Every now and again, functionality and affordability collide in perfect unison, resulting in a true thing of value. In the world of firearms, the guns that have captured those traits best have become legendary. In today’s market, we equate those attributes to quality guns under $1,000.
From the Browning A5 to the Remington 870, the Model 70 to the AR-15, a true affordable, working-class gun is one that stands the test of time. And when it packs a serious punch, yet remains affordable, then you’ve found yourself a must-have for the ol’ gun safe.
In that spirit, we’ve broken down this year’s top guns under $1,000. Featuring innovation, form and function, these firearms are well designed, fill a niche and lack nothing in terms of firepower. Built by names you trust, including Remington, SIG Sauer, Savage Arms, Springfield and Mossberg, you know these firearms won’t disappoint.
Better still, each gun is affordable within its class. So check out our rundown, and tell Santa you know just what you need under the tree this Christmas.
Remington V3 Tac-13
We first laid eyes on the Remington V3 Tac-13 at this year's Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous, and boy did it catch our attention. Following up on the success of the company's 870 Tac-14, the 13-inch Tac-13 is built on Remington's V3 platform of semi-autos. Designed to shoot from the hip, the Tac-13 is NFA compliant. Our editors felt Remington did a great job building in the features needed to effectively handle this non-traditional platform. A bird's-head-style Shockwave pistol grip, hand strap, and Versaport gas system combine to help mitigate felt recoil, promoting positive control of the weapon.
"I was apprehensive about my own ability and comfortability with this particular model," said Lauren Young in her review. "However, thanks to Remington’s design and a great deal of thought that went into creating the Tac-13, I handled it and it did not handle me."
For more information, visit remington.com.
Remington V3 Tac-13 Specs
- Gauge/Bore: 12 gauge
- Magazine Capacity: 5
- Barrel Length: 13 inches
- Barrel Type: Cylinder Bore Barrel
- Sights: Bead Sight
- Receiver Finish: Black Oxide
- Overall Length: 26.5″
- MSRP: $915
SIG M400 Tread
The SIG Sauer M400 Tread is the company's entry-level, direct impingement AR-15. Paying homage to the Gadsden flag, and its "Don't Tread on Me" motto, the M400 Tread is a no-nonsense variant of America's most popular semi-auto rifle. Light at 7 pounds, the M400 Tread features a full-length rail and 16-inch stainless steel barrel. A micro gas block contributes to saving weight, while the mid-length gas system helps deliver a smooth recoil impulse. Full ambidextrous controls and a free-float handguard round out the package.
"The SIG M400 Tread is a top choice for any AR connoisseur no matter if its your first rifle or 10th," said Todd Burgreen in his review. "Performance combined with price — it can be found starting around $799 in stores — is the quickest way to appeal to the shooting public. The M400 Tread will have no problem proving its worth."
For more information, visit sigsauer.com.
SIG M400 Tread Specs
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Fram Material: 7075 Aluminum
- Frame Finish: Anodized Black
- Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
- Sights: Optics Ready
- Trigger: Single Stage Polished/Hardcoat Trigger
- Overall Length: 30.8 inches
- Overall Height: 7.5 inches
- Barrel Length: 16 inches
- Barrel Twist: 1:8
- Weight with Magazine: 7 pounds
- MSRP: $951
Savage Arms MSR 15 Patrol
The Savage MSR 15 Patrol serves as the entry-level model in Savage's relatively new line of AR-15s. Upgrades include a Blackhawk handguard, Knoxx pistol grip and adjustable Axion Carbine buttstock. A blackhawk flip-up sight adds to the model's versatility. The Patrol features a Mil-spec upper and lower receiver. The 16 1/8-inch barrel utilizes a Melonite QPQ finish. A mid-length gas system and enhanced trigger round out the package. For more information, visit savagearms.com.
Savage Arms MSR 15 Patrol Specifications
- Action: Semi-auto
- Barrel length: 16.1 inches
- Caliber. .223/5.56mm
- Overall length: 32.5-35.75 inches
- Receiver finish: Matte
- Receiver material: Aluminum 7075
- Stock material: Synthetic
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- MSRP: $869
Springfield Armory Saint AR-15 Pistol in .300 BLK
The Springfield Armory Saint AR-15 Pistol in .300 BLK, retailing at $989, is rich with features. Built upon forged, aluminum upper and lower receivers, the Saint AR-15 Pistol utilizes a 9-inch barrel. An SB Tactical SBX-K brace and Bravo Company Mod.3 pistol grip provide control during firing. The pistol comes with soft carrying case and a 30-round Magpul PMAG. For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.
Springfield Armory Saint AR-15 Pistol Specifications
- Caliber: .300 BLK
- Gas system: Direct impingement, pistol-length
- Upper receiver: Forged, hard coat anodized 7075 T6 aluminum
- Lower Receiver: Forged, hard coat anodized 7075 T6 aluminum
- Trigger: Proprietary, nickel boron coated, GI-type
- Barrel: 9 inches, Melonite treatment
- Overall length: 27.75 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds, 9 ounces
- Pistol grip: Bravo Company Mod.3
- Handguard: M-Lok, aluminum
- Forearm brace: SB Tactical SBX-K
- MSRP: $989
Mossberg 590M
The Mossberg 590M pump-action shotgun combines the famous 590 platform with a double-stack magazine. The 590M comes with optional five, 10, 15 or 20-round magazines, which are offered as accessories. Billed as designed for tactical, defensive or competitive pursuits, the platform maintains the strengths of the vaunted 590 design. The non-binding twin action bars, anti-jam elevator, dual extractors and positive lockup of the 590 remain. However, its the detachable magazine, which engages with notches built into the receiver, that garners the most attention.
At at an MSRP of $721, this is a bit pricier than the average Mossberg 590. But with ability to rock 20 rounds of 12-gauge goodness without a reload, it's more than worthy of inclusion on the list of this year's best. For more information, visit mossberg.com.
Mossberg 590M Specifications
- Gauge: 12
- Capacity: 5, 10, 15 or 20+1
- Chamber: 2.75 inches
- Barrel type: Heavy-walled
- Barrel length: 18.5 inches
- Sight: Bead
- Choke: Cylinder bore
- Length of pull: 13.87 inches
- Barrel finish: Matte blue
- Stock: Synthetic black
- Weight: 7.75 inches
- Overall length: 39.5 inches
- MSRP: $721
