenarios. While these revolvers are not the most compact options, they provide a robust and interesting choice for those seeking multifunctionality.

Boberg XR Series: An Innovative Design

The Boberg XR series, particularly the work of Arne Boberg, stands out as an innovatively designed handgun. These pistols are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, drawing inspiration from historical designs like the Mars pistol and the Russian DP machine gun. The XR's magazine feed system is distinct, with bullets loaded into the magazine in a unique orientation.

Unlike most other handguns, the XR's chamber is directly over the magazine, not forward of it. This design allows for the barrel to be longer than traditional compact guns, resulting in superior ballistic performance despite the compact size. The loading mechanism is particularly interesting, as it withdraws rounds from the magazine, lifts them, and feed them into the chamber. While the Boberg XR series isn't widely available and is relatively expensive, its innovative design and performance make it a standout choice for enthusiasts.

Other Notable Picks

For those interested in other interesting firearms within the $1500 budget, here are a few additional options:

Rohrbaugh Pistols

While specific models from Rohrbaugh Pistols haven't been extensively covered in this article, these firearms are known for their unique designs and performance. Exploring specific models from Rohrbaugh could reveal interesting and distinctive options within the budget.

The KRISS SDP

The KRISS SDP is a "pistol" that fits well within the $1500 price range, coming in both 9mm and .45 ACP calibers. The bolt configuration helps redirect the recoil impulse, making it a practical and efficient choice for many.

.22LR Ruger Charger

The .22LR Ruger Charger is another fascinating option, featuring both a non-takedown and takedown version. Both versions usually sell for under $400. The Charger is mechanically sound but is known for its poorly designed Ruger BX-25 magazines. Despite this, the compact design and unique takedown feature make it a popular choice among enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The world of firearms is vast, and within the $1500 budget, there are numerous interesting options to consider. From the visually striking Calico helical fed magazines, to the custom revolvers from Taurus, and the innovative Boberg XR series, shooters have plenty of exciting firearms to explore. Each of these options offers unique features and functionalities that set them apart, making them well worth considering for your next purchase. Whether you're looking for high capacity, dual functionality, or cutting-edge innovation, there's a gun out there that can meet your needs within the $1500 budget.